If you are craving a dish that delivers a perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and a touch of spice, you have to try this Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry Recipe. It’s a vibrant, colorful meal packed with tender shrimp and crisp vegetables all coated in a luscious honey garlic sauce. Every bite bursts with flavor and texture, showing just how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly remarkable. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or a quick weeknight treat, this recipe never fails to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry Recipe shines because of its easy-to-find ingredients, each bringing something special. From the natural sweetness of honey to the crunch of fresh veggies, every component adds to the dish’s irresistible balance.
- 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein that cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce beautifully.
- 360 ml broccoli florets: Adds vibrant green color and a satisfying crisp-tender bite.
- 60 ml red bell pepper, sliced: For sweetness and a pop of bright color.
- 60 ml onion, sliced: Provides a subtle pungent aroma that enhances flavor complexity.
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic: The heart of the honey garlic flavor, infusing the sauce with irresistible aroma and depth.
- 60 ml soy sauce: Brings salty umami that balances the honey’s sweetness.
- 120 ml honey: Adds rich natural sweetness and helps create a glossy, sticky glaze.
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes: A touch of heat that awakens the palate without overpowering.
- 0.5 teaspoon ground ginger: Elevates the dish with a warm, slightly spicy undertone.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Ensures the sauce thickens perfectly to coat every shrimp and veggie.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Adds silkiness and fullness to the stir-fry.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Ideal for high-heat cooking to sear the shrimp and vegetables evenly.
How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by whisking together soy sauce, honey, ground ginger, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic in a bowl. Then sprinkle in the cornstarch and blend everything until it’s smooth and fully dissolved. This sauce will be the magic that gives every bite its signature sweet and savory glaze.
Step 2: Cook the Peppers and Onions
Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the sliced red bell pepper and onion, stirring frequently. Cook these for about 3 to 4 minutes until they start to soften and release their fragrant aromas, setting a flavorful base for the stir-fry.
Step 3: Add the Broccoli Florets
Add the broccoli florets to the pan and keep stirring. Cook for another 4 minutes, allowing the broccoli to become tender yet retain a slight crunch, which adds wonderful contrast in texture to the dish. Keep everything moving so nothing sticks or overcooks.
Step 4: Incorporate Butter and Shrimp
Stir in the tablespoon of unsalted butter and let it melt evenly throughout the vegetables. Then, add the shrimp to the pan and let them cook for 2 minutes on each side. You want the shrimp to turn opaque but remain juicy and tender — overcooking will make them rubbery, so keep an eye on them!
Step 5: Finish with the Sauce
Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over the shrimp and vegetables. Stir continuously as the sauce starts to thicken, coating everything with a beautiful, shiny glaze. This should take about 2 minutes. The sauce will cling to each piece, delivering flavor that’s intense but balanced.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Once the sauce has thickened and the shrimp are fully glazed, it’s time to plate. Serve your Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry Recipe piping hot, ideally on a bed of fluffy steamed rice or your favorite grain. This will soak up all that incredible sauce for a satisfying meal.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can elevate the entire dining experience. Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top for a nutty crunch or chopped green onions for a burst of color and mild onion flavor that complements the stir-fry perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which helps balance the richness of the glaze. If you prefer a low-carb option, cauliflower rice or a fresh green salad with a tangy dressing can also be fantastic companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry Recipe in vibrant individual bowls garnished with lime wedges for a zesty contrast. For a family-style meal, offer it alongside bowls of extra sauce and sliced chilies, letting everyone customize their plates to taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The shrimp stay tender and the sauce maintains its delightful flavor, making it easy to enjoy a quick meal the next day.
Freezing
While shrimp can sometimes become rubbery after freezing, this Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry Recipe can be frozen if done carefully. Store in a freezer-safe container and consume within one month for the best taste and texture.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat rather than microwaving, which can overcook the shrimp. Add a splash of water or a little extra oil to restore moisture and keep the sauce from sticking.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely, just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the pan, which can dilute the sauce.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe has a gentle kick thanks to the red pepper flakes, but feel free to adjust the amount up or down depending on your spice tolerance.
Can I substitute the broccoli with other vegetables?
Yes, vegetables like snap peas, zucchini, or asparagus work wonderfully and keep the dish fresh and colorful.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
If the sauce isn’t thick enough, mix a little more cornstarch with cold water and add it gradually while cooking, stirring constantly until you reach the desired consistency.
Is this dish healthy?
This Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry Recipe balances lean protein and vegetables with a flavorful sauce, making it a nourishing and satisfying option for a well-rounded meal.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry Recipe. It’s bright, flavorful, and comes together in no time at all, perfect for busy nights or impressing guests. Give it a whirl and enjoy all those delightful layers of taste and texture—your taste buds will thank you!
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Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Honey Garlic Shrimp Stirfry is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp and crisp vegetables coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal, it combines garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes to create a delicious Asian-inspired stir-fry that’s ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Vegetables
- 12 large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed
- 360 ml broccoli florets
- 60 ml red bell pepper, sliced
- 60 ml onion, sliced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
Sauce
- 60 ml soy sauce
- 120 ml honey
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 0.5 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Cooking Fats
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, ground ginger, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic. Sprinkle in cornstarch and blend until fully dissolved and smooth. Set aside.
- Sauté bell pepper and onion: Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced red bell pepper and onion, stirring frequently for 3 to 4 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Cook broccoli: Add broccoli florets to the skillet and continue cooking for another 4 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure even tenderness.
- Add butter and shrimp: Stir in the unsalted butter and allow it to melt. Add the shrimp, cooking them for 2 minutes on each side until they turn just opaque.
- Add the sauce and glaze: Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over the shrimp and vegetables, stirring continuously. Cook for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and the shrimp are fully glazed.
- Serve: Remove from heat and plate immediately over cooked rice or as preferred.
Notes
- Serve with steamed white or brown rice for a complete meal.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Fresh garlic and ginger enhance the flavor, but powdered versions can be substituted in a pinch.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
- Use frozen shrimp thawed properly if fresh shrimp is unavailable.
