Shrimp Stir-Fry with Garlic-Lime Soy Glaze

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A Vibrant, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Meal Bursting with Texture and Zing

Juicy shrimp and crisp veggies tossed in a zesty garlic-lime soy sauce—quick, vibrant, and flavorful.

When life gets hectic and you need something delicious, nutritious, and satisfying on the table in under 30 minutes, this Shrimp Stir-Fry with Garlic-Lime Soy Glaze is the hero of your kitchen. It’s bright, garlicky, tangy, slightly sweet, and packed with crunch from vibrant vegetables like broccoli, sugar snap peas, and bell peppers. The shrimp cooks fast and soaks up the intensely flavorful sauce, making every bite a perfect combination of taste and texture.

 Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this stir-fry masterpiece to life:

For the Stir-Fry:

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined; large or jumbo preferred)

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil

  • 1 small head of broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets (about 2 cups)

  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

  • 8 ounces sugar snap peas (roughly 1½ cups)

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely chopped

For the Garlic-Lime Soy Glaze:

  • ½ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce

  • Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)

  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

 Prep Time & Cooking Time

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes

  • Cooking Time: 10 minutes

  • Total Time: 25 minutes

  • Servings: 4

  • Calories per Serving: Approximately 312 kcal

 Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking a stir-fry is all about high heat, quick cook time, and prepared ingredients. This guide will walk you through each stage so you get a perfect stir-fry every time.

 Stage 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Why it’s important:
Stir-frying moves quickly. The key to success is having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you turn on the heat.

What to do:

  1. Peel and devein the shrimp (if not pre-prepared). Pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

  2. Cut vegetables: Slice the red bell pepper into thin strips, break broccoli into small florets, and trim sugar snap peas if needed.

  3. Mince the garlic and finely chop fresh ginger.

  4. Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, lime juice, light brown sugar, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes until smooth. Set aside.

 Stage 2: Cook the Shrimp

Why it’s important:
Shrimp cook very fast and become rubbery if overdone. A quick sear locks in moisture and flavor.

Steps:

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.

  2. Season shrimp with a pinch of kosher salt and pepper.

  3. Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook 2 to 3 minutes per side or until they turn pink and opaque. Do not overcrowd—you may need to do this in batches.

  4. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.

 Stage 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Why it’s important:
You want the vegetables to remain vibrant and slightly crisp—not mushy—to maintain that classic stir-fry texture.

Steps:

  1. Add 1 tablespoon sesame oil to the same skillet.

  2. Add broccoli florets, bell pepper slices, and sugar snap peas.

  3. Stir-fry over medium heat for about 7 minutes, or until vegetables are bright and slightly tender but still have crunch.

  4. Add minced garlic and ginger, stirring constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant.

 Stage 4: Add the Garlic-Lime Soy Glaze

Why it’s important:
This is where flavor magic happens. The sauce thickens quickly due to the cornstarch, coating the vegetables and shrimp evenly.

Steps:

  1. Give the sauce a final stir to redistribute the cornstarch (it settles at the bottom).

  2. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the vegetables.

  3. Stir constantly for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the vegetables.

  4. Add shrimp back to the skillet. Toss everything together for another 1–2 minutes to heat the shrimp through and combine flavors.

 Final Stage: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the stir-fry hot from the skillet. You can serve it as-is for a low-carb, high-protein meal or over a bed of:

  • Steamed jasmine rice

  • Quinoa

  • Brown rice

  • Soba or ramen noodles

  • Cauliflower rice (for keto-friendly option)

Garnish with sesame seeds, lime wedges, or fresh cilantro if desired.

 Calories and Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: ~312 kcal

  • Protein: 28g

  • Fat: 15g

  • Carbohydrates: 16g

  • Sugar: 6g

  • Fiber: 3g

  • Sodium: ~820mg (can be reduced by using low-sodium soy sauce)

 Expert Tips for the Best Shrimp Stir-Fry

 1. Prep Everything First

Stir-frying is lightning fast. Once you start, you won’t have time to chop or measure. Line everything up in bowls before turning on the stove.

 2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

If you’re using a small skillet, cook the shrimp in batches. Overcrowding steams the shrimp instead of searing them.

 3. Customize the Veggies

This recipe is very forgiving. You can use a variety of stir-fry-friendly vegetables. Consider adding:

  • Baby corn

  • Carrots (julienned)

  • Zucchini

  • Mushrooms

  • Green beans

  • Bok choy

 4. Make It Spicier

Want more kick? Add extra crushed red pepper flakes, chili garlic paste, or even a splash of Sriracha to the sauce.

 5. Thicker Sauce?

Let the sauce simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken. Don’t skip stirring—it can burn fast due to sugar.

 6. Use Fresh Shrimp

Fresh or frozen shrimp both work well, but if using frozen, make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry.

 7. Storage Tips

Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. Avoid freezing—the veggies will lose their texture.

 How to Serve Shrimp Stir-Fry

This versatile recipe works well for different occasions:

 Weeknight Dinner:

Serve with quick-cook white rice or noodles for a fast dinner.

 Meal Prep:

Portion with brown rice and pack into containers for the week. Sauce holds up beautifully.

 Low-Carb Option:

Swap the base for cauliflower rice or serve over steamed green beans.

 With Sides:

Pair with Asian cucumber salad, egg rolls, or miso soup for a fuller spread.

 Why This Recipe Works

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes. Ideal for busy nights.

  • Customizable: Change up the veggies or sauce based on your preferences.

  • Healthy Yet Satisfying: High protein, low-calorie, loaded with fiber and nutrients.

  • Family-Friendly: Kids love the sweet-savory sauce and colorful veggies.

 Shopping List (Summary)

  • Shrimp (1 lb)

  • Olive oil & sesame oil

  • Broccoli, red bell pepper, sugar snap peas

  • Garlic, ginger, lime

  • Soy sauce, light brown sugar, cornstarch

  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

  • Salt, black pepper

Final Thoughts

This Shrimp Stir-Fry with Garlic-Lime Soy Glaze is a celebration of quick cooking and bold flavor. Whether you’re eating clean, meal prepping, or just need something delicious in a pinch, it ticks all the boxes. With a tangy, garlicky glaze that brings together juicy shrimp and crisp veggies, it’s a dish you’ll make again and again.

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