If you’re searching for a weeknight meal that dazzles without demanding hours in the kitchen, this Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry might just become your new best friend. Succulent shrimp, vibrant vegetables, and a glossy, sweet-savory sauce come together in a dish that’s as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat. The punchy garlic, sticky honey, and touch of sesame oil combine for a flavor that feels both totally craveable and ever so slightly fancy. This is the kind of recipe you’ll turn to again and again, whether you’re cooking for family, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving takeout but want to keep things healthier at home.

Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how just a handful of essential ingredients deliver such a satisfying, fresh, and colorful meal. Each component in this Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry adds something special, from crisp-textured veggies to the irresistible sauce.

Shrimp: Use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best texture and ease—these cook quickly and soak up all that delicious sauce.
Broccoli Florets: Choose crisp, bright-green florets to bring color and a crunchy bite.
Red Bell Pepper: Slice it thinly to weave a pop of sweetness and vibrant red into every bite.
Carrot: Thin slices not only add subtle sweetness and crunch, but also make the dish visually stunning.
Vegetable Oil: Use a neutral oil to sauté everything evenly without overwhelming the flavors.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses everything with its signature savory punch.
Honey: The touch of honey in the sauce adds natural sweetness and creates that gorgeous, glossy coating on the shrimp and vegetables.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: This delivers depth, umami, and slight saltiness without being overwhelmingly salty.
Rice Vinegar: Just a tablespoon brightens up the sauce with a gentle tang.
Sesame Oil: A small drizzle gives the whole stir fry a nutty, toasty aroma you can’t miss.
Cornstarch Slurry: Thickens the sauce in a snap for that classic stir fry texture.
Sesame Seeds and Green Onions (Optional): Sprinkle these on top for flavor and a picture-perfect finish.
Cooked Rice (for Serving): Serve it all over your favorite rice to soak up every last drop of that amazing sauce.

How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry

Step 1: Whisk Together the Sauce

Start by grabbing a small bowl and whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and your cornstarch slurry. This simple mixture is going to be the flavor backbone of your Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry—it’s sweet, tangy, and perfectly glossy once cooked, and comes together in just a minute.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Heat up one tablespoon of oil in a big skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Toss in your broccoli, red bell pepper, and carrots. Stir-fry them for 4 to 5 minutes, just until they turn crisp-tender and their colors pop. Remove them from the pan and set them aside—don’t worry, they’ll be back!

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Add the rest of your oil to that same skillet, then lay the shrimp out in a single layer. Let them cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, turning only once, so each piece becomes perfectly pink and opaque. Shrimp cooks fast, so stay close!

Step 4: Add Garlic

Toss in the minced garlic and stir it with the shrimp for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. This quick step infuses the oil and shrimp with that delicious garlicky aroma, taking the whole dish up a notch.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return your sautéed vegetables to the pan, then immediately pour in your pre-mixed sauce. Toss everything together and let it cook for another 1–2 minutes. You’ll see the sauce thicken up quickly, coating every shrimp and veggie in its glossy, flavorful mantle. Taste and adjust as needed before serving hot over fresh rice.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry

Garnishes

Finish your Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a pop of flavor and crunch. A little dash of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of extra honey on top can also bring a fun twist to each bowl.

Side Dishes

While this dish shines all on its own, it pairs beautifully over fluffy steamed white rice, nutty brown rice, or even a bed of tender quinoa. For a green boost, try serving it alongside a quick cucumber salad or miso soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching twist, serve your stir fry in lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held appetizer, or dish it up on a large platter family-style so everyone can help themselves. You can even layer it into meal prep bowls for easy lunches throughout the week.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with some Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry left, let it cool before transferring to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge and enjoy for up to 2–3 days. The sauce keeps the shrimp moist and the veggies flavorful even when reheated.

Freezing

While shrimp generally freeze well, vegetables can lose a bit of their crispness. If planning to freeze, consider slightly undercooking the veggies and shrimp before combining with the sauce. Freeze in a sealed container for up to a month, then thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat for the best results, just until warmed through. Add a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving for too long as shrimp can overcook and turn rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry?

Absolutely! Just thaw the shrimp completely in the fridge or under cold running water, then pat dry before using. This ensures they cook evenly and don’t add extra moisture to the pan.

What vegetables can I substitute in this recipe?

Feel free to swap in favorites like snow peas, zucchini, snap peas, or even mushrooms. The key is choosing vegetables that cook quickly and keep their color and crunch for that signature stir fry texture.

Is this dish gluten-free?

You can easily make it gluten-free by substituting tamari or coconut aminos for the soy sauce. Always double-check your condiments to ensure they’re free from wheat or gluten ingredients.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To crank up the heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce, or finish with a splash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce. Adjust the spice level to your taste for the perfect kick.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! This Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry is perfect for scaling up. Use a large wok or cook in batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure even cooking for all the shrimp and veggies.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about pulling together a colorful, flavor-packed dinner like Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry in under half an hour. Give it a try next time you want something quick, nourishing, and undeniably delicious—your taste buds (and anyone you share it with) will thank you!

Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp with crisp vegetables in a sweet and savory sauce. Perfect for a fast and delicious weeknight meal!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Stir Fry:

1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
2 cups broccoli florets
1 red bell pepper (sliced)
1 carrot (thinly sliced)
2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)

For the Sauce:

3 cloves garlic (minced)
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water (slurry)

For Garnish and Serving:

sesame seeds and green onions for garnish (optional)
cooked rice for serving

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Instructions

Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and the cornstarch slurry. Set aside.
Stir Fry Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add broccoli, bell pepper, and carrot. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until crisp-tender. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Cook Shrimp: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
Combine: Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds. Return vegetables to the pan. Pour in the sauce and toss everything together. Cook for 1–2 more minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the shrimp and vegetables.
Serve: Serve hot over rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.