Get ready to transform your kitchen into a sizzling Asian-inspired culinary paradise with this quick and irresistible Garlic Shrimp and Vegetable Stir Fry! In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that's bursting with flavor, packed with nutrition, and guaranteed to impress everyone at your dining table. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking to spice up your weeknight dinner, or someone craving a delicious and healthy meal, this recipe is your ultimate go-to solution!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups mixed vegetables
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by thoroughly washing the mixed vegetables and patting them dry. Chop vegetables into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, ensuring even coating.
- Heat sesame oil in a large wok or wide skillet over medium-high heat. Allow oil to become hot but not smoking.
- Add minced garlic to the hot oil and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add mixed vegetables to the wok, stir-frying quickly for 3-4 minutes until they become crisp-tender and retain their vibrant colors.
- Push vegetables to one side of the wok and add shrimp to the empty space. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes, turning once, until they turn pink and opaque.
- Pour soy sauce over the shrimp and vegetables, tossing everything together to ensure even coating and flavor distribution.
- Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, ensuring shrimp are fully cooked but not overdone.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a serving platter. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately while hot, optionally garnishing with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
Tips
- Prep is Key: Ensure all ingredients are chopped and ready before you start cooking. Stir-frying happens quickly, so mise en place is crucial.
- High Heat, Quick Cooking: Use a wok or large skillet and keep the heat high to achieve that perfect restaurant-style sear and prevent vegetables from becoming soggy.
- Dry Your Proteins: Always pat shrimp dry before cooking to ensure they get a nice golden color and don't steam instead of sear.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and allow ingredients to caramelize properly.
- Fresh Garlic is Non-Negotiable: Use fresh garlic cloves for the most robust flavor - avoid pre-minced garlic from jars.
- Optional Flavor Boosters: Consider adding a splash of rice wine, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of chili oil for extra depth.
- Serve Immediately: Stir-fries are best enjoyed hot and fresh, so time your cooking to serve right away.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 240kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 26g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 180mg
