Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry

Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry is a quick and delicious dish featuring succulent shrimp and crisp vegetables. It is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.

This flavorful recipe combines tender shrimp with vibrant vegetables in a savory garlic sauce. Ideal for busy nights, it takes just minutes to prepare. Fresh ingredients like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas add a satisfying crunch. Cooking shrimp quickly over high heat ensures they remain juicy and tender.

A hint of soy sauce and garlic adds depth and richness to the dish. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. This stir fry is not only nutritious but also versatile, allowing for easy substitutions based on what you have on hand. Enjoy a restaurant-quality dish right at home.

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Ingredients

Pick large shrimp. They cook better. Fresh shrimp tastes the best. Remove the shells and veins. Frozen shrimp works too. Just thaw them before cooking.

Use bell peppers. They add color. Broccoli gives a nice crunch. Snap peas are sweet and crisp. Carrots can add a bit of sweetness. Mushrooms are earthy and rich.

Mix soy sauce for saltiness. Add garlic for flavor. Ginger makes it spicy. Honey adds a touch of sweetness. Use cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Water helps to blend everything.

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Preparation

Rinse the shrimp under cold water. Remove the shells and tails. Use a knife to devein the shrimp. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Clean shrimp cooks better and tastes fresher.

Wash all the vegetables first. Chop carrots into thin slices. Cut bell peppers into strips. Dice onions and mince garlic. Fresh vegetables make the stir fry colorful and tasty.

Mix soy sauce, honey, and garlic in a bowl. Add a bit of cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Stir well until smooth. A good sauce makes the shrimp stir fry delicious.

Cooking Tools

Create a flavorful garlic shrimp stir fry with essential cooking tools like a sharp knife, wok, and spatula. These tools help you achieve perfectly cooked shrimp and crisp vegetables, making your dish a delicious success.

Essential Equipment

A large skillet is very important. Make sure it is non-stick. Use a sharp knife to cut ingredients. A cutting board helps to protect surfaces. Keep a spatula handy for stirring. A measuring cup ensures accurate measurements.

Optional Tools

A garlic press can make mincing garlic easier. A zester helps with adding lemon zest. Use a kitchen scale for precise weighing. A colander can drain shrimp and vegetables. Tongs help in flipping shrimp quickly. A food processor can chop vegetables faster.

Cooking Shrimp

Use fresh shrimp for best taste. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Add minced garlic for extra flavor. A bit of lemon juice can make it zesty. Mix everything well to coat the shrimp.

Heat a pan over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil to the pan. Place shrimp in the pan in a single layer. Sear the shrimp for 2 minutes on each side. They turn pink when cooked through. Remove them from the pan once done.

Stir Frying Vegetables

Keep the heat level high. High heat cooks vegetables quickly. This keeps them crisp and colorful. Use a large pan to cook evenly. Stir often to prevent burning. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Too many vegetables lower the heat. This leads to soggy results. Cook in batches if needed. This ensures the best texture and taste.

Choose vegetables with different textures. Crunchy ones like carrots and bell peppers. Soft ones like mushrooms and zucchini. Cut them into similar sizes. This helps them cook evenly. Add hard vegetables first. They need more time to cook. Soft vegetables go in last. This keeps everything crisp and delicious.

Combining Ingredients

First, heat a pan over medium heat. Add some olive oil to the pan. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic. Stir the garlic for about 30 seconds. Next, add the shrimp to the pan. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes.

After the shrimp is cooked, pour in the soy sauce and honey. Stir well to coat the shrimp. Add some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. This helps the sauce to thicken and coat the shrimp evenly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry over steamed jasmine rice for a flavorful meal. Pair it with a side of sautéed vegetables for added crunch.

Plating Techniques

Use a white plate to make the colors pop. Arrange the shrimp in a circle. Place the vegetables in the center. Drizzle some sauce on top. Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a nice touch. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. Serve immediately while hot.

Side Dish Ideas

• Steamed white rice
• Quinoa or brown rice
• Garlic bread
• Mixed green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Asian coleslaw

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Tips And Tricks

Shrimp cooks very fast. Keep an eye on the color. As soon as it turns pink, it is ready. Overcooked shrimp becomes rubbery and loses flavor. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. Use a timer to be precise. Remove shrimp from heat immediately once done.

Use fresh garlic for the best taste. Add it at the right time. Garlic burns quickly. Add it in the last minute of cooking. Use soy sauce and lemon juice to enhance the dish. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can add a fresh touch. Sprinkle them right before serving. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Ingredients Are In Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry?

Garlic shrimp stir fry typically includes shrimp, garlic, soy sauce, vegetables, and olive oil.

How Long To Cook Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry?

Cook garlic shrimp stir fry for about 5-7 minutes until the shrimp turns pink.

Can I Use Frozen Shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Thaw them first for best results.

What Vegetables Go Well With Shrimp?

Bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and carrots complement shrimp in a stir fry.

Is Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Healthy?

Yes, it’s a healthy option. It’s high in protein and low in carbohydrates.

Conclusion

Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry is a quick, delicious meal. Packed with flavor, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. Easy to make and healthy, it suits any diet. Enjoy this tasty dish with your family. Try it today and experience a burst of flavors.

Your taste buds will thank you!