Getting a healthy dinner on the table takes just 15 minutes with this Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe. It’s all about a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors that easily come together in a single pan—ideal for weeknights when time is tight but you want something delicious.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I first made this honey garlic shrimp stir fry on a busy weeknight when I had just 20 minutes before dinner company arrived, and it turned into an instant favorite at the table. The interplay of fresh veggies with tender shrimp and that sticky, flavorful sauce makes this much more than a quick meal—it’s a little celebration in your skillet.
- Speedy and Simple: From prep to plate in just about 15 minutes—no complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.
- Flavor-packed Sauce: Honey, garlic, and soy sauce combine to create a balanced glaze that clings perfectly to shrimp and veggies.
- Versatile Veggies: Swap in your favorites like carrots or mushrooms, making it easy to customize and use what’s in your fridge.
- Nutrient-rich: Loads of protein and colorful vegetables make this a healthy, satisfying dinner you’ll want to repeat.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe plays a key role—from the tender, juicy shrimp to the crisp vegetables and the sticky-sweet sauce that brings it all together. Here’s why I love what goes in the skillet:
- Shrimp: Fresh or thawed frozen shrimp really soak up that honey garlic sauce and cook super fast, making dinner a breeze.
- Broccoli: Adds crunch and vibrant green color; you want it tender-crisp for the perfect bite.
- Bell Peppers: Their natural sweetness and slight smokiness when blistered balance the garlic and soy flavors beautifully.
- Snow Peas: These snap with just a quick sauté and bring a fresh, light texture to the mix.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides an aromatic punch that’s essential for this recipe’s signature flavor.
- Soy Sauce: The salty umami backbone, it pairs perfectly with the honey’s sweetness.
- Honey: Offers natural sweetness and helps thicken the sauce with cornstarch.
- Cornstarch: A small addition that turns the sauce into a luscious glaze clinging to every piece.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing, it adds mild richness and helps cook everything evenly without overpowering flavors.
- Green Onion: A fresh garnish that adds a bit of bite and color to finish the dish.
Make It Your Way
I’m all about making recipes feel like they’re truly yours, so I love tossing in different veggies based on what’s fresh or what I have leftover. Plus, this stir fry is forgiving, so you can turn it into a gluten-free or lower-sodium dish with a few easy swaps.
- Variation: When I want a little extra heat, I add red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha right in with the sauce—it brightens things up and balances the sweetness.
- Vegetable Swaps: If broccoli isn’t your thing, use cauliflower or snap green beans instead—they all work beautifully.
- Protein Alternates: Cooked chicken or tofu both can replace shrimp if you want to change things up or feed vegetarians.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together That Perfect Sauce
I always start by mixing the soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Whisk it until the cornstarch dissolves completely—this prevents lumps and ensures your sauce thickens smoothly. Set it aside while you prep everything else.
Step 2: Cook Shrimp Just Right
Heat a teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat in a large, deep skillet. Add the peeled, deveined shrimp and cook them about 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Don’t overcook or they’ll get rubbery! Use a slotted spoon to remove them and keep them warm.
Step 3: Sauté Your Veggies
In the same skillet, add the remaining oil, then toss in the broccoli, bell peppers, and snow peas. Stir frequently for 5 to 6 minutes until the peppers start to blister and the veggies are tender but still crisp. This texture contrast makes the dish pop!
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Add the minced garlic and cooked shrimp back to the skillet, then sauté everything together for just one more minute. Lower the heat and pour in the sauce you whisked earlier. Stir for about 10 seconds until the sauce thickens into a glossy coat that clings to every bite.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
Top the stir fry with sliced green onions for that fresh, mildly sharp finish. Serve it over steamed rice (or cauliflower rice if you want a low-carb option) and dig in.
Top Tip
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this honey garlic shrimp stir fry even better and easier. Trust me, these subtle tweaks make your cooking experience smoother and your results tastier!
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook shrimp in batches if needed to get a nice sear instead of steaming them.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Minced garlic gives a vibrant flavor—avoid pre-minced from a jar if you can.
- Prep All Ingredients Beforehand: Stir fries cook quickly, so chopping everything first saves you from scrambling.
- Thicken Sauce Slowly: Reduce heat before adding sauce and stir continuously to prevent lumps and burning.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish this stir fry with sliced green onions for that pop of fresh flavor and a handful of toasted sesame seeds sometimes—both add a nice texture contrast. A small squeeze of fresh lime juice can brighten things up even more if you’re feeling fancy.
Side Dishes
This dish shines served over jasmine or basmati rice, but I also love it with quinoa or even spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter take. Simple steamed rice or a cold Asian cucumber salad balances the warmth and sweetness really well.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I’ve put this stir fry in lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held dinner, or plated it alongside coconut rice and sprinkled with crushed peanuts for an extra layer of texture. It’s surprisingly versatile!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying dinner, I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 2 days, but I recommend reheating gently to preserve the shrimp’s texture and the veggies’ crispness.
Freezing
I don’t freeze this shrimp stir fry often because shrimp can become rubbery when frozen and reheated, but if you do, freeze just the cooked veggies and sauce separately to mix in fresh shrimp later for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring often. If the sauce gets too thick, splash in a bit of water or broth to loosen it. Avoid microwaving for too long, which can overcook the shrimp.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! You can definitely use pre-cooked shrimp to save time—just thaw it fully and add it during the last minute or so of cooking to warm through without overcooking.
The recipe calls for broccoli, bell peppers, and snow peas, but carrots, mushrooms, edamame, or cauliflower are all excellent alternatives depending on what you like or have on hand.
Avoid overcooking by cooking shrimp only about 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them immediately from the heat to keep them tender and juicy.
Yes! Use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and double-check your other ingredients to keep this dish gluten-free without compromising flavor. It’s an easy swap!
Final Thoughts
This Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe is one of those dishes I find myself coming back to when I want a quick, flavorful meal without fuss. It’s adaptable, fresh, and always satisfying—plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it becomes one of your go-to weeknight wins!
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Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A quick and delicious Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry featuring tender shrimp and fresh vegetables in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner served over rice.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Vegetables
- 1 lb. raw shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 head broccoli chopped
- 2 bell peppers sliced
- 2 cups snow peas
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- Green onion for garnish
Sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: Whisk together the soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth and set aside to combine the flavors and thicken later.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the raw shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil, then add the chopped broccoli, sliced bell peppers, and snow peas. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the peppers are blistered and vegetables are tender crisp, about 5 to 6 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cooked shrimp, sauté together for 1 minute to combine flavors.
- Thicken the sauce: Lower the heat to low, then pour the prepared sauce into the skillet. Stir continuously for about 10 seconds, or until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the shrimp and vegetables.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions on top. Serve the stir fry hot over steamed rice and enjoy your meal.
Notes
- You can use thawed, cooked shrimp instead of raw shrimp; just warm them briefly in the skillet.
- Feel free to substitute or add vegetables like carrots, edamame, mushrooms, or cauliflower for variety.
- Serve over white or brown rice for a complete meal.
- Make sure to stir the sauce continuously to prevent lumps and ensure it thickens properly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 409 kcal
- Sugar: 33 g
- Sodium: 2330 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 381 mg
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