Name: Spicy Garlic Seafood Stir-Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1/2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1/2 lb calamari, cleaned and scored; 1 tbsp neutral oil (like avocado or canola); 4 garlic cloves, minced; 4–5 dried red chilies; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tbsp chili paste or sambal oelek; 1 tsp sugar; 1/4 cup water or seafood stock; 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry); 1–2 green onions, chopped

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Juicy shrimp and tender calamari are the stars of this bold and flavorful Spicy Garlic Seafood Stir-Fry. Sautéed in a fiery garlic-chili sauce and finished with a glossy, umami-rich glaze, this dish brings restaurant-quality seafood to your table in just 20 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This stir-fry is the perfect blend of heat, sweetness, and umami. The combination of garlic, dried chilies, soy sauce, and oyster sauce delivers an intense, aromatic flavor that clings beautifully to the shrimp and calamari. It’s fast, easy, and incredibly satisfying, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. Serve it over steamed jasmine rice or noodles for a complete, vibrant meal.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

large shrimp, peeled and deveined
calamari, cleaned and scored
neutral oil (avocado or canola)
garlic cloves, minced
dried red chilies
soy sauce
oyster sauce
chili paste or sambal oelek
sugar
water or seafood stock
cornstarch mixed with water (slurry)
green onions, chopped

directions

Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add dried red chilies and minced garlic. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the shrimp and calamari to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, until the shrimp turn pink and the calamari curls slightly.
Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, chili paste (or sambal oelek), sugar, and water or seafood stock. Stir well to combine and coat the seafood.
Let the mixture simmer for 1–2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens and clings to the seafood, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Add the chopped green onions, toss everything together, and remove from heat.
Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice or noodles.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Calories per serving: 310 kcal

Variations

Mixed Seafood: Add mussels, scallops, or white fish chunks for a heartier seafood medley.
Vegetable Boost: Include quick-cooking vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or baby bok choy.
Milder Version: Reduce or omit the dried chilies for a gentler heat.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce alternatives.
Coconut Twist: Add a splash of coconut milk for a creamy, Thai-inspired version.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or stock to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving seafood for too long to prevent overcooking.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp and calamari?

Yes, just be sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.

Is this dish very spicy?

It has a moderate heat level, but you can easily adjust by reducing or omitting the dried chilies and chili paste.

Can I use fresh chilies instead of dried?

Yes, fresh red chilies or Thai bird’s eye chilies can be used for a more intense, fresh heat.

What’s the best type of chili paste to use?

Sambal oelek is recommended, but any chili garlic paste will work. Choose one that matches your preferred heat level.

How do I clean and score calamari?

Clean by removing the head, innards, and skin. Score the body in a crisscross pattern for better texture and presentation.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the sauce and seafood in advance to speed up cooking.

Is oyster sauce necessary?

It adds umami depth, but vegetarian oyster sauce or hoisin sauce can be used as alternatives.

What can I serve this with besides rice?

It pairs well with noodles, quinoa, or even lettuce wraps for a lighter option.

How do I prevent the seafood from becoming rubbery?

Avoid overcooking; shrimp should just turn pink, and calamari should curl slightly—typically in 2–3 minutes.

Can I double the recipe for guests?

Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can affect the sear and texture.

Conclusion

Spicy Garlic Seafood Stir-Fry is a dynamic, flavor-packed dish that’s quick to prepare and perfect for seafood lovers. With bold chili heat, savory sauce, and tender shrimp and calamari, it’s a delicious way to enjoy a restaurant-style meal at home. Simple, satisfying, and ready in minutes—this stir-fry will become a favorite in your weekly rotation.

Spicy Garlic Seafood Stir-Fry

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Juicy shrimp and tender calamari sautéed in a fiery garlic-chili sauce, bursting with umami and perfectly balanced with heat and sweetness.

Author: Mari
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stir-Fry
Cuisine: Asian
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add dried red chilies and garlic, and stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add shrimp and calamari, and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until shrimp turn pink and calamari begins to curl.
Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, chili paste, sugar, and water or stock. Mix well.
Simmer for 1–2 minutes, then add cornstarch slurry. Stir until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the seafood.
Add chopped green onions, toss to combine, and remove from heat.
Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice or noodles.