Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Snow Pea Stir-Fry

Table of Contents

A fast, colorful, and flavorful dinner, this Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Snow Pea Stir-Fry is ideal for hectic weeknights! Crisp snow peas and juicy shrimp are sautéed in a flavorful lemon-garlic sauce, which adds a harmony of umami, zest, and freshness. This stir-fry, which is finished with green onions and sesame seeds, goes well with rice or noodles for a filling yet light supper. It’s the ideal go-to meal for seafood lovers and can be prepared in less than 20 minutes!

Ingredients:

1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 cups snow peas, trimmed

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced

2 tbsp olive oil (or sesame oil)

2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce

1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)

1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 tsp lemon zest

½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)

2 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish)

Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.

Cook the Shrimp:
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Stir-Fry the Snow Peas:
In the same pan, add the remaining oil, then toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the snow peas and stir-fry for 2 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.

Combine Everything:
Return the shrimp to the pan and pour in the sauce. Stir-fry for another minute to coat everything evenly.

Serve:
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve with lemon wedges over rice or noodles.

Tips for the Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Snow Pea Stir-Fry

Use Fresh Shrimp – Opt for fresh, deveined shrimp for the best texture. If using frozen, thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.
High Heat is Key – Stir-frying works best over high heat to quickly sear the shrimp while keeping them tender and juicy.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp – Shrimp cook fast! Only 2-3 minutes per side is needed. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery.
Keep Snow Peas Crisp – Stir-fry the snow peas just until they turn bright green and are slightly tender but still crisp for the best texture.
Balance the Sauce – Adjust the soy sauce, honey, and lemon juice to taste. For more tang, add extra lemon juice; for more sweetness, a touch more honey.
Add Spice if Desired – A pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha can give this dish a spicy kick.
Garnish for Extra Flavor – Finish with sesame seeds, green onions, or even a dash of toasted sesame oil for depth.
Pair it Right – Serve over jasmine rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete meal. Cauliflower rice works well for a low-carb option.