Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Snow Pea Stir-Fry is a vibrant, zesty, and nutritious dish that comes together in under 30 minutes—making it a go-to for busy weeknights or a light yet satisfying weekend dinner. This stir-fry combines juicy shrimp, crisp snow peas, and a flavorful lemon-garlic sauce that’s sweet, savory, and just a little spicy. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s gluten-free adaptable and high in protein, perfect for serving over rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups snow peas, ends trimmed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or sesame oil), divided
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
1. Prepare the Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, combine:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Whisk well and set aside. This sauce brings brightness and balance, giving the dish its signature zing.
2. Cook the Shrimp
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tbsp of oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and sear:
- 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside. Be careful not to overcook them—shrimp cook quickly and can become rubbery if left too long.
3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tbsp of oil. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
Add the snow peas and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, just until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
4. Combine Everything
Return the shrimp to the pan. Pour in the prepared lemon-garlic sauce, and stir-fry for another 1–2 minutes, until everything is coated and warmed through.
5. Serve and Garnish
Plate the stir-fry over your base of choice—rice, quinoa, soba noodles, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Garnish with:
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
- Optional: a drizzle of toasted sesame oil or additional lemon wedges for extra flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20–25 minutes, making it ideal for weeknights.
- Nutritious: High in lean protein from shrimp and loaded with fiber and vitamins from snow peas.
- Flavorful: A perfect blend of tangy lemon, sweet honey, salty soy, and savory garlic.
- One-Pan Meal: Easy cleanup and minimal dishes.
- Customizable: Adjust spice levels, swap vegetables, or try a different protein like tofu or chicken.
Tips for the Perfect Stir-Fry
Use Fresh or Properly Thawed Shrimp
- If using frozen shrimp, thaw them overnight in the fridge or under cold running water. Pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.
High Heat is Crucial
- Stir-frying requires high heat to quickly sear ingredients. This keeps shrimp juicy and vegetables crisp.
Keep Snow Peas Crisp
- Don’t overcook snow peas—they only need 2–3 minutes to become tender-crisp while maintaining their vibrant green color and crunch.
Taste and Adjust the Sauce
- If you like a brighter flavor, add more lemon juice.
- For more sweetness, increase the honey slightly.
- Add a splash of rice vinegar or hoisin sauce if you want extra depth.
Variations & Substitutions
- Vegetables: Substitute snow peas with snap peas, asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers.
- Protein Options: Try this recipe with tofu, chicken, or tempeh for different textures and flavors.
- Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this dish with:
- Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
- Fried rice or garlic noodles
- Asian slaw or miso soup
- A side of spring rolls for a fuller meal
Storage and Meal Prep
Store:
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat:
- Gently reheat in a pan over medium heat for best texture. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Meal Prep:
- You can marinate the shrimp and prep the sauce and veggies ahead of time for faster cooking during the week.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
A: Yes, but you’ll only need to warm them up. Add them at the very end when the sauce is being tossed with the vegetables.
Q: How do I keep the shrimp from being rubbery?
A: Shrimp should be cooked quickly over high heat, about 2–3 minutes per side, just until pink and opaque.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! While it’s best fresh, you can prepare and refrigerate the sauce and veggies a day in advance. Stir-fry everything fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Q: Is this dish spicy?
A: Only slightly, due to the optional red pepper flakes. Omit them or reduce the amount if you’re sensitive to spice.
Q: What can I use instead of snow peas?
A: You can substitute with sugar snap peas, asparagus, green beans, or even zucchini.
Conclusion
Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Snow Pea Stir-Fry is the perfect blend of fresh, bright, and savory flavors. With quick prep, customizable ingredients, and crowd-pleasing taste, this dish will easily become a staple in your home. Whether you’re craving something light, healthy, or just different from your typical weeknight fare, this stir-fry offers all the bold flavors you love—with a citrusy twist.
So the next time you need a quick dinner idea, grab some shrimp, snow peas, and a lemon—you’re just 20 minutes away from a truly delicious meal.