How to Stir-Fry Shrimp

Stir-fried shrimp come together in minutes. Here is how to keep them tender and pick up plenty of flavor.

What you'll need

Peeled, deveined shrimp, a little oil, aromatics like garlic and ginger, and your vegetables and sauce. Have everything prepped and within reach before you start, because stir-frying moves fast.

Step by step

1. Heat the pan until very hot and add oil.
2. Add aromatics briefly for fragrance, then add the shrimp in a single layer.
3. Let them sear for a moment, then keep them moving until they turn pink and opaque.
4. Because shrimp cook so quickly, many recipes remove them once just done and return them at the end so they do not overcook while the vegetables finish.

Tips for best results

A screaming-hot pan is essential for a good stir-fry — it sears the shrimp instead of steaming them. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if needed. Add the shrimp back at the very end just to warm through in the sauce.

Related guides

• Stir-Frying Guide
• Shrimp: Ingredient Guide

Recipes to try

• Thai Stir-Fried Lemon Herb Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles
• Spicy Chili Grilled Shrimp with Lemon Herb Rice
• Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp with Lemon Herb Couscous
• Spicy Chili Grilled Shrimp Skewers
• Thai Spicy Chili Grilled Shrimp Skewers
• Thai Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp
• Thai Grilled Coconut Lime Shrimp
• Thai Stir-Fried Shrimp with Coconut Lime
• Thai Grilled Shrimp with Coconut Lime Sauce
• Thai Grilled Lemongrass Shrimp Skewers
• Spicy Chili Grilled Shrimp with Lemon Herb Quinoa
• Thai Stir-Fried Lemongrass Shrimp

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