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A vibrant stir-fry dish featuring plump shrimp and fresh zucchini slices.

Zesty Garlic Shrimp and Zucchini Stir Fry

This quick and easy Zesty Garlic Shrimp and Zucchini Stir Fry is packed with flavor and perfect for a weeknight meal. Juicy shrimp and tender crisp zucchini are tossed in a savory garlic-ginger sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Small bowl
  • Whisk
  • Paper towels
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Large wok or skillet
  • Spatula or tongs

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound large shrimp
  • 2 medium zucchini
  • 3-4 cloves garlic
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Sauce

  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water or chicken broth

For Cooking and Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or peanut oil
  • Toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
  • Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)

Instructions
 

The Sauce

  • In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water or broth. Set aside.

Preparation

  • Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Cut the zucchini into uniform half-moons or sticks.

Cooking

  • Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until lightly smoking.
  • Add shrimp to the hot pan in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  • Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the wok, then add minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add zucchini to the wok and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
  • Return shrimp to the wok, re-whisk the sauce, and pour it over the shrimp and zucchini.
  • Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats all ingredients. Remove from heat.

Serving

  • Serve hot, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.

Notes

For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes. Adjust soy sauce to taste if you prefer less sodium. Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal.