Spicy Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry

If you’re craving a quick and delicious meal packed with bold flavors, this Spicy Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry is the perfect dish for you! Juicy shrimp are stir-fried to perfection with colorful bell peppers and onions, then coated in a rich, garlicky, and slightly sweet-spicy sauce. This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you need a satisfying meal in no time. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a restaurant-quality experience right at home!

Ingredients:

For the Shrimp:

1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tsp sesame oil

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

1 tbsp cornstarch (for crispiness)

For the Vegetables:

1 small onion, sliced

1/2 red bell pepper, sliced

1/2 green bell pepper, sliced

1/2 yellow bell pepper, sliced

2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

For the Sauce:

3 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for extra umami)

1 tbsp hoisin sauce

1 tbsp honey or brown sugar

1 tbsp rice vinegar

1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp fresh ginger, minced

1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry for thickening)

1 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)

Instructions:

Marinate the Shrimp
In a bowl, mix shrimp with soy sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and cornstarch. Let it marinate for 10-15 minutes.

Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sriracha, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch slurry. Set aside.

Cook the Shrimp
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and slightly crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Toss in the onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.

Combine Everything
Add the cooked shrimp back to the pan. Pour in the sauce and toss everything together. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the shrimp and vegetables.

Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with chopped green onions and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Tips for the Best Spicy Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry

Use Fresh or Frozen Shrimp: Fresh shrimp have the best texture, but if using frozen, thaw them properly and pat dry before cooking.

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly! Overcooking can make them rubbery, so cook just until they turn pink and opaque.

Get the Perfect Sauce Thickness: The cornstarch slurry helps thicken the sauce. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water; if too thin, let it simmer for a bit longer.

Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the sriracha and red pepper flakes to your preference. You can also add chili oil for extra heat.

Add Extra Veggies: Try adding snap peas, broccoli, mushrooms, or zucchini for more variety and nutrition.

Pairing Suggestions: Serve over jasmine rice, brown rice, quinoa, or even stir-fried noodles for a complete meal.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

(Assuming 4 servings)

Calories: ~280 kcal

Protein: ~28g

Carbohydrates: ~18g

Fats: ~10g

Fiber: ~3g

Sodium: ~900mg (depends on soy sauce used)

This dish is high in protein, rich in antioxidants from the veggies, and can be made low-carb by serving with cauliflower rice.