Description
A vibrant and flavorful Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry packed with juicy shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a bold garlicky taste. Ready in under 20 minutes, this quick, nutritious, and customizable dish is perfect for busy weeknights and offers a delicious, healthy meal option.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Protein
- 1 lb fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
Vegetables
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced thin (red, yellow, or green)
- 2 green onions, chopped
Flavorings and Sauces
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon or lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and slice the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done, then mince the garlic finely. Having everything ready ensures a smooth and fast cooking process.
- Heat the Oil and Garlic: Warm a tablespoon of olive or sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned, releasing the essential garlic flavor that forms the dish’s base.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the pan and set aside to avoid overcooking.
- Stir Fry the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the broccoli florets and sliced bell peppers. Stir fry for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp, maintaining a nice crunch contrast.
- Combine and Flavor: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and pour in the soy sauce. Add red chili flakes if desired. Toss everything gently and cook for another minute to marry the flavors. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice for brightness.
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if needed to ensure proper searing rather than steaming.
- Prep everything before cooking: Having all ingredients ready helps avoid overcooked shrimp or mushy vegetables.
- Use high heat: A hot pan locks in flavors and provides a crisp-tender texture.
- Fresh shrimp is preferable, but frozen works well if thawed thoroughly.
- Customize seasoning by adjusting soy sauce and chili flakes to your taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg
Keywords: garlic shrimp stir fry, quick shrimp recipe, healthy shrimp stir fry, gluten free shrimp dish, easy weeknight dinner