Want a quick and tasty meal? My Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp Stir-Fry is perfect for you! This dish is packed with flavor and only takes minutes to make. With fresh shrimp, vibrant veggies, and a buttery garlic sauce, it’s a feast for your taste buds. Ready to impress your family or treat yourself? Let’s dive into this simple recipe that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), sliced
- 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Gathering fresh ingredients is key to a great dish. Start with large shrimp, as they are tender and cook quickly. Make sure they are peeled and deveined for ease. Next, grab some butter. You’ll need four tablespoons to give your shrimp a rich flavor.
Garlic is next on the list. Use five cloves, minced finely. This will add a strong aroma and taste. For color and crunch, get one cup of bell peppers. Use a mix of red, yellow, and green for a vibrant look.
Snap peas are also important. A cup of trimmed snap peas adds sweetness and texture. For flavor, you’ll need two tablespoons of soy sauce and one tablespoon of honey. The soy sauce brings saltiness, while honey adds a touch of sweetness.
If you like heat, add one teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. This is optional but gives a nice kick. Don’t forget salt and pepper for seasoning. Finally, fresh parsley will add a pop of color and freshness when you serve the dish.
Now you have everything you need to make a fast and tasty garlic butter shrimp stir-fry!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Ingredients
How to peel and devein shrimp
Start with fresh shrimp. Hold the shrimp in one hand. With the other hand, grab the shell at the top. Peel the shell off by pulling it downwards. Next, locate the dark vein along the back. Use a small knife to make a shallow cut. Pull the vein out with your fingers. Rinse the shrimp under cold water to clean them.
Chopping bell peppers and snap peas
For the bell peppers, wash them well. Cut off the top and bottom. Slice the pepper in half and remove the seeds. Lay each half flat and slice them into thin strips. For snap peas, simply trim the ends with a knife. No need to cut them smaller; they stay whole for a nice crunch.
Cooking Instructions
Melting butter and sautéing garlic
Grab a large skillet or wok and heat it on medium. Add the butter and let it melt. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds. Watch it closely so it doesn’t burn. The garlic should smell amazing and become slightly golden.
Cooking shrimp and adding vegetables
Next, add the peeled shrimp to the skillet. Season them with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes, stirring often. They will turn pink and opaque when done. Once cooked, toss in the sliced bell peppers and snap peas. Stir-fry everything for another 2-3 minutes. The veggies should stay bright and crisp.
Drizzling sauce and finishing touches
Now, drizzle the soy sauce and honey over the shrimp and veggies. If you like heat, add crushed red pepper flakes. Toss all the ingredients together to coat them in the sauce. Cook for one more minute so everything is warm and the sauce sticks to the shrimp and veggies.
Plating the Dish
Best serving suggestions
For a tasty meal, serve the stir-fry over steamed rice or fluffy quinoa. This adds great texture and makes it filling. You can also pair it with noodles for a fun twist.
Garnishing tips
Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top. This adds a pop of color and fresh flavor. For extra crunch, add a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Enjoy your beautiful and vibrant dish!
Tips & Tricks
Enhancing Flavor
You can boost the heat in your dish by adding red pepper flakes. If you like spice, add more flakes for a kick. For variety, try different sauces. You might enjoy teriyaki or sweet chili sauce. These can change the flavor while keeping it simple.
Cooking Techniques
When sautéing shrimp, cook them until they turn pink and opaque. This means they are done. Keep stirring them for even cooking. For the veggies, cook them just enough to stay crunchy. This gives a nice texture to your dish.
Time-Saving Tips
Prep your ingredients ahead of time. Chop veggies and season shrimp before cooking. This cuts down on cooking time. Another tip is to use frozen shrimp and vegetables. They are quick to use and still taste great. Just thaw them before cooking for the best results.
Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap out shrimp for other proteins. Chicken works well and cooks fast. Tofu is a great option for a plant-based meal.
For veggies, bell peppers are tasty, but you can use broccoli or carrots. They add different flavors and textures. Just remember to slice them thin so they cook quickly.
Different Cuisine Influences
Want to spice it up? Add Sriracha for a kick. It brings heat and flavor to the dish.
You can also try coconut milk. It adds creaminess and a hint of sweetness. Just pour it in after you add the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Instead of rice, try serving this stir-fry over noodles. It makes for a fun twist.
You can also use it in wraps or as a salad topping. This gives you more options for meals. Enjoy experimenting with these ideas!
Storage Info
Leftovers Storage
To store leftovers, place the shrimp stir-fry in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and prevents odors. Let the dish cool down first before sealing. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the flavors may fade, and the shrimp may lose its texture.
Reheating Instructions
The best way to reheat the stir-fry is in a skillet over medium heat. This helps keep the shrimp tender and the veggies crisp. Add a splash of water or soy sauce to add moisture. Stir often to avoid burning. You can also use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This method is quick but may soften the veggies more.
Freezing Options
Yes, you can freeze garlic butter shrimp stir-fry! To freeze, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It will last in the freezer for about three months.
To thaw, move the container to the fridge overnight. For a quicker option, place the bag in cool water for about an hour. Reheat in a skillet or microwave after thawing. This helps keep the flavors intact.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just remember to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. This helps them thaw quickly and evenly. Once thawed, peel and devein if needed. You can then follow the recipe as usual. Frozen shrimp can save time and still taste great.
What can I substitute for butter?
If you want to replace butter, try olive oil. It gives a nice flavor and works well. You can also use vegan butter if you want a plant-based option. Both choices will keep your dish rich and tasty. Just use the same amount as stated in the recipe.
How to know when shrimp is fully cooked?
To check if shrimp is done, look for a pink color. It should also be opaque, meaning you can’t see through it. The shrimp will curl into a C shape when cooked. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Avoid overcooking, as this can make shrimp tough and chewy.
This blog post shares a simple shrimp stir-fry recipe. You learned about fresh ingredients, easy cooking steps, and creative variations. You can adjust flavors and save time with tips provided. Remember, you can substitute proteins and veggies for personal taste. Store leftovers properly and enjoy our reheating ideas. Follow these steps for a delightful dish every time. Cooking can be fun and easy, even for beginners. Now, gather your ingredients and start cooking. Enjoy every bite of your creation!
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