This honey garlic shrimp stir fry is my go-to when I need a fast, flavorful dinner that feels satisfying and fresh. Juicy shrimp get a quick marinade in a sweet-savory sauce, then tossed with vibrant asparagus, red bell peppers, and onions for a dish that’s done in just 20 minutes. I serve it over rice, and just like that, I’ve got a homemade takeout-style dinner everyone devours.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I like this recipe because it’s incredibly fast, packed with bold flavor, and adaptable to whatever veggies I have on hand. The honey garlic sauce adds the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and garlicky goodness. It’s healthier than takeout and takes less time to make than waiting for delivery. Whether I need a weeknight meal or something a little impressive without the work, this recipe always delivers.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
shrimp, raw and peeled
honey
soy sauce
garlic, minced
ginger, minced
butter
olive oil (or avocado oil)
asparagus, trimmed and chopped
red bell pepper, sliced
onion, sliced
Directions
-
Marinate the Shrimp
I mix the honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger in a bowl. Then I pour half over the shrimp to marinate for at least 15 minutes while I prep the vegetables. I keep the remaining sauce aside for later. -
Sauté the Vegetables
In a hot skillet, I add a mix of butter and oil, then toss in the asparagus, red pepper, and onion. I let them char just slightly for extra flavor, cooking until they’re crisp-tender. Then I remove them to a plate to keep warm. -
Cook the Shrimp
I add a bit more butter to the skillet and lay the shrimp in a single layer, discarding the marinade. I cook them for about one minute per side until they’re opaque and caramelized. -
Combine and Finish
I add the cooked veggies back into the skillet with the reserved sauce. A quick toss and a couple minutes of heat bring everything together. If I want a thicker glaze, I stir in a quick cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tsp water). -
Serve
I serve it hot over rice. It’s just that easy.
Servings and timing
Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
When I’m out of shrimp, I swap in thinly sliced chicken or steak. Broccoli, snap peas, or green beans are great stand-ins for asparagus. If I want a bit of heat, I add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha. I’ve even added pineapple chunks for a tropical twist.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerator: I store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: I warm it in a skillet with a splash of water or microwave it until just heated through.
Freezer: I don’t recommend freezing this dish since the shrimp and veggies can turn rubbery when thawed.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, I just make sure they’re thawed, peeled, and patted dry before marinating for best results.
What’s the best substitute for asparagus?
Green beans, broccoli florets, or snap peas work beautifully in this stir fry.
Is this dish spicy?
Not by default. I keep it mild, but it’s easy to add heat with crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
Can I double the sauce?
Definitely. I double the sauce when I serve this over noodles or want more to drizzle over rice.
How do I make it gluten-free?
I use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and check that the other ingredients (especially the cornstarch and honey) are certified gluten-free.
Conclusion
This honey garlic shrimp stir fry is one of those rare recipes that feels light but satisfies completely. It’s quick enough for busy nights but delicious enough to serve to guests. I love how customizable it is, and every time I make it, it disappears faster than I can set the table. Whether I’m looking for comfort or convenience, this dish never lets me down.
PrintHoney Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry
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This honey garlic shrimp stir fry is a quick, healthy dinner made with juicy shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a sweet-savory garlic sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and better than takeout!
- Author: Lizaa
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, raw, peeled, and deveined
- 3 tbsp honey
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- ½ onion, sliced
- Optional: 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tsp water (for slurry)
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Garnish: sesame seeds, green onions
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Marinate shrimp with half of the mixture for 15 minutes. Reserve the other half for sauce.
- Heat butter and oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add asparagus, bell pepper, and onion. Stir-fry for 3–5 minutes until crisp-tender. Transfer to a plate.
- Add a bit more butter to the skillet and cook shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until opaque and caramelized. Discard used marinade.
- Return vegetables to the skillet and pour in the reserved sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to heat through.
- For a thicker glaze, add the cornstarch slurry and cook until sauce thickens.
- Serve hot over cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Notes
- Swap shrimp with chicken, steak, or tofu for variation.
- Substitute other vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or green beans.
- Add chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Best enjoyed fresh; not ideal for freezing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 180mg