Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic and Vietnamese Fish Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Quick stir-fried shrimp infused with savory garlic and the distinctive umami of traditional Vietnamese fish sauce. This vietnamese ready in about 15 minutes blends large shrimp, peeled and deveined, vegetable oil, garlic cloves, minced 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 190 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.

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

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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). 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 Vietnamese Fish 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 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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