Introduction
Honey garlic shrimp stir fry is the kind of quick, flavor-packed meal that feels perfect for busy weeknights yet special enough to serve to guests. Juicy shrimp coated in a glossy honey garlic sauce come together with crisp vegetables for a dish that is both light and satisfying. I started making this recipe when I wanted something fast but still bold in flavor, and it quickly became one of my most reliable dinners. The sweetness of honey balances beautifully with savory garlic and soy sauce, while the shrimp cook in just minutes, staying tender and succulent. This stir fry is versatile, easy to customize, and pairs effortlessly with rice or noodles. With minimal prep and one pan, it delivers maximum flavor with very little effort.
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Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry – Sweet, Savory, and Ready in Minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A quick and flavorful honey garlic shrimp stir fry made with juicy shrimp tossed in a sweet and savory garlic sauce with crisp vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1/2 cup broccoli florets
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch; set aside.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
- Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Add bell peppers and broccoli to the skillet and stir fry for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Return shrimp to the skillet.
- Pour honey garlic sauce over shrimp and vegetables.
- Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens and coats everything.
- Season with black pepper.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
Notes
- Do not overcook shrimp to keep them tender.
- Serve over rice or noodles if desired.
- Add chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is quick, taking under 30 minutes from start to finish. The sauce is simple but full of flavor, and the shrimp remain juicy and tender. It is lighter than takeout but still deeply satisfying. Cleanup is minimal, and the ingredients are easy to find.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Shrimp
Shrimp cook quickly and absorb the honey garlic sauce beautifully, making them the star of the dish.
Honey
Honey provides natural sweetness and creates a glossy, caramelized sauce.
Garlic
Garlic adds bold aroma and savory depth that balances the sweetness of the honey.
Soy sauce
Soy sauce adds saltiness and umami, grounding the sauce and enhancing flavor.
Vegetable oil
Vegetable oil is ideal for high-heat cooking and prevents sticking.
Bell peppers
Bell peppers add crunch, color, and mild sweetness.
Broccoli florets
Broccoli provides texture and absorbs the sauce well while adding freshness.
Carrots
Carrots contribute subtle sweetness and hold their crunch during stir frying.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch thickens the sauce so it coats the shrimp evenly.
Black pepper
Black pepper adds gentle heat and balance.
Directions
Begin by whisking together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, black pepper, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Set the sauce aside.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for a few minutes on each side until pink and just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add the bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. Stir fry for a few minutes until crisp-tender. Return the shrimp to the pan and pour the honey garlic sauce over everything. Toss well and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the shrimp and vegetables evenly. Serve immediately.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 4 people. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, cooking time is 10 to 12 minutes, and total time is under 25 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, being careful not to overcook the shrimp.
Variations and Customizations
You can add snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms for variety. For extra heat, include chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil. I have also tried adding a splash of lemon juice at the end, which brightened the sauce and balanced the sweetness nicely. This recipe works well with chicken or tofu if shrimp is not preferred.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Honey garlic shrimp stir fry is high in protein and lighter than many fried dishes. Shrimp are naturally low in calories, and the vegetables add fiber and nutrients. Using moderate amounts of honey keeps the dish balanced and satisfying.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Do Not Overcook Shrimp
Shrimp cook quickly and should be removed as soon as they turn pink.
Prep Everything First
Stir frying moves fast, so have all ingredients ready.
Control Sauce Thickness
Add a splash of water if the sauce becomes too thick.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw and pat them dry before cooking.
Is this dish very sweet?
No, the soy sauce balances the honey well.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
What can I serve with this stir fry?
Rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice work well.
Can I add ginger?
Yes, fresh ginger adds extra warmth and depth.
Does this recipe work for meal prep?
Yes, but shrimp are best eaten within two days.
Can I double the sauce?
Yes, if you prefer extra sauce for rice.
Why is my sauce thin?
It may need more cooking time to thicken.
Can I use honey alternatives?
Maple syrup works as a substitute.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, it is mild and easy to enjoy.
Conclusion
Honey garlic shrimp stir fry is a fast, flavorful dish that delivers the perfect balance of sweet and savory in every bite. With juicy shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a glossy sauce, it is an easy, dependable recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners or quick, satisfying meals.
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