If you’re craving a light yet flavorful dish that’s bursting with freshness and texture, Shrimp and Snow Pea Stir-Fry in Garlic Sauce is the perfect choice. This Asian-inspired recipe is a vibrant, colorful combination of tender shrimp, crisp snow peas, and a savory garlic sauce that ties everything together beautifully. It’s a dish that celebrates the balance between simplicity and flavor — where fresh ingredients meet bold, aromatic seasonings in just minutes.

This dish proves that with just a few fresh ingredients and a sizzling hot wok, you can create restaurant-quality results right at home.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this Shrimp and Snow Pea Stir-Fry because it’s everything I want in a weekday dinner — fast, flavorful, and full of wholesome ingredients. It takes less than 25 minutes from start to finish, yet it tastes as though you’ve spent hours perfecting it.

Plus, it’s endlessly customizable. You can add more veggies, make it spicy, or even swap the shrimp for chicken or tofu. It’s a dish that feels both comforting and refreshing every single time.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This recipe is a must-try because it captures the essence of Asian stir-fry cooking — quick, flavorful, and nourishing. The combination of shrimp and snow peas creates a perfect balance of protein and greens, while the garlic sauce adds that irresistible depth of flavor.

If you love restaurant-style Chinese or Thai stir-fries, you’ll adore this homemade version — it’s cleaner, fresher, and even better.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~280 kcal per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Asian / Chinese-Inspired

Ingredients

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups snow peas, trimmed
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional, for color and sweetness)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil for flavor)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

For the Garlic Sauce:

• 3 tbsp soy sauce (use low-sodium if preferred)
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• ¼ cup chicken broth or water
• 1½ tsp cornstarch (for thickening)
• ½ tsp chili flakes or sriracha (optional, for spice)

For Garnish:

• Sesame seeds
• Extra green onions or chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges (optional)

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, honey, broth, and cornstarch.
2. Stir until smooth and well combined, then set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp and Vegetables

1. Pat shrimp dry with a paper towel — this helps them sear beautifully.
2. Trim the ends of the snow peas and slice the bell pepper thinly.
3. Have all ingredients ready — stir-frying happens quickly!

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1½–2 minutes per side, just until pink and opaque.
3. Remove shrimp and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

1. In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil.
2. Add garlic and ginger — stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add snow peas and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, until crisp-tender and bright in color.

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Return shrimp to the pan.
2. Pour in the prepared garlic sauce.
3. Toss everything together, stirring constantly, for about 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the shrimp and vegetables evenly.

Step 6: Serve

1. Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, or cilantro.
2. Serve hot with steamed rice, jasmine rice, or noodles.

How to Serve

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve over a bed of jasmine rice or brown rice for a wholesome meal.
• Pair with stir-fried noodles or quinoa for a fusion twist.
• Add a drizzle of sesame oil and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for extra brightness.

This dish also pairs beautifully with sides like:

• Vegetable spring rolls
• Miso soup
• Asian cucumber salad

Recipe Tips

• High heat is key — cook quickly to preserve texture and color.
• Do not overcook shrimp — once they curl and turn pink, they’re done.
• Prep everything before you start — stir-fries move fast.
• Add sauce at the end to prevent it from burning.
• Adjust sweetness or saltiness — taste the sauce before adding it to balance flavors.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Shrimp Stir-Fry:
   Add chili paste, sriracha, or fresh red chilies to the garlic sauce for heat.
2. Garlic Butter Version:
   Use butter instead of oil for a rich, slightly creamy garlic flavor.
3. Vegetable Add-Ins:
   Broccoli, snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms all make great additions.
4. Teriyaki Shrimp Stir-Fry:
   Replace hoisin sauce with teriyaki sauce for a sweeter, Japanese-inspired twist.
5. Low-Carb Option:
   Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of regular rice.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration:
  Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing:
  It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Reheat gently in a skillet to avoid rubbery shrimp.
• Reheating:
  Reheat in a hot wok or skillet with a splash of water to refresh the sauce — avoid microwaving too long.

Special Equipment Needed

• Wok or large nonstick skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Tongs or spatula
• Measuring spoons and cups

FAQ

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking for best results.

Q2: Can I use other vegetables?
Absolutely — bell peppers, broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas work perfectly.

Q3: What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
Use hoisin sauce or soy sauce mixed with a little fish sauce for similar flavor depth.

Q4: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep all the ingredients and sauce ahead, but cook just before serving for freshness.

Q5: How can I make it gluten-free?
Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce, and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free.

Conclusion

The Shrimp and Snow Pea Stir-Fry in Garlic Sauce is a shining example of how simple ingredients can create extraordinary results. It’s light, vibrant, and packed with flavor — tender shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a savory-sweet garlic sauce that brings everything together beautifully.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy meal that doesn’t compromise on taste, this dish delivers every time. It’s colorful, nutritious, and satisfying — a perfect balance of freshness and indulgence.