Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry

Introduction

Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors tossed with fresh vegetables and juicy shrimp. It’s a quick, easy, and healthy meal that can be made in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The honey garlic sauce coats the shrimp and veggies beautifully, creating a glossy finish with incredible flavor.

This dish brings together the freshness of seafood, the crunch of vegetables, and the richness of a simple homemade sauce. Pair it with rice or noodles, and you’ve got a complete, satisfying dinner that everyone will love.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s:

• Fast: Ready in less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Healthy: Packed with protein from shrimp and nutrients from colorful veggies.
• Deliciously balanced: Sweet honey, savory soy, and garlicky goodness make every bite irresistible.
• Versatile: Works with almost any vegetables you have on hand.

It’s a dish that feels like takeout but is homemade, healthier, and customizable.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Perfect weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
• A great way to eat more vegetables in a fun and tasty way.
• Feels restaurant-quality but is super simple to make.
• Family-friendly—kids and adults both love the honey garlic flavor.

Recipe Details

• Cuisine: Asian-inspired
• Course: Main Course
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~310 kcal per serving (without rice/noodles)

Ingredients

For the Shrimp & Vegetables:

• 1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 carrot, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or sesame oil for more flavor)
• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

• ⅓ cup honey
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry for thickening)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Whisk honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger into a sauce.
2. Cook shrimp until pink, remove from skillet.
3. Stir-fry vegetables until crisp-tender.
4. Add shrimp back, pour in sauce, and toss until coated and thickened.

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Make the Sauce
   In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Set aside.
2. Cook the Shrimp
   Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Season shrimp lightly with salt and pepper. Cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
3. Cook the Vegetables
   Add remaining oil to the skillet. Stir-fry broccoli, bell pepper, and carrots for 4–5 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
4. Combine with Sauce
   Return shrimp to the skillet. Pour sauce over shrimp and veggies. Stir well. Add cornstarch slurry and cook for another 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens and everything is well coated.
5. Finish and Serve
   Remove from heat. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions if desired. Serve hot.

How to Serve

• With steamed jasmine rice or brown rice.
• Over lo mein or rice noodles.
• With a side of fried rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcook shrimp—they only need a few minutes.
• Cut vegetables into similar sizes so they cook evenly.
• Use a wok if possible for best stir fry results.
• Add chili flakes or sriracha if you prefer a spicy kick.

Variations

• Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp: Add sriracha or red chili flakes to the sauce.
• Teriyaki Style: Replace honey with brown sugar and add 1 tsp rice vinegar.
• Extra Veggies: Add snap peas, zucchini, or baby corn.
• Low-Carb Version: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked shrimp and sauce (without veggies) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheating Tip: Warm gently on the stovetop to avoid overcooking shrimp.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or wok
• Mixing bowl
• Spatula or wooden spoon

FAQ

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw and pat dry before cooking.

Q2: Can I use chicken instead of shrimp?
Absolutely! Thinly sliced chicken breast works great but will need 5–6 minutes to cook through.

Q3: Do I have to use cornstarch?
No, it’s optional. It just thickens the sauce—skip it for a lighter glaze.

Q4: Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, prep the sauce and chop veggies in advance. Cook shrimp fresh for best results.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry is the perfect mix of fast, healthy, and flavorful cooking. With juicy shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a glossy honey garlic sauce, this dish is a complete crowd-pleaser. It’s versatile enough to adapt with your favorite veggies, quick enough for a busy evening, and satisfying enough to feel like a restaurant-quality dinner at home. Once you try it, this will become a go-to stir fry recipe in your kitchen.