How to Make Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic Sauce That Will Make You Drool

Stir-fried shrimp with garlic sauce – doesn’t it just roll off the tongue? This dish is a symphony of flavors and textures, a staple in many Asian cuisines, and for good reason. Imagine succulent shrimp bathed in a rich, savory garlic sauce, each bite offering a burst of umami that’ll leave you craving for more.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is easy to follow and promises a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. So, grab your wok and let’s get cooking!

The Ingredients: A Symphony of Freshness

For this culinary adventure, we’ll need the freshest ingredients. Trust me, it makes all the difference!

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp (about 20-25), peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Garlic Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

For the Aromatics and Veggies:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small piece ginger, minced
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 1 red chili pepper, thinly sliced (optional, for heat)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Pro Tip: If you can’t find Shaoxing wine, feel free to substitute it with dry sherry or even a pinch of sugar for a touch of sweetness.

Tools of the Trade: Your Stir-Fry Arsenal

No need for fancy equipment here! Here’s what you’ll need:

• A large wok or skillet
• A mixing bowl
• A chopping board
• A sharp knife

The Stir-Fry Dance: Let’s Get Cooking!

Now for the fun part! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be a stir-fry master in no time.

1. Prepare the shrimp: In your mixing bowl, combine the shrimp, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside to marinate for 15 minutes. This allows the shrimp to absorb the flavors and become extra tender.

2. Concoct the magic sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, brown sugar, sesame oil, and chicken broth. Make sure the sugar is dissolved, and set the sauce aside.

3. Time to stir-fry: Heat your wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and swirl it around to coat the bottom.

4. Awaken the aromatics: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the hot oil. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.

5. Shrimp takes the stage: Add the marinated shrimp to the wok. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque.

6. Sauce it up: Pour the prepared garlic sauce over the shrimp. Stir well and bring the sauce to a simmer.

7. The grand finale: Add the chopped green onions and chili pepper (if using). Continue to stir-fry for another minute, until the sauce thickens slightly and the shrimp are cooked through.

8. Serve and savor: Transfer your masterpiece to a serving platter. Garnish with additional sliced green onions or sesame seeds for an extra touch of elegance.

A plate of delicious stir-fried shrimp with garlic sauce, garnished with spring onions and sesame seeds

Stir-Fry Secrets: Tips and Tricks from a Pro

• High heat is key: Stir-frying is all about speed and high heat. This ensures your ingredients cook quickly and evenly without becoming soggy.
• Don’t overcrowd the wok: If you overcrowd your wok, the temperature will drop, and your ingredients will steam instead of stir-frying. It’s best to cook in batches if necessary.
• Taste as you go: Flavors can vary, so taste your sauce and adjust the seasoning accordingly. You can add more soy sauce for saltiness, brown sugar for sweetness, or chili flakes for an extra kick.

Chef’s Tip: “My grandmother taught me a neat trick,” shares Chef Lin, a renowned expert in Asian cuisine. “Add a splash of cold water to the wok towards the end of cooking. This helps create a beautiful glaze and adds a touch of silkiness to the sauce.”

Plating Perfection: Presentation Matters

While this dish is already bursting with flavor, a little presentation goes a long way!

• A bed of fluffy rice: Serve your stir-fried shrimp with garlic sauce over a bed of steaming white rice. The rice soaks up the flavorful sauce beautifully.
• A sprinkle of color: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a pop of color and added texture.

Close-up shot of stir-fried shrimp with garlic sauce, showcasing the texture of the shrimp and the glistening sauce.

FAQs: Your Stir-Fry Questions, Answered!

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating.

Q: What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
A: If you don’t have oyster sauce on hand, you can use a mixture of hoisin sauce and soy sauce for a similar savory depth.

Ready to Stir-Fry Your Way to Flavor Town?

And there you have it! A simple yet incredibly delicious stir-fried shrimp with garlic sauce recipe that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your culinary creations with us in the comments below.

Looking for more exciting stir-fry adventures? Check out our recipe for Stir-Fried Green Beans with Minced Pork. It’s another surefire winner!