Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic and Ginger Sauce
Succulent shrimp are stir-fried with fresh garlic and ginger in a savory sauce that perfectly balances heat and umami. This asian-inspired seafood ready in about 18 minutes blends large shrimp, peeled and deveined, garlic cloves, minced, fresh ginger, grated into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 stalks green onions, sliced
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 2 tbsp water, stirring until smooth and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 12 oz peeled and deveined large shrimp, stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and just cooked through.
- Step 4: Pour in the soy sauce mixture along with 1 tbsp sesame oil and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes; stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the shrimp.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, toss in 2 sliced green onions, and serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic and Ginger Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic and Ginger Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic and Ginger Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic and Ginger Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic and Ginger Sauce?
Asian seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.