Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe
If you are craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that comes together in under 20 minutes, you have to try this Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe. It perfectly balances sweet and savory notes with tender shrimp and crisp vegetables, creating a colorful plate that excites your taste buds and satisfies your hunger in the best way. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or just want a healthy, tasty dinner, this recipe becomes a reliable favorite fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of simple ingredients makes this Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe truly accessible without sacrificing any flavor. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of texture, color, and taste that will make you want to come back for seconds.
- 1 lb. raw shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein that cooks quickly and soaks up all those rich flavors beautifully.
- 1 head broccoli, chopped: Offers crunch and bright green color to the dish.
- 2 bell peppers, sliced: Adds sweetness and vibrant red or yellow hues.
- 2 cups snow peas: Provides a subtle snap and fresh, sweet taste.
- ¼ cup soy sauce: The salty backbone of the sauce, balancing the sweetness.
- ¼ cup honey: Brings natural sweetness and helps create that sticky glaze.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Thickens the sauce, ensuring it clings perfectly to every bite.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the stir fry with aromatic pungency that carries the dish.
- Green onion for garnish: Adds freshness and a gentle oniony kick at the end.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil + 1 teaspoon olive oil: Used for cooking the shrimp and veggies, helping develop flavor and prevent sticking.
How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the sauce
Start by whisking together soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth and well combined. This mixture will turn into a luscious, thick sauce that perfectly coats the shrimp and vegetables later. Setting it aside early saves time for the quick cooking process.
Step 2: Cook the shrimp
Heat a teaspoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp, cooking for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful pink color. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the shrimp to a plate to rest while you cook the veggies. This keeps them tender and prevents overcooking.
Step 3: Sauté the vegetables
Add the remaining olive oil to the same skillet, then toss in the chopped broccoli, sliced bell peppers, and snow peas. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 to 6 minutes until they become tender-crisp and slightly blistered. This gives the dish vibrant color and keeps the veggies fresh and full of life.
Step 4: Add garlic and combine shrimp
Stir the minced garlic into the vegetables and cook for one minute until fragrant. Then return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, mixing everything thoroughly. This step allows the garlic to infuse the entire dish with its flavorful aroma before adding the sauce.
Step 5: Toss with the sauce
Reduce the heat to low and pour your sauce mixture over the shrimp and vegetables. Stir continuously for about 10 seconds until the sauce thickens and evenly coats every ingredient, transforming this dish into a glossy, irresistible stir fry.
Step 6: Garnish and serve
Finish by sprinkling sliced green onions on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately with your favorite steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Adding green onions at the end not only enhances the look but provides a subtle bite that balances the sweetness of the honey. You can also sprinkle sesame seeds or chopped fresh cilantro to elevate the presentation and add a delightful crunch or freshness.
Side Dishes
This stir fry pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which soaks up every drop of that honey garlic sauce. For a lower-carb option, try cauliflower rice or even noodles such as soba or rice noodles to mix up textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe inside lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld version. Alternatively, pile it atop a warm grain bowl with quinoa or farro and a squeeze of lime for an exciting new way to enjoy the same fantastic flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 2 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or a speedy dinner the next day.
Freezing
While shrimp and vegetables can lose some texture after freezing, you can freeze this stir fry by placing it in a freezer-safe container. Consume within a month for best quality. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep the shrimp tender and vegetables crisp. Avoid using a microwave if possible to maintain the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid extra moisture in the pan.
Is there a substitute for cornstarch in the sauce?
You can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch as a thickening alternative. Both work similarly to create that glossy coating.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is naturally mild but bursting with savory and sweet flavors. If you enjoy a bit of heat, adding red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil is an easy way to spice it up.
Can I add other vegetables to the stir fry?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in mushrooms, snap peas, carrots, or baby corn to mix up textures and colors according to your preferences.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy swap.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a home-cooked meal that is quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and feels wholesome. This Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe hits all those marks perfectly. I can’t wait for you to try it and add it to your go-to recipe collection for those days you need a fast but impressive dinner. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A quick and delicious Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry featuring tender shrimp and crisp vegetables tossed in a savory honey garlic sauce. Perfectly balanced with a sweet and tangy glaze, this stir fry is a flavorful weeknight dinner that comes together in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
Vegetables
- 1 head broccoli, chopped
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 2 cups snow peas
Sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Aromatics & Garnish
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Green onion for garnish
Cooking Oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Instructions
- Make the Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch in a bowl until well combined and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook until pink, about 2 minutes per side. Remove shrimp with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add remaining olive oil to the same skillet. Add broccoli, bell peppers, and snow peas. Sauté until blistered and tender-crisp, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Combine: Stir minced garlic into the vegetables and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Return the shrimp to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Thicken the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and pour the prepared sauce over the shrimp and vegetables. Stir for about 10 seconds until the sauce thickens and evenly coats all ingredients.
- Garnish and Serve: Top the stir fry with sliced green onions. Serve immediately over steamed rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the amount of honey for more or less sweetness.
- Substitute vegetables with your favorites or what you have on hand, such as snap peas or carrots.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a full meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian