Stir-Fried Shrimp is a popular Thai seafood dish that combines juicy shrimp, crisp vegetables, garlic, and a savory oyster sauce-based stir-fry sauce. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, this dish is commonly found in Thai homes, street-food stalls, and restaurants throughout Thailand.

The natural sweetness of fresh shrimp pairs perfectly with aromatic garlic, colorful vegetables, and a rich yet balanced sauce, creating a meal that is both satisfying and easy to prepare.

What Is Stir-Fried Shrimp?

Stir-Fried Shrimp, known in Thailand as Goong Pad Nam Man Hoi, is a classic wok-fried seafood dish. Fresh shrimp are quickly cooked over high heat with vegetables and a flavorful combination of oyster sauce, fish sauce, soy sauce, and seasonings.

The result is a light yet delicious stir-fry that highlights the fresh taste of shrimp while delivering the bold flavors that make Thai cuisine famous.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare
  • Ready in under 30 minutes
  • Packed with authentic Thai flavors
  • High in protein and low in fat
  • Perfect for lunch or dinner
  • Restaurant-quality results at home

Ingredients

For the Stir-Fry

  • 500g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup baby corn, sliced
  • 2 spring onions, cut into 2-inch pieces

For the Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon palm sugar
  • 3 tablespoons chicken or seafood stock
  • ½ teaspoon white pepper

Garnish

  • Fresh cilantro
  • Sliced red chilies
  • Lime wedges

Preparation Information

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4

Difficulty Level: Easy

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry.

If necessary, peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on or off according to preference.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine:

  • Oyster sauce
  • Fish sauce
  • Soy sauce
  • Palm sugar
  • Seafood stock
  • White pepper

Mix until the sugar dissolves completely.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Aromatics

Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.

Add minced garlic and stir-fry for about 20 seconds until fragrant.

Add sliced onion and cook for 1 minute.

Step 4: Cook the Vegetables

Add:

  • Red bell pepper
  • Green bell pepper
  • Baby corn

Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.

Step 5: Add the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the wok.

Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.

Step 6: Add the Sauce

Pour the prepared sauce over the shrimp and vegetables.

Stir well and cook for another 1–2 minutes until everything is evenly coated.

Step 7: Finish the Dish

Add spring onions and stir briefly.

Remove from heat immediately.

Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced chilies.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with:

  • Steamed jasmine rice
  • Garlic fried rice
  • Pineapple fried rice
  • Brown rice

For a complete Thai meal, pair with:

  • Thai Herbal Soup
  • Papaya Salad
  • Stir-Fried Morning Glory
  • Fresh Vegetable Platter

Chef's Tips

Don't Overcook the Shrimp

Shrimp cook very quickly.

Once they turn pink and opaque, remove them from the heat to keep them juicy and tender.

Use High Heat

A hot wok creates authentic stir-fry flavor and helps maintain the texture of the vegetables.

Use Fresh Shrimp

Fresh shrimp provide the sweetest flavor and best texture.

Add Extra Vegetables

Great additions include:

  • Mushrooms
  • Snow peas
  • Carrots
  • Broccoli
  • Bok choy

Popular Variations

Thai Basil Shrimp

Add Thai basil leaves during the final minute of cooking for a fragrant herbal flavor.

Garlic Pepper Shrimp

Increase garlic and add freshly cracked black pepper for a bold, savory variation.

Spicy Chili Shrimp

Add bird's eye chilies and Thai chili paste for extra heat.

Seafood Combination Stir-Fry

Combine shrimp with:

  • Squid
  • Mussels
  • Fish
  • Scallops

For a deluxe seafood dish.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Freezer

Not recommended, as cooked shrimp may become rubbery after thawing.

Reheating

Reheat quickly in a hot skillet for 1–2 minutes until warmed through.

Avoid overcooking.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250
  • Protein: 29g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fat: 10g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sodium: 820mg

Perfect Beverage Pairings

Serve Stir-Fried Shrimp with:

  • Thai Lemon Tea
  • Coconut Water
  • Pandan Drink
  • Fresh Pineapple Juice

These refreshing beverages complement the sweet flavor of the shrimp and balance the savory sauce.

Final Thoughts

Stir-Fried Shrimp is a timeless Thai seafood favorite that combines succulent shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a rich savory sauce in a quick and delicious meal. Easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet flavorful enough for entertaining guests, this dish captures the essence of Thai stir-fry cooking. Serve it with steamed jasmine rice and enjoy an authentic taste of Thailand in every bite