Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry

This honey garlic shrimp stir fry is my answer to busy weeknights when I want something quick, colorful, and packed with flavor. Juicy shrimp, crisp-tender broccoli, and vibrant red bell peppers come together in a sweet and savory garlic sauce that clings beautifully to every bite. Served over a bed of fluffy rice, this dish is the perfect mix of comfort, nutrition, and bold taste—with just enough heat to keep things interesting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s fast—I can have it on the table in under 30 minutes.
• The honey garlic sauce is addictively sweet, garlicky, and savory.
• Shrimp cooks quickly and soaks up the sauce like a sponge.
• It’s packed with fresh vegetables and high-quality protein.
• It reheats well, making it great for meal prep or leftovers.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Seafood

• large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed

Vegetables

• broccoli florets
• red bell pepper, sliced
• onion, sliced

Sauce

• minced garlic
• soy sauce
• honey
• red pepper flakes
• ground ginger
• cornstarch

Other

• unsalted butter
• vegetable oil

Directions

1. Prepare the Sauce
   I whisk together the soy sauce, honey, ground ginger, red pepper flakes, and garlic in a small bowl. Then I sprinkle in the cornstarch while whisking to keep the sauce smooth and glossy.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
   I heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. First, I add the red bell pepper and onion and stir-fry them for 3 to 4 minutes until they just begin to soften.
3. Add the Broccoli
   Next, I toss in the broccoli florets and cook for about 4 more minutes. I like to let them get slightly charred at the edges while still keeping a nice crunch.
4. Add Butter and Shrimp
   I reduce the heat slightly and stir in the butter until it melts into the veggies. Then I add the shrimp in a single layer and cook them for about 2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque.
5. Pour in the Sauce
   I stir the sauce in and toss everything to coat evenly. The cornstarch works quickly, thickening the sauce into a rich glaze within a couple of minutes.
6. Serve
   I spoon the stir fry over steamed jasmine or basmati rice and sometimes finish it with a sprinkle of green onions or sesame seeds.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 3 portions and takes just 25 minutes total—10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook. It’s one of my favorite weeknight meals because it’s quick without compromising on flavor or texture.

Variations

• I’ve used chicken, tofu, or even scallops instead of shrimp—all work well with the same sauce.
• Sugar snap peas, green beans, or snow peas make a great swap for broccoli if I want to change things up.
• For extra citrus brightness, I add a squeeze of lime or a bit of orange zest before serving.
• I sometimes toss in cashews or peanuts for crunch.

Storage/Reheating

• Store: I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: I warm it gently in a skillet with a splash of water to rehydrate the sauce and avoid overcooking the shrimp.

FAQs

What vegetables pair best with honey garlic shrimp stir fry?

I love the combo of broccoli, red bell pepper, and onion for their color, crunch, and balance of sweet and savory notes.

How do you thicken the honey garlic sauce?

I use cornstarch whisked directly into the sauce mixture. It thickens beautifully when heated and gives a glossy, clingy texture.

Can frozen shrimp be used for this dish?

Yes, I just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking so they sear properly and don’t get rubbery.

What can you serve alongside this stir fry?

I usually go with steamed jasmine or basmati rice, but it’s also great with rice noodles, cauliflower rice, or even over greens for a low-carb bowl.

How do you prevent shrimp from overcooking?

I watch them closely and cook just until they turn pink and opaque—usually about 2 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp turn tough quickly, so timing is everything.

Conclusion

This honey garlic shrimp stir fry is everything I want in a weeknight dinner—fast, full of flavor, and packed with good-for-you ingredients. The sauce is sweet and savory with just the right amount of heat, and the shrimp stay juicy while the vegetables hold their vibrant color and crunch. It’s a recipe I turn to again and again for a delicious, feel-good meal I know everyone will love.

Print