Shrimp Stir-Fry

Nothing beats the combination of plump, juicy shrimp stir-fried with colorful vegetables and tossed in a rich, garlicky sauce. The balance of sweet, salty, and savory flavors makes this dish a go-to for busy weeknights when you want something quick but incredibly satisfying.

This shrimp stir fry is versatile pair it with steamed rice, noodles, or even a fresh salad for a lighter option. The best part? It’s ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for anyone craving a homemade meal without the hassle. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish right from your kitchen!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 zucchini, sliced
1 cup snap peas
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon sesame oil
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, add the remaining olive oil. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add bell pepper, zucchini, and snap peas. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
Pour the sauce into the pan, followed by the cornstarch slurry. Stir well and let simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Return the shrimp to the pan and toss everything together. Cook for another minute to coat the shrimp evenly.
Remove from heat, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4

Sizzling Garlic Butter Shrimp Stir-Fry: A Flavorful and Quick Meal

Shrimp stir fry is one of those meals that checks all the boxes quick, delicious, and nutritious. Whether you’re a busy professional looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a home cook seeking to impress with a restaurant-quality dish, this garlic butter shrimp stir fry is the perfect choice. Packed with succulent shrimp, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, savory sauce, it’s a meal that delivers bold flavors with minimal effort.

In this article, we’ll explore why this dish is a fantastic addition to your recipe collection, the benefits of shrimp in your diet, the best vegetables to use, cooking tips, and ways to customize the recipe to suit your preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy to Make

One of the best things about stir fry recipes is how fast they come together. From start to finish, this dish takes just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The key to a successful stir fry is prepping everything ahead of time, so once you start cooking, the process is seamless and quick.

2. Bursting with Bold Flavors

This shrimp stir fry features a savory garlic butter sauce that coats every bite with a rich, slightly sweet, and umami-packed flavor. The addition of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a hint of honey balances the saltiness with a touch of sweetness. Red pepper flakes can be added for a little kick, making this dish even more exciting for spice lovers.

3. A Nutritious Meal

Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, providing essential amino acids while being low in calories. It’s also packed with omega 3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. Pairing shrimp with fresh vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and snap peas adds fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making this stir-fry a well-rounded, healthy meal.

4. Versatile and Customizable

One of the best aspects of stir fry dishes is their versatility. You can easily swap out vegetables, adjust seasonings, or add other proteins to suit your dietary preferences or whatever you have in your kitchen. Want a low carb version? Serve it over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. Prefer a heartier meal? Add noodles to make it even more filling.

The Best Vegetables for Stir-Fry

Vegetables play a crucial role in the overall taste and texture of this dish. Here are some great options to use in your shrimp stir fry:

Bell Peppers – Adds sweetness and crunch, while providing a pop of color.
Zucchini – Absorbs flavors beautifully and has a soft yet firm texture when stir-fried.
Snap Peas – Brings a crisp texture and a slight sweetness to balance the savory elements.
Broccoli – A great way to add fiber and antioxidants while keeping the dish light.
Carrots – Adds a subtle sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
Mushrooms – Brings an earthy, umami depth to complement the shrimp.

You can mix and match these vegetables based on what you have available, ensuring variety in every bite.

Cooking Tips for the Perfect Shrimp Stir-Fry

Use Fresh or High-Quality Frozen Shrimp – Fresh shrimp will always give the best flavor, but if using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp – Shrimp cooks very quickly, typically in 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking makes them rubbery, so remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
Cook on High Heat – Stir-frying works best at high temperatures to achieve that slightly charred, smoky flavor known as “wok hei.” If you don’t have a wok, a large skillet works just fine.
Prepare Ingredients in Advance – Stir frying is a fast process, so have everything prepped and ready before turning on the heat. This prevents any delays or overcooking.
Use a Thickener for the Sauce – Adding a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water) helps the sauce cling to the shrimp and vegetables, creating a glossy, flavorful coating.

How to Customize This Recipe

1. Protein Variations:

Instead of shrimp, you can use chicken, beef, tofu, or even scallops to create different versions of this dish.
If using chicken or beef, slice them thinly and marinate for a few minutes in soy sauce and garlic before stir-frying.

2. Adjusting the Spice Level:

If you enjoy heat, add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chopped fresh chili peppers to the sauce.
For a milder version, omit the spice or reduce the amount of red pepper flakes.

3. Sauce Modifications:

Add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice for extra tanginess.
Use hoisin sauce for a slightly sweeter, thicker consistency.
Swap out soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos if you need a gluten-free option.

4. Serving Suggestions:

Serve the shrimp stir-fry over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or quinoa for a hearty meal.
Pair it with stir-fried noodles, such as lo mein or rice noodles, for a comforting dish.
Keep it low-carb by serving it over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Pairing Suggestions

This shrimp stir fry pairs well with a variety of side dishes and drinks. Consider serving it with:

Steamed Jasmine Rice – A classic choice that absorbs the sauce beautifully.
Garlic Fried Rice – For extra flavor, toss some cooked rice in garlic and butter.
Miso Soup – A light and soothing side dish to balance the richness.
Asian Slaw – A fresh, crunchy salad with a sesame ginger dressing.
White Wine or Green Tea – A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the dish, while green tea provides a refreshing balance.

Conclusion

Garlic butter shrimp stir fry is the perfect dish when you need a quick, flavorful, and healthy meal. With its combination of succulent shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a deliciously savory sauce, it’s a dish that never fails to impress. The versatility of this stir-fry makes it easy to customize to your preferences, whether you want to switch up the protein, adjust the spice level, or experiment with different vegetables.

By following a few simple cooking tips, you can create a restaurant quality stir fry in just 20 minutes right in your own kitchen. Whether you serve it with rice, noodles, or on its own for a low carb option, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser.

So, the next time you’re short on time but still crave something delicious, give this garlic butter shrimp stir fry a try. It’s easy, nutritious, and packed with bold flavors that will have you coming back for more!

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