Name: Easy Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp; ½ cup chicken broth; ¼ cup soy sauce; 3 cloves minced garlic; 3 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 cup sugar snap peas; 1 sliced red bell pepper; ½ cup shredded carrots; Sliced green onions (for garnish); 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 88 reviews

If you are craving a delicious dish that comes together quickly without sacrificing flavor, this Easy Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with vibrant vegetables, tender shrimp, and a perfectly balanced garlicky sauce, it’s one of those meals that feels special yet is incredibly simple to prepare. Whether you’re new to cooking stir fry or looking for a fast, crowd-pleasing recipe to add to your rotation, this dish delivers big on taste and freshness with minimal effort.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows thirteen clear glass bowls arranged on a white marbled surface, each filled with a different colorful ingredient. From top left to bottom right: peeled pink shrimp with tails on, bright orange shredded carrots, thinly sliced red bell pepper strips, and green broccoli florets. Below those are fresh green snap peas, chopped green onions, a light yellow chicken broth, dark soy sauce, white cornstarch powder, golden brown sugar, and light yellow minced garlic. Two small bowls contain pale yellow vegetable oil and dark amber sesame oil. Each ingredient stands out distinctly by its color and texture in the clear bowls, all carefully placed with clean spacing. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is the secret to making this Easy Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe shine. Every component is small but mighty, contributing layers of texture, color, and flavor. From crisp garden vegetables to savory shrimp and the luscious sauce, these ingredients come together to create a harmonious and satisfying skillet meal.

1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp: Choose fresh or thawed shrimp for tender, quick-cooking protein that absorbs flavors beautifully.
½ cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth to the sauce without overpowering the dish.
¼ cup soy sauce: Brings salty umami richness that ties all the flavors together.
3 cloves minced garlic: This is the star for that unmistakable garlic punch and aroma.
3 tablespoons brown sugar: Balances the salty and savory elements with a touch of sweetness.
1 teaspoon sesame oil: Gives a subtle nuttiness for that authentic stir fry flair.
1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to a glossy finish that clings perfectly to each bite.
1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Ideal for cooking the shrimp and vegetables with a high smoke point.
2 cups broccoli florets: Adds a satisfying crunch and vibrant green color for nutritional goodness.
1 cup sugar snap peas: Brings natural sweetness and snap for contrasting texture.
1 sliced red bell pepper: Pops of red color with a juicy, mild flavor to brighten up the dish.
½ cup shredded carrots: Adds earthy sweetness and orange tones for visual appeal.
Sliced green onions: Fresh garnish to add a mild bite and fresh finish before serving.

How to Make Easy Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Whisk the Sauce

Begin by combining the chicken broth, soy sauce, minced garlic, brown sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Whisk these ingredients until the sugar and cornstarch dissolve completely. This sauce base will infuse the shrimp and vegetables with that irresistible garlicky and slightly sweet flavor, while the cornstarch ensures a silky, thick texture that makes every bite so satisfying.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the broccoli florets, sugar snap peas, sliced red bell pepper, and shredded carrots. Stir fry these vibrant vegetables for about 2 to 3 minutes until they start to soften but still maintain a pleasant crunch. Quick cooking preserves their bright color and fresh taste, making each mouthful exciting and fresh.

Step 3: Add the Shrimp

Next, push the vegetables to the side and add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn a beautiful pink and start curling up. This step locks in the juicy, tender texture of the shrimp while allowing them to soak up some of that garlicky aroma from the pan.

Step 4: Combine with Sauce and Simmer

Pour the prepared sauce over the shrimp and vegetables, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Continue cooking for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli reaches your preferred tenderness and the sauce thickens into a luscious glaze. This is the magic moment when all the flavors marry beautifully, creating a dish that’s both hearty and light at the same time.

How to Serve Easy Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe

A close-up view of a black pan on a stove with bright vegetable and shrimp stir-fry inside. The dish has at least four layers: the base layer is green broccoli florets and snap peas, the second layer has orange and red bell pepper strips, the third layer has white and pink shrimp scattered evenly, and the final layer shows a light brown sauce being poured from a clear glass bowl held by a woman's hand. The background features a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle sliced green onions on top right before serving to add a fresh pop of color and a subtle sharpness that complements the rich garlic sauce perfectly. You can also add a pinch of toasted sesame seeds if you want to elevate the texture and visual appeal even more.

Side Dishes

This Easy Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe shines on its own, but it’s also wonderful served with fluffy steamed rice, quinoa, or even noodles to soak up all that flavorful sauce. A crisp side salad or simple miso soup can round out the meal beautifully if you’re aiming for a balanced dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the stir fry in warm lettuce cups or over a bed of spiralized vegetables for a low-carb option. You can also plate it in colorful bowls to showcase the vibrant veggies and mouthwatering shrimp, making the meal as visually exciting as it is flavorful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, let them cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, this dish stays fresh for up to 2 days, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

While stir fries are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze any extra portions by placing them in freezer-safe containers or bags. For best texture, consume within one month and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To warm up your leftovers, gently reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of water or broth helps refresh the sauce. Avoid microwaving for long periods to keep the shrimp tender and vegetables crisp.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp fully and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the stir fry. Frozen shrimp work perfectly in this Easy Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe.

What vegetables can I substitute or add?

Feel free to swap or expand the vegetable mix with mushrooms, snap peas, baby corn, or bok choy. The flexibility of this recipe lets you tailor it to your fridge’s contents and personal taste.

Is this recipe spicy?

The original Easy Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe is mild and balanced in flavor. If you like heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha when adding the sauce for a spicy kick.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the shrimp with tofu or tempeh for a satisfying plant-based version. Just adjust cooking times to ensure the protein is heated through and nicely browned.

How do I prevent shrimp from overcooking?

Keep a close eye during cooking and remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink and curl up. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery, so timing is key for succulent results every time.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a vibrant, restaurant-quality meal at home with minimal fuss. It’s fast, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable, making it a true favorite to have in your culinary arsenal. I hope you give it a try soon and find as much joy in cooking and eating it as I do sharing it with you.

Easy Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need