Name: Shrimp Stir Fry with Garlic & Ginger
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: Sauce:; 2 tbsp oyster sauce; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp fresh cilantro (minced, optional); 2 tsp cornstarch; Shrimp:; 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails left intact optional); 2 tbsp cooking oil (divided); Aromatics:; 3 green onions (chopped, white and light green parts); 2-3 garlic cloves (finely minced); 2 tsp grated fresh ginger (use microplane grater)

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This Shrimp Stir Fry with Garlic & Ginger is a quick and flavorful dish packed with savory and aromatic flavors. With perfectly seared shrimp, a garlic and ginger-infused sauce, and a simple yet vibrant combination of ingredients, it’s a go-to meal for a weeknight dinner or when you’re craving something light and delicious. Plus, it’s ready in just 15 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a fast, flavorful dish, this shrimp stir fry is a perfect choice. The shrimp cooks in no time, while the garlic and ginger create a fragrant, savory base that elevates the entire dish. The addition of soy sauce and oyster sauce brings richness, while the cornstarch ensures a silky texture. It’s a great way to enjoy a healthy, satisfying meal with minimal effort. Customize it with your favorite veggies for extra color and crunch, making it a versatile, easy-to-make dinner. Shrimp Stir Fry with Garlic & Ginger

Ingredients

2 tbsp oyster sauce
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp fresh cilantro (minced, optional)
2 tsp cornstarch
1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails left intact optional)
2 tbsp cooking oil (divided)
3 green onions (chopped, white and light green parts)
2-3 garlic cloves (finely minced)
2 tsp grated fresh ginger (use microplane grater)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the oyster sauce, soy sauce, and minced cilantro (if using). Set the sauce mixture aside.
Prepare the Shrimp:
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with cornstarch until they are evenly coated.
Cook the Shrimp:
Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a wok or large sauté pan over high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 1 minute until one side is seared. Flip the shrimp and sear the other side for another minute. The shrimp don’t need to be fully cooked yet. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics:
Reduce the heat to medium and allow the wok to cool slightly. Add the remaining tablespoon of cooking oil, then add the green onions, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until fragrant. If you’re adding vegetables, like snow peas, bell peppers, or baby corn, add them now and stir-fry until they are bright in color and crisp-tender.
Combine and Finish:
Pour the prepared sauce into the pan, then return the shrimp to the pan. Stir-fry for another minute or so until the shrimp is cooked through and coated with the sauce.
Serve:
Serve immediately, garnishing with extra cilantro if desired. Enjoy your delicious Shrimp Stir Fry with Garlic & Ginger!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Calories: 190 kcal per serving

Variations

Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, baby corn, or broccoli for extra crunch and nutrition.
Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few slices of fresh chili for a spicy kick.
Swap the Shrimp: If you don’t have shrimp, this stir fry can be made with chicken, tofu, or your preferred protein.
Use Coconut Oil: For a slightly tropical twist, you can use coconut oil in place of regular cooking oil.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. If the sauce has thickened, you can add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the dish.

Can I make this stir fry without cornstarch?

The cornstarch helps create a slightly thicker sauce and a silky texture. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can skip it, but the sauce will be a little thinner.

How do I know when the shrimp is cooked through?

Shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and opaque. They cook very quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! You can add any vegetables you like—broccoli, snow peas, bell peppers, or baby corn all work great in this stir fry.

Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?

Yes, you can use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake. You can also balance the flavor by adjusting the amount of oyster sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?

While stir fry dishes are best served fresh, you can prep the shrimp, sauce, and vegetables ahead of time. Just store them separately and cook when you’re ready to eat.

Can I make this stir fry without soy sauce?

Yes, if you need to avoid soy, you can use coconut aminos or tamari as a soy sauce alternative.

Can I use powdered ginger instead of fresh ginger?

Fresh ginger gives the dish a much brighter and more fragrant flavor, but you can use powdered ginger in a pinch. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger as a substitute for fresh ginger.

Can I serve this with rice or noodles?

Yes, serving this stir fry over steamed rice or noodles is a great way to make it a more substantial meal.

How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?

Since shrimp cook very quickly, be sure to only sear them for about 1 minute on each side, then remove them from the pan while you finish cooking the rest of the dish. Add the shrimp back in at the end to avoid overcooking.

Conclusion

This Shrimp Stir Fry with Garlic & Ginger is an incredibly quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something healthy and delicious. The shrimp, with its light crispness, combines wonderfully with the rich garlic and ginger sauce, making each bite savory and satisfying. Whether served on its own or with rice, this dish is a simple yet satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy.