Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic and Vietnamese Fish Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Quick stir-fried shrimp infused with savory garlic and the distinctive umami of traditional Vietnamese fish sauce. This vietnamese-inspired vietnamese ready in about 15 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, vegetable oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 190 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 5 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 190 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant and lightly golden.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook without stirring for 1 minute until the edges start to turn pink.
  3. Step 3: Stir the shrimp and add 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tsp sugar, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Continue stirring and cooking for another 2-3 minutes until shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup sliced green onions, 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, and optional 1/4 tsp red chili flakes for a touch of heat.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice or as a flavorful protein addition to a Vietnamese meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic and Vietnamese Fish Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (10 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic and Vietnamese Fish Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic and Vietnamese Fish 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 Vietnamese Fish 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 Vietnamese Fish Sauce?

Vietnamese vietnamese 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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