Asian Garlic Shrimp recipe is an explosion of flavors and textures: juicy shrimp, savory garlic, and a mix of Asian-inspired seasonings that make it irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil gives the shrimp a bold, savory taste.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe only takes about 15 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight.
- Healthy and Versatile: High in protein and low in carbs, this dish fits well into many diets, including keto and paleo.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before diving into the recipe, let’s go over the ingredients that give this dish its distinct Asian-inspired flavor:
- Shrimp: Fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds a rich, pungent aroma.
- Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce for a balanced flavor.
- Sesame Oil: A small amount goes a long way, adding depth to the flavor profile.
- Honey or Brown Sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the savory notes.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger (minced) brings warmth and spice.
- Green Onions: Garnish with sliced green onions for added freshness.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but great if you enjoy a little heat.
Optional Ingredients
Fish Sauce: A splash for umami depth.
Lime Juice: For a citrusy brightness.
Cilantro: Adds a fresh herbaceous note if you love cilantro.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Asian Garlic Shrimp
- Pat Shrimp Dry: This helps achieve a nice sear and prevents excess moisture.
- Preheat the Pan: Make sure the skillet or wok is hot before adding shrimp, ensuring they cook quickly without overcooking.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger are key for authentic flavors.
- Control the Heat: Adjust the red pepper flakes to your spice tolerance, or omit for a milder flavor.
Variations of Asian Garlic Shrimp
There’s plenty of room to customize this recipe to your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas:
Honey Garlic Shrimp: Increase the honey or brown sugar to make the dish sweeter and slightly caramelized.
Spicy Asian Garlic Shrimp: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to increase the spice level.
Lemon-Garlic Shrimp: Substitute lime juice with lemon and add a sprinkle of zest for a citrusy twist.
Vegetable Stir-Fry: Add bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for a complete one-pan meal.
How to Serve Asian Garlic Shrimp
This shrimp dish pairs wonderfully with various sides:
- Steamed Jasmine or Basmati Rice: A classic choice to soak up the sauce.
- Noodles: Serve over lo mein or rice noodles for an Asian-inspired meal.
- Vegetables: Try steamed or sautéed bok choy, broccoli, or snap peas.
- Lettuce Wraps: Wrap the shrimp in butter lettuce leaves for a low-carb, fresh option.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and enjoy them later:
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze for up to 2 months. Allow the shrimp to cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Reheat: For best results, reheat on the stovetop in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to revive the sauce. Avoid using the microwave, as shrimp can easily become overcooked and rubbery.
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes, frozen shrimp works great! Just be sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the sauce in advance, but it’s best to cook the shrimp right before serving for the freshest flavor and texture.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: To make it gluten-free, substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce.
Q: What can I use instead of sesame oil?
A: Olive oil or a mild vegetable oil works as a substitute, though it will slightly alter the flavor.
Q: Can I make this recipe in the oven?
A: Yes! Simply marinate the shrimp and spread them on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, brushing them with extra sauce halfway through.
Asian Garlic Shrimp (Chinese)
Asian Garlic Shrimp recipe is an explosion of flavors and textures: juicy shrimp, savory garlic, and a mix of Asian-inspired seasonings that make it irresistible.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 10 oz shrimp
- 3 tbsp corn oil (or other neutral oil)
- 5 clove garlic
Shrimp Seasoning
- 1 ½ tsp cornstarch
- ¼ tsp garlic salt
Dry Seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- ¼ tsp sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp white pepper
Instructions
- Snip off the legs, shape the tails into sharp diamonds if you’d like, and remove the vein with a toothpick. For large shrimp, slit the backs to help the seasoning seep in and make them easier to peel later.
- Toss the prepped shrimp in ¼ tsp garlic salt and coat with 1 ½ tsp cornstarch. This gives the shrimp a lovely crispiness when cooked.
- Lightly smash garlic cloves to peel, then give them a good smash to release all that garlic goodness before roughly mincing. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix garlic salt, sugar, salt, black pepper, and white pepper. This blend will add layers of flavor to the dish.
- Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a pan over high heat. Lower to medium and arrange the shrimp, straightening each as you place it in. Let them cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes, until the bottoms turn red.
- Add an extra tbsp of oil around the pan’s edge, then flip each shrimp individually with tongs or chopsticks. Cook another 2 minutes until they turn a reddish-orange hue. Remove shrimp from the pan.
- Without cleaning the pan, add the minced garlic, turn the heat to low, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant and golden.
- Add the shrimp back to the pan, tossing to coat with the garlic. Sprinkle in the dry seasoning a bit at a time, stirring gently to avoid clumps.
- Plate the shrimp and make sure to get every bit of crispy garlic from the pan – it’s pure flavor gold! Serve this savory dish over rice or noodles for a delightful meal.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 189Total Fat 11gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 149mgSodium 1312mgCarbohydrates 4gFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 17g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Asian Garlic Shrimp is a simple yet satisfying dish that’s packed with flavor and texture. Perfect for weeknight dinners or even special occasions, this recipe is incredibly versatile and easily adaptable. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or prefer a milder dish, there’s room to tailor the flavors to your taste.
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