Stir-Fried Garlic and Sriracha Shrimp: The Ultimate Flavor-Packed 20-Minute Dinner
High-heat searing locks in juiciness as citrus and spice deliver vibrant, bold flavors.
Stir-Fried Garlic and Sriracha Shrimp
If you crave quick, spicy, and satisfying dishes for dinner, a garlic and Sriracha shrimp stir-fry belongs in your culinary arsenal. In less than 20 minutes, you can sit down to a meal that’s both vibrant and deeply aromatic, with tender shrimp, fresh broccoli, and a savory, spicy sauce. Follow this guide to master the recipe, learn essential stir-fry techniques, and enjoy foolproof results every time.
Why This Recipe Works
- Speed & Simplicity: The recipe can be completed start-to-finish in around 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weekday dinners.
- Flavor Harmony: Sriracha brings bright chili heat, garlic adds deep aromatic notes, while a touch of lime juice cuts through the richness.
- Perfect Shrimp Texture: High-heat cooking ensures shrimp stay juicy and just-cooked, never rubbery.
- Flexible & Healthy: Packed with lean protein and vegetables, easily adjusted to suit various dietary needs.
Ingredient Spotlight
| Ingredient | Role | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Shrimp | Proteins, main component | Use large, raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp (26-30 count per pound) for best results. |
| Garlic | Flavor & aroma | Use fresh garlic, finely minced for even distribution. |
| Sriracha | Spice & tang | Adds heat and a subtle sweetness. Adjust to taste. |
| Lime juice | Acidity, brightness | Freshly squeezed for best flavor; balances the chili heat. |
| Shallot | Mild onion flavor | Thinly slice into rings for quick, even cooking. |
| Broccoli florets | Crunch, color, nutrition | Cut large florets for even cooking; X-cut stems for faster tenderness. |
| Oil | High-heat frying | Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as sunflower, peanut, or canola oil. |
| Kosher salt & pepper | Seasoning | Season shrimp before cooking for deeper flavor. |
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp:
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Toss them in ¼ teaspoon kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper until evenly coated.
- Prepare Fresh Ingredients:
- Finely dice 5 medium garlic cloves.
- Thinly slice 1 large shallot into rings.
- Cut 4 cups broccoli florets into uniform pieces. Halve any large ones or slice a shallow X in their stems to ensure quick, even cooking.
- Sear the Aromatics:
- Heat 1 tablespoon sunflower oil (or neutral oil) over medium-high in a large skillet or wok until shimmering.
- Add the garlic and stir constantly for 1 minute. Do not let it brown.
- Infuse with Sriracha:
- Add 2 tablespoons Sriracha to the pan and stir briskly, about 1-2 seconds.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- Add prepared shrimp and 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice to the skillet with the garlic and Sriracha. Stir-fry continuously until shrimp are just opaque and pink—about 3 to 3½ minutes.
- Remove shrimp from pan and set aside; do not overcook.
- Stir-Fry the Veggies:
- Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in the pan.
- Add the sliced shallot and broccoli florets. Stir-fry for 3 to 5 minutes until broccoli is vibrant green and crisp-tender.
- Combine and Finish:
- Return the shrimp (and any accumulated juices) to the skillet with the veggies.
- Stir to combine and heat through for 1 final minute. Serve immediately for optimal texture and flavor.
Chef’s Tips for Stir-Fry Success
- Prep Everything First: Stir-frying is fast; have all ingredients ready before you start cooking.
- High Heat Is Key: Use high heat to achieve a quick sear and preserve the natural texture of shrimp and vegetables.
- No Crowding: Use a large pan or wok to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to steaming instead of frying.
- Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook quickly; remove them from heat as soon as they turn opaque and slightly pink.
- Balance the Flavors: Adjust salt, Sriracha, and lime juice to taste for your perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and savory.
Serving Suggestions
This stir-fried shrimp is intensely flavored and fits a variety of settings, from a weeknight dinner to a casual gathering. Pair it with:
- Coconut jasmine rice or plain steamed rice to soak up the sauce.
- Quick fruit salad for a sweet, cooling contrast.
- Other quick-cooking veggies such as snow peas, snap peas, or thin-sliced bell peppers, added alongside or instead of broccoli.
Variations and Substitutions
- Make it gluten-free: The basic recipe is naturally gluten-free; be sure all sauces used are certified gluten-free if using store-bought Sriracha or alternatives.
- Vegetarian option: Use extra-firm tofu in place of shrimp. Press and cube tofu, then stir-fry until golden and proceed as directed.
- Broccoli swaps: Substitute broccolini, bok choy, or asparagus for a twist.
- Change up the proteins: Try squid rings, scallops, chunks of chicken breast, or even thinly sliced beef for variation—adjust cooking times accordingly.
Nutritional Highlights
This dish offers a nutritious balance with substantial protein from shrimp, a wealth of vitamins and fiber from broccoli, and very little added fat:
- Shrimp: Lean, low-calorie, and rich in iodine, selenium, and vitamin B12.
- Broccoli: High in vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Garlic: Adds not just flavor, but also potential health benefits linked to immune function and heart health.
What others are reading
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
A: Pre-cooked shrimp are not recommended—they can become rubbery and overcooked. Always use raw shrimp for optimal texture.
Q: What is the best type of oil for stir-frying?
A: Neutral oils with high smoke points—such as sunflower, peanut, or canola oil—are best for stir-frying, ensuring even cooking without burning.
Q: Is this dish freezer friendly?
A: While the shrimp and veggies taste best freshly cooked, leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Freezing is not recommended as it may compromise texture.
Q: Can I adjust the spice level?
A: Absolutely! Simply start with less Sriracha and add more if you want greater heat, or offer extra Sriracha on the side.
Troubleshooting: Common Mistakes and Fixes
- Shrimp are tough or rubbery: They were overcooked; use larger shrimp and pull from heat as soon as they turn opaque.
- Vegetables are Too Hard: Cook a little longer before adding shrimp back; add a tablespoon of water and cover for 30 seconds to steam softer.
- Flavors Too Intense or Not Intense Enough: Adjust Sriracha and lime juice to taste; add a pinch of sugar if desired to mellow the heat.
Reader Comments
“Every single time I stir-fry I wonder why I’m not doing it more often too! It’s so quick and it always turns out delicious. Love the spicy zing to this shrimp….so good!”
“I really want to make these meals more often. It’s so fast and healthy!”
Recipe Card: Garlic and Sriracha Shrimp Stir-Fry
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 10–12 minutes
- Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons sunflower oil (or peanut/canola)
- 5 medium garlic cloves, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 large shallot, thinly sliced into rings
- 4 cups broccoli florets, cut small
Instructions
- Season shrimp with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high in a large skillet/wok; add garlic, stir 1 minute.
- Add Sriracha, stir quickly; add shrimp and lime juice. Cook, stirring, until shrimp turn opaque (3–3 1/2 minutes). Remove shrimp and juices, set aside.
- Add remaining oil; add shallot and broccoli, stir-fry 3–5 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Return shrimp to pan, stir 1 minute to combine and heat through. Serve immediately with rice.
Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 9g
- Carbs: 8g
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: Dependent on Sriracha and added salt
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Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.
Read full bio of Sneha Tete
Read full bio of Sneha Tete
