Easy 15-min. Thai Garlic Fried Shrimp
Succulent shrimp stir-fried with fragrant aromatics, fish sauce, and a hint of sesame. This one-pan, easy Thai garlic fried shrimp uses simple ingredients and is ready in 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. It's a restaurant-quality main that's both family-friendly and budget-friendly.
- Prep time
- 10 min
- Cook time
- 5 min
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- MEDIUM
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 1 lb jumbo shrimp (or extra jumbo shrimp)
- 1 green onion (finely chopped)
- 1 large red chili pepper (or use bird's eye chili for extra spicy)
- 1 small shallot (chopped)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tsp ginger (thinly sliced)
- 1/3 cup cornstarch (/ potato starch, add more if needed)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- 2 tsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp white granulated sugar (or granulated cane sugar)
Instructions
- 1
If needed, peel and devein the shrimp. You can remove the tails or leave them on if you wish. Rinse the shrimp with running cold water until the water runs clear. Strain and shake out excess water.
- 2
Then transfer the shrimp to a large bowl and pat dry with clean paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
- 3
Add cornstarch and toss to evenly coat the shrimp. If needed, add more cornstarch. Residual starch in the bowl is normal.
- 4
Then heat 3 tbsp (45 mL) vegetable oil in a large pan on medium heat. Fry the shrimp on both sides just until pink, curled, and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- 5
Add the remaining oil into the pan and sauté red chili, green onions, shallot, garlic, and ginger for 15 seconds, or slightly softened.
- 6
Add the cooked shrimp, followed by sugar, fish sauce, and sesame oil in order. Toss until evenly coated, about 15-30 seconds. Remove from heat and enjoy!