20 Minute Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry

When time is of the essence, yet you crave a delicious meal, this 20 Minute Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry is your answer. Bursting with flavor and loaded with vibrant vegetables, this dish not only comes together in a flash but also provides a satisfying and wholesome dinner option. Shrimp is the star of the show here, paired with a mouthwatering garlic sauce that’s sweet, savory, and utterly irresistible. Let’s dive into why this recipe is a must-try!

Why Cooks Rave About It

This 20 Minute Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry has quickly become a favorite among home cooks for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The shrimp cooks in a matter of minutes, and the vibrant veggies add both nutrition and color. Second, the flavor profile is a harmonious blend of garlic, soy sauce, and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar. Lastly, the versatility of this dish allows you to customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins, making it adaptable to what you have on hand.

Ingredients at a Glance

• 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup sugar snap peas
• 1 sliced red bell pepper
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• Sliced green onions for garnish

What You’ll Need (Gear)

• Wok or large skillet: A wide surface allows for even cooking and easy stirring.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Essential for tossing the ingredients without damage.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy is key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors.
• Knife and cutting board: For chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.

20 Minute Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry — Do This Next

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Peel and devein the shrimp if not done already. Chop the broccoli, slice the bell pepper, and shred the carrots. This will streamline the cooking process.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, minced garlic, brown sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch. This will be your savory sauce that pulls everything together.

Step 3: Heat the Pan

In a large wok or skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, it’s time to add your shrimp.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink, then flip them over to cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.

Step 5: Stir Fry the Vegetables

In the same pan, add the broccoli, sugar snap peas, sliced red bell pepper, and shredded carrots. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the veggies are tender but still crisp.

Step 6: Combine and Cook

Return the shrimp to the pan and pour the sauce over the shrimp and vegetables. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the shrimp and veggies beautifully.

Step 7: Serve

Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve immediately over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Better Choices & Swaps

• Shrimp: Feel free to substitute with chicken, tofu, or even beef for a different protein option.
• Vegetables: Use any seasonal vegetables you have on hand, like bell peppers, zucchini, or snap peas.
• Brown sugar: Honey or maple syrup can be used for a different sweetness profile.
• Soy sauce: Use tamari for a gluten-free option.

Mistakes That Ruin 20 Minute Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry

Even the best recipes can go awry if certain mistakes are made. Here are a few common pitfalls to avoid:

• Overcrowding the pan: This can lead to steaming instead of stir-frying. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Not prepping ingredients: Stir-frying is a quick process, so ensure everything is ready before you start cooking.
• Using cold shrimp: Make sure the shrimp is at room temperature for even cooking.
• Neglecting to stir: Stir-frying requires constant movement to avoid burning and to ensure even cooking.

Freezer-Friendly Notes

This 20 Minute Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers for later. Allow the stir fry to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes! Just ensure the shrimp is fully thawed before cooking for the best results.

What can I serve with this stir fry?

This stir fry pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. You can also serve it over a bed of lettuce for a low-carb option.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce for an extra kick!

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

While the stir fry is best fresh, you can prep your ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.

Quick Weeknight Wins

• Sally’s Baking Addiction for quick dessert ideas to complement your meal.
• Pinch of Yum for additional weeknight dinner recipes that are easy and satisfying.
• Minimalist Baker for simple and delicious vegan options.

Final Bite

This 20 Minute Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry is a testament to how easy it can be to whip up a restaurant-quality meal at home. With its savory sauce, fresh vegetables, and succulent shrimp, it’s a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re in a rush or simply looking for a delicious recipe to try, this stir fry checks all the boxes. Happy cooking!

20 Minute Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry

This 20 Minute Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry is a flavor-packed dish that comes together in no time!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Stir Fry:

• 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup sugar snap peas
• 1 sliced red bell pepper
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• Sliced green onions for garnish

Equipment

• Wok or large skillet
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Method

 

Instructions:

1. Start by gathering all your ingredients. Peel and devein the shrimp if not done already. Chop the broccoli, slice the bell pepper, and shred the carrots. This will streamline the cooking process.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, minced garlic, brown sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch. This will be your savory sauce that pulls everything together.
3. In a large wok or skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, it’s time to add your shrimp.
4. Add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink, then flip them over to cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
5. In the same pan, add the broccoli, sugar snap peas, sliced red bell pepper, and shredded carrots. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the veggies are tender but still crisp.
6. Return the shrimp to the pan and pour the sauce over the shrimp and vegetables. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the shrimp and veggies beautifully.
7. Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve immediately over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Notes

• Feel free to substitute shrimp with chicken, tofu, or beef.
• Use any seasonal vegetables you have on hand for added variety.
• For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.