Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry

Introduction

Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry is a dish that beautifully balances sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors in one quick and satisfying meal. Tender shrimp are sautéed until golden, then tossed with crisp, colorful vegetables and coated in a glossy honey garlic sauce that clings to every bite. Served over rice or noodles, it’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

This recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into something vibrant and restaurant-quality in under 30 minutes. It’s weeknight-friendly, family-approved, and flexible enough to make with whatever veggies you have on hand.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it hits all the marks—quick, healthy, flavorful, and versatile. The honey garlic sauce is addictive: sweet enough to balance the shrimp’s brininess, garlicky enough to keep things bold, and just thick enough to coat everything beautifully.

It’s also a recipe that brings a pop of color to the table with vibrant bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas. Plus, it feels like a takeout classic but made at home with cleaner, fresher ingredients.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Nutritious & Balanced – Shrimp offers lean protein, paired with fresh veggies.
• Crowd-Pleaser – Both kids and adults love the sweet-savory flavor.
• Customizable – You can adjust the veggies, protein, and spice level.

This stir fry proves that healthy food can be both comforting and exciting.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~350 kcal per serving (without rice or noodles)
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Vegetables:

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup snap peas (or snow peas)
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 1 tbsp sesame oil (or olive oil)

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (slurry, for thickening)
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Garnish:

• Sesame seeds
• Green onions, sliced

Cooking Directions

1. Whisk together all honey garlic sauce ingredients in a bowl. Set aside.
2. Toss shrimp with soy sauce, cornstarch, and black pepper.
3. Heat sesame oil in a skillet or wok. Stir fry shrimp for 2–3 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same pan, stir fry vegetables for 4–5 minutes until crisp-tender.
5. Pour in the honey garlic sauce, bring to a simmer, and add the cornstarch slurry to thicken.
6. Return shrimp to the pan, toss everything together until coated.
7. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prep ingredients – Slice veggies, clean shrimp, and whisk sauce.
2. Marinate shrimp – Toss shrimp with soy sauce, cornstarch, and pepper.
3. Cook shrimp – Quickly stir fry until pink, then remove.
4. Cook vegetables – Add bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas until crisp-tender.
5. Add sauce – Pour in sauce, simmer, and thicken with slurry.
6. Combine – Add shrimp back, toss well, and coat evenly.
7. Finish – Garnish with sesame seeds and scallions. Serve over rice or noodles.

How to Serve

• Serve over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or fried rice.
• Pair with noodles (lo mein, rice noodles, or soba).
• Add a side of spring rolls or miso soup for a complete meal.

Recipe Tips

• Use a hot skillet/wok to keep the shrimp tender and veggies crisp.
• Don’t overcook shrimp—they only need a few minutes.
• Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey.
• Add chili flakes or sriracha if you like spice.

Variations

• Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp – Add chili paste or sriracha for extra heat.
• Vegetarian Version – Replace shrimp with tofu or tempeh.
• Chicken Stir Fry – Use chicken breast strips instead of shrimp.
• Low-Carb Option – Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
• Extra Veggies – Add mushrooms, bok choy, or baby corn.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Shrimp can be frozen, but vegetables may lose texture. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water or soy sauce to revive the sauce.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or wok
• Sharp knife for chopping vegetables
• Mixing bowls

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry is the perfect example of how healthy, simple meals can still feel indulgent and exciting. With tender shrimp, colorful vegetables, and a glossy sweet-savory sauce, this dish is quick enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for entertaining.

Once you try it, this stir fry will become a regular rotation in your kitchen—it’s that good!