Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic and Tamarind Sauce
Juicy shrimp quickly stir-fried with aromatic garlic and a tangy tamarind sauce that balances sweet, sour, and savory flavors in each bite. This vietnamese-inspired seafood ready in about 17 minutes blends peeled and deveined large shrimp, finely chopped garlic cloves, vegetable oil 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 210 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 1 lb, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 5, finely chopped garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp tamarind paste
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp palm sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 tsp (optional) red chili flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp palm sugar, and 1/4 cup water until sugar dissolves and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 5 finely chopped garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet, stir-frying for 2 minutes until shrimp start to turn pink.
- Step 4: Pour the tamarind sauce mixture into the skillet and toss the shrimp to coat evenly. Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the shrimp.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped green onions and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes if using. Remove from heat and serve immediately with steamed rice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic and Tamarind Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 17 minutes (10 min prep + 7 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 Tamarind 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 Tamarind 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 Tamarind Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Tamarind Sauce?
Vietnamese 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.
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