A quick and flavorful dish, this honey garlic shrimp stir fry is the perfect meal for busy days. With a balance of sweet honey, savory garlic, and tender shrimp, I can whip it up in under 30 minutes and serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I like this recipe because it’s simple yet packed with flavor. The shrimp cooks in just a few minutes, and the sauce is made with everyday ingredients I usually have on hand. I enjoy how versatile it is – I can add any vegetables I like, and the honey garlic glaze makes everything taste delicious. It’s also a healthier option than takeout, but just as satisfying.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Garlic, minced
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Olive oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
- Cornstarch (for thickening, optional)
- Vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas
- Green onions, for garnish
Directions
- I start by whisking together honey, soy sauce, and garlic in a small bowl to create the sauce.
- I heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- I add the shrimp and cook them for 1–2 minutes per side until they turn pink, then remove them from the pan.
- I toss in the vegetables and stir fry until tender-crisp.
- I pour the sauce into the pan, stirring until it begins to thicken slightly. If I want it thicker, I add a cornstarch slurry.
- I return the shrimp to the pan and coat them in the sauce.
- I serve immediately over rice or noodles, garnished with green onions.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings. I can prepare everything in 10 minutes and cook it in another 10 minutes, so it’s ready in roughly 20 minutes total.
Variations
I like to change this stir fry by swapping shrimp for chicken or beef. Sometimes I use maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness. For a spicy kick, I stir in some chili flakes or sriracha. I also enjoy adding cashews or sesame seeds for extra crunch.
storage/reheating
If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat until hot. If the sauce thickens too much, I add a splash of water or broth to loosen it. I avoid reheating shrimp in the microwave for too long since it can become rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, I can use frozen shrimp, but I always thaw them first and pat them dry to avoid excess water in the pan.
What vegetables work best in this stir fry?
I like using broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots, but almost any quick-cooking vegetable works.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
I prefer making it fresh since shrimp cook so quickly, but I can prep the sauce and vegetables in advance to save time.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
If I use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, this recipe can be made gluten-free.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
If I want a thicker sauce, I stir in a slurry made of cornstarch and water while cooking the sauce until it reaches the consistency I like.
Conclusion
I love how this honey garlic shrimp stir fry comes together so quickly while still tasting like a restaurant-quality meal. With its sweet and savory glaze, tender shrimp, and colorful vegetables, it’s a dish I can rely on when I need something fast, healthy, and satisfying. Whether I serve it over rice or noodles, it always makes a delicious and comforting dinner.
PrintHoney garlic shrimp stir fry
A quick and flavorful dish, this honey garlic shrimp stir fry features tender shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a sweet-savory glaze. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a healthy and satisfying dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic to create the sauce.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Add vegetables to the skillet and stir fry until tender-crisp, about 3–5 minutes.
- Pour the sauce into the pan with the vegetables. If using, stir in a cornstarch slurry to thicken.
- Return shrimp to the pan and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Serve immediately over rice or noodles, garnished with green onions.
Notes
- Swap shrimp with chicken or beef for variety.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different flavor.
- Add chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Top with cashews or sesame seeds for crunch.
- Prep sauce and veggies ahead to save time on busy nights.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
