Stir-Fries

Garlic Ginger Shrimp Stir-Fry

Name: Garlic Ginger Shrimp Stir-Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons oyster sauce; 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 bell pepper, sliced; 2 carrots, peeled and sliced; 1 cup snow peas, sliced; 2 scallions, chopped; 1 teaspoon sesame seeds; Salt and pepper to taste

By Nina Lee · June 18, 2026 · Stir-Fries

Prep10 min

Cook10 min

Total20 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I had a garlic ginger shrimp stir-fry at a Chinese restaurant. The combination of succulent shrimp, savory ginger, and pungent garlic was love at first bite. Since then, I've been on a mission to recreate this dish at home. After countless attempts and tweaks, I'm excited to share my garlic ginger shrimp stir-fry recipe with you.

This recipe is a staple in my household, and I make it at least once a week. It's quick, easy, and packed with flavor. The best part? It's ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend meal.

What makes this recipe special is the balance of flavors and textures. The garlic and ginger add a depth of flavor, while the soy sauce and oyster sauce provide a savory and slightly sweet taste. The shrimp are cooked to perfection, and the veggies add a nice crunch. Whether you're a seafood lover or just looking for a new recipe to try, this garlic ginger shrimp stir-fry is sure to become a favorite.

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a quick and delicious meal. It's great for families, as it can be made in large quantities and is easy to customize with your favorite veggies. It's also a great option for those with dietary restrictions, as it's gluten-free and can be made with low-sodium soy sauce.

I love making this recipe on a busy weeknight, as it's ready in no time and requires minimal cleanup. It's also a great option for a special occasion, as it's impressive and flavorful. So, whether you're cooking for one or a crowd, this garlic ginger shrimp stir-fry is sure to please.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is quick and easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
It's packed with flavor, featuring a sweet-savory glaze and crisp veggies.
The garlic and ginger add a depth of flavor and aroma that's hard to replicate.
The shrimp are cooked to perfection, and the veggies add a nice crunch.
It's a great option for families, as it can be made in large quantities and is easy to customize.
It's also a great option for those with dietary restrictions, as it's gluten-free and can be made with low-sodium soy sauce.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great garlic ginger shrimp stir-fry is in the balance of flavors and textures. The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce creates a rich and savory sauce, while the garlic and ginger add a depth of flavor. The shrimp are cooked to perfection, and the veggies add a nice crunch.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of high heat. Stir-frying is all about cooking quickly over high heat, which helps to preserve the texture and flavor of the ingredients. By using a wok or large skillet, you can achieve the perfect stir-fry texture and flavor.

The sauce is also an important component of this recipe. By using a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce, you create a rich and savory sauce that's perfect for coating the shrimp and veggies. The cornstarch helps to thicken the sauce, creating a smooth and velvety texture.

Finally, the use of aromatics such as garlic and ginger is essential in this recipe. These ingredients add a depth of flavor and aroma that's hard to replicate with other ingredients. By sautéing the garlic and ginger before adding the shrimp and veggies, you create a flavorful base that enhances the overall dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this garlic ginger shrimp stir-fry, you'll need a few key ingredients. The most important ingredients are the shrimp, garlic, and ginger, as they provide the base flavor and texture for the dish. You'll also need a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce to create the savory sauce.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose fresh and high-quality items. Look for large shrimp that are frozen or fresh, and choose firm and fragrant garlic and ginger. The veggies can be customized to your liking, but bell peppers, carrots, and snow peas are great options.

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveinedLook for frozen or fresh shrimp that are large and succulent. You can also use smaller shrimp, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
3 cloves garlic, mincedUse fresh and firm garlic for the best flavor. You can also use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder as a substitute.
1-inch piece of fresh ginger, gratedChoose firm and fragrant ginger for the best flavor. You can also use 1 teaspoon of ground ginger as a substitute.
1/4 cup soy sauceUse a high-quality soy sauce that's low in sodium and has a rich flavor. You can also use tamari or coconut aminos as a substitute.
2 tablespoons oyster sauceOyster sauce adds a savory and umami flavor to the dish. You can also use hoisin sauce or tamari as a substitute.
2 tablespoons hoisin sauceHoisin sauce adds a sweet and savory flavor to the dish. You can also use oyster sauce or tamari as a substitute.
1 tablespoon cornstarchCornstarch helps to thicken the sauce and create a smooth texture. You can also use flour or tapioca starch as a substitute.
2 tablespoons vegetable oilUse a neutral-tasting oil that has a high smoke point, such as peanut or vegetable oil. You can also use coconut oil or avocado oil as a substitute.
1 bell pepper, slicedChoose any color bell pepper you like, or use a combination of colors. You can also use other veggies such as carrots or snow peas.
2 carrots, peeled and slicedUse firm and fresh carrots for the best flavor and texture. You can also use other veggies such as bell peppers or snow peas.
1 cup snow peas, slicedUse fresh and tender snow peas for the best flavor and texture. You can also use other veggies such as carrots or bell peppers.
2 scallions, choppedUse fresh and fragrant scallions for the best flavor and texture. You can also use other herbs such as cilantro or basil.
1 teaspoon sesame seedsUse toasted sesame seeds for the best flavor and texture. You can also use other nuts or seeds such as almonds or pumpkin seeds.
Salt and pepper to tasteUse salt and pepper to season the dish to your taste. You can also use other seasonings such as sugar or chili flakes.

Ingredients for Garlic Ginger Shrimp Stir-Fry

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or wokSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsWhiskSpatulaTongs or slotted spoon

How to Make Garlic Ginger Shrimp Stir-Fry

1
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large heavy skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3
Add the sliced bell pepper, carrots, and snow peas to the skillet and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until the veggies are tender-crisp.
4
Add the shrimp to the skillet and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
5
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and cornstarch. Add the mixture to the skillet and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
6
Add the chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds to the skillet and stir-fry for 1 minute, until the scallions are tender.
7
Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste.
8
Serve the garlic ginger shrimp stir-fry hot over rice or noodles, garnished with additional scallions and sesame seeds if desired.
9
To make the sauce thicker, add more cornstarch or reduce the amount of liquid in the sauce.
10
To make the sauce thinner, add more liquid or reduce the amount of cornstarch in the sauce.
11
To add more flavor to the dish, add other aromatics such as onions or shallots to the skillet with the garlic and ginger.
12
To make the dish spicier, add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
13
To make the dish less spicy, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or sriracha in the sauce.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh and firm garlic and ginger, for the best flavor.
Don't overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery.
Use a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce for a rich and savory sauce.
Add the cornstarch to the sauce slowly, whisking constantly, to avoid lumps.
Use a wok or large skillet to stir-fry the ingredients, as this will help to distribute the heat evenly and prevent the ingredients from steaming instead of stir-frying.
Don't overcrowd the skillet, as this can cause the ingredients to steam instead of stir-fry. Cook the ingredients in batches if necessary.
Use a spatula or tongs to stir-fry the ingredients, as this will help to prevent the ingredients from breaking apart or becoming damaged.
Add the scallions and sesame seeds to the skillet at the end of the cooking time, as this will help to preserve their flavor and texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the shrimp, which can make them tough and rubbery.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can result in a dish that lacks flavor and texture.
Not whisking the sauce slowly, which can cause lumps to form.
Overcrowding the skillet, which can cause the ingredients to steam instead of stir-fry.
Not using a wok or large skillet, which can prevent the ingredients from stir-frying evenly.
Not adding the scallions and sesame seeds at the end of the cooking time, which can cause them to lose their flavor and texture.

Variations and Substitutions

Add other aromatics, such as onions or shallots, to the skillet with the garlic and ginger.
Use different types of protein, such as chicken or beef, instead of shrimp.
Add other veggies, such as mushrooms or broccoli, to the skillet with the bell pepper and carrots.
Use different types of sauce, such as teriyaki or stir-fry sauce, instead of the soy sauce and oyster sauce.
Add nuts or seeds, such as almonds or pumpkin seeds, to the skillet with the scallions and sesame seeds.
Use different types of oil, such as coconut or avocado oil, instead of vegetable oil.
Add spices or seasonings, such as cumin or chili flakes, to the sauce for extra flavor.

What to Serve With Garlic Ginger Shrimp Stir-Fry

This garlic ginger shrimp stir-fry is perfect for serving over rice or noodles. You can also serve it with other sides, such as steamed veggies or a salad. For a more filling meal, add some protein, such as chicken or beef, to the skillet with the shrimp.

Some other great options for serving this dish include:

Steamed jasmine rice: This is a classic pairing for garlic ginger shrimp stir-fry, and the fluffy rice helps to soak up the savory sauce.

Roasted vegetables: Roasted veggies, such as broccoli or Brussels sprouts, add a nice contrast in texture to the dish and help to round out the meal.

Egg rolls: Crispy egg rolls add a nice crunch to the dish and help to add some extra flavor and texture.

Wonton soup: A light and flavorful wonton soup helps to cut the richness of the dish and adds some extra protein and veggies to the meal.

Steamed jasmine riceRoasted vegetablesEgg rollsWonton soupCucumber saladPickled ginger

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

To store the garlic ginger shrimp stir-fry, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. The dish can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

To reheat the dish, simply microwave it for 30-60 seconds, or heat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Some tips for storing and reheating the dish include:

Using airtight containers: This helps to keep the dish fresh and prevent it from absorbing odors from other foods in the fridge or freezer.

Labeling and dating the containers: This helps to keep track of how long the dish has been stored and ensures that you use the oldest containers first.

Reheating the dish to an internal temperature of 165°F: This helps to ensure that the dish is safe to eat and that any bacteria have been killed.

Not overcrowding the containers: This helps to prevent the dish from becoming soggy or developing off-flavors.

Using the dish within a few days of storing it: This helps to ensure that the dish remains fresh and flavorful.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of shrimp should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of shrimp you like, but large shrimp work best for this recipe. Look for frozen or fresh shrimp that are succulent and have a good texture.

Can I use other types of protein instead of shrimp?

Yes, you can use other types of protein, such as chicken or beef, instead of shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time and seasoning accordingly.

What type of oil should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of oil you like, but vegetable oil or peanut oil work well for this recipe. Avoid using olive oil, as it can burn easily and add a bitter flavor to the dish.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer. Simply reheat it when you're ready to serve.

What type of sauce should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of sauce you like, but a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce works well for this recipe. You can also add other ingredients, such as garlic or ginger, to the sauce for extra flavor.

Can I customize this recipe to suit my tastes?

Yes, you can customize this recipe to suit your tastes. Try adding other veggies, such as mushrooms or broccoli, or using different types of protein or sauce.

What is the best way to serve this dish?

This dish is perfect for serving over rice or noodles. You can also serve it with other sides, such as steamed veggies or a salad.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze this dish. Simply let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.

The Full Recipe

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