If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold flavor, satisfying texture, and the perfect touch of heat, then this Garlic Chili Shrimp Stir-Fry Recipe is going to become your new weeknight best friend. This recipe combines tender shrimp with crisp, vibrant veggies and a tangy, spicy sauce that dances on your tongue. Every bite delivers a delightful mix of garlicky goodness and chili kick, making it an incredible ultimate recipe that’s not only quick to prepare but also a feast for both your eyes and your palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing the perfect balance of taste and texture in this Garlic Chili Shrimp Stir-Fry Recipe. Each component plays a vital role, bringing freshness, heat, or subtle sweetness to the dish.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or thawed shrimp give the dish protein-packed tenderness and a satisfying bite.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps achieve a velvety coating on the shrimp for that ideal stir-fry texture.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: A neutral oil perfect for high-heat cooking without overpowering flavors.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Adds vibrant color and a sweet crunch that balances the spiciness.
- 1 cup snap peas or green beans, trimmed: Fresh veggies bring crispness and brighten every forkful.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Essential for delivering that unmistakable punch of garlicky aroma.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated: Provides a warm, zesty undertone that complements the chili perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free): Brings savory depth and enhances umami flavor in the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (adjust to spice level): The fiery heart of the dish, customize how spicy you want your stir-fry.
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar: Balances heat with a hint of sweetness for a rounded flavor.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: A small but powerful ingredient that imparts a nutty aroma and depth.
How to Make Garlic Chili Shrimp Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by patting your shrimp dry with paper towels. This step ensures they sear nicely instead of steaming in the pan. Toss them with cornstarch until coated evenly, which creates a delicate crust that locks in moisture and gives the shrimp an irresistible texture.
Step 2: Whisk the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Whisk these together until smooth. This vibrant sauce will tie the entire Garlic Chili Shrimp Stir-Fry Recipe together, delivering layers of sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory goodness.
Step 3: Sear the Shrimp
Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high. Add the shrimp in a single layer—crowding the pan will lead to steaming, so work in batches if needed. Sear the shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until they turn pink and develop a slight golden crust. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside, keeping the heat high for the next step.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
If your pan looks a bit dry, add a splash more oil. Toss in the minced garlic, grated ginger, sliced red bell pepper, and snap peas. Stir-fry these for about 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender—the garlic and ginger will release their aromatic fragrance, making your kitchen smell heavenly.
Step 5: Combine and Finish the Dish
Return the shrimp to the pan and pour in your prepared sauce. Give everything a good toss to coat all ingredients evenly. Let it cook together for another 1–2 minutes, just until heated through and the sauce slightly thickens, creating that glossy, mouthwatering finish you want.
How to Serve Garlic Chili Shrimp Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
To make your garlic chili shrimp stir-fry recipe pop visually and taste-wise, sprinkle sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds on top. These simple garnishes add fresh color and an extra layer of texture that will wow everyone at the table.
Side Dishes
This dish shines served over fragrant steamed jasmine rice, sticky white rice, or your favorite noodles, which soak up every bit of the delicious sauce. For a low-carb twist, pairing it with cauliflower rice or simple steamed veggies keeps the meal light and full of fiber.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress on presentation? Plate your shrimp stir-fry in a colorful bowl with a lime wedge on the side for a zesty squeeze. Serve alongside crisp lettuce leaves to create DIY shrimp wraps, or pile the stir-fry into warm pita pockets for a fun handheld feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover garlic chili shrimp stir-fry recipe into an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it keeps well for up to 2 days and remains delicious for quick lunches or dinners when you’re short on time.
Freezing
While fresh is best, you can freeze the cooked shrimp and vegetables too. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags. To maintain the best texture, consume within 1 month. Remember to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to retain the shrimp’s tender bite and prevent veggies from getting mushy. Add a sprinkle of water or broth to refresh the sauce if needed. Microwave reheating is possible but may soften the crisp vegetables.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Garlic Chili Shrimp Stir-Fry Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to achieve that perfect sear and avoid excess moisture.
How can I adjust the spice level?
Simply tailor the amount of chili garlic sauce based on your heat preference. Start with less if you’re sensitive to spice, and add more once you taste the sauce mixed with the shrimp and veggies.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just swap the soy sauce with tamari or any gluten-free soy sauce alternative. The other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this dish friendly for gluten-sensitive diets.
What other veggies can I use?
Feel free to get creative! Broccoli, baby corn, snow peas, or even thinly sliced carrots work beautifully and maintain a nice crunch in the stir-fry.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, substitute shrimp with firm tofu or tempeh. Just adjust cooking times to ensure the protein of your choice is properly cooked but still tender.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about a meal that’s quick, vibrant, and packed with flavor, and this Garlic Chili Shrimp Stir-Fry Recipe does not disappoint. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself after a long day, this dish brings warmth, spice, and satisfaction in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own delicious staple!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Garlic Chili Shrimp Stir-Fry is a quick, flavorful Asian-inspired dish featuring tender shrimp sautéed with crisp vegetables and coated in a spicy, savory sauce. Perfect for a fast and satisfying weeknight dinner, it combines the heat of chili garlic sauce with the freshness of ginger and garlic, balanced by a touch of honey and rice vinegar. Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Vegetables
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas or green beans, trimmed
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (adjust to spice level)
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Coat the Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and toss with cornstarch until evenly coated. Set aside to prepare for searing.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until well combined. Set aside.
- Sear the Shrimp: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until they turn pink and develop a slight crispiness. Remove shrimp from pan and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, add a splash of oil if needed. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, sliced red bell pepper, and snap peas. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender, stirring frequently.
- Combine and Finish Cooking: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, pour the prepared sauce over the shrimp and vegetables, and stir to coat everything evenly. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and everything is heated through.
- Serve: Serve the stir-fry hot over steamed rice or noodles. Optionally, garnish with sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce to control the spiciness according to your preference.
- This dish cooks quickly, so have all ingredients prepped and ready before starting the cooking process.
- For a low-carb alternative, serve this stir-fry over cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables instead of regular rice or noodles.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Peeling and deveining shrimp ahead of time saves cooking time.
