Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry

Sweet, savory, and just the right amount of sticky — this Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry is the weeknight hero you didn’t know you needed. Plump shrimp caramelized in a garlicky honey glaze, tossed with crisp broccoli and bright red bell peppers, all finished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions. It’s the kind of dish that delivers bold flavor in every bite and comes together faster than you can order takeout.

Behind the Recipe

It all started with a craving for something quick, fresh, and full of flavor. I had shrimp thawing, a few vegetables in the fridge, and that eternal pantry duo — soy sauce and honey. With just one pan and a little sizzle, the magic came together. This stir fry became a go-to meal for busy nights when I wanted something satisfying without spending hours at the stove. It’s comforting, colorful, and ridiculously delicious.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Stir frying originated in China and has since become a popular technique worldwide, prized for its speed and high-heat cooking that locks in flavor and texture. The sweet and savory combo of honey and garlic is a beloved flavor pairing found across many Asian cuisines, particularly in Chinese-American dishes like honey garlic chicken. Shrimp, being quick to cook and naturally sweet, is the perfect protein to soak up that glossy sauce and keep things light but rich in flavor.

Why You’ll Love Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry

Whether you’re cooking for one or a crowd, this stir fry is a game-changer:

Versatile: Serve it over rice, noodles, or on its own. Works great with other veggies too.

Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients with high payoff in flavor.

Quick and Easy: From prep to plate in under 30 minutes.

Customizable: Swap in chicken, tofu, or different veggies to suit your tastes.

Crowd-Pleasing: That sweet garlic sauce is a universal favorite.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Sauce can be made in advance, and shrimp cook up fast.

Great for Leftovers: Reheat beautifully for lunch the next day.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

This dish may be fast, but a few key moves take it from good to great:

1. Prep Everything First: Stir fry moves quickly. Have all your ingredients chopped and ready.
2. Pat Shrimp Dry: Dry shrimp sear better and absorb sauce more effectively.
3. Use High Heat: This gives the shrimp that delicious caramelized edge.
4. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if needed to avoid steaming.
5. Finish with a Sauce Glaze: Toss the shrimp back in with the sauce at the end for maximum flavor.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Just a few essentials get the job done:

Wok or Large Skillet: Ideal for high-heat, even cooking.

Tongs or Spatula: For quick flipping and tossing.

Mixing Bowl: To prep the sauce before cooking.

Knife and Cutting Board: For prepping veggies and aromatics.

Measuring Cups and Spoons: To keep the balance of sweet, savory, and umami just right.

Ingredients in Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry

This recipe keeps it simple and flavorful with a few fresh and pantry staples.

1. Large Shrimp: 12 pieces, peeled and deveined. Juicy and tender, the star of the dish.
2. Broccoli Florets: 1.5 cups. Adds crunch, color, and fiber.
3. Red Bell Pepper: ½ cup, thinly sliced. Sweet and vibrant for visual pop and flavor.
4. Garlic Cloves: 3, minced. Bold and fragrant, it infuses the whole dish.
5. Fresh Ginger: 1 tablespoon, grated. Adds warm spice and depth.
6. Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons. Brings salty umami goodness to the sauce.
7. Honey: 2 tablespoons. Balances the salt and adds that signature sweetness.
8. Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon. Nutty and aromatic, a little goes a long way.
9. Cornstarch: 1 teaspoon. Helps thicken the sauce into a glossy coating.
10. Green Onions: 2, chopped. Fresh, peppery garnish that brightens the finish.
11. Sesame Seeds: 1 tablespoon. Adds texture and toasty flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Mix and match if needed:

Shrimp: Try chicken breast strips or tofu cubes.

Soy Sauce: Coconut aminos or tamari for a gluten-free option.

Honey: Maple syrup or agave for a different kind of sweetness.

Broccoli: Snap peas, zucchini, or bok choy work beautifully.

Red Bell Pepper: Use yellow or orange for the same effect.

Ingredient Spotlight

Honey: Not just for sweetness, honey adds a sticky texture and beautiful caramelization when cooked over high heat, turning your sauce into a crave-worthy glaze.

Ginger: That little zing in the background? That’s fresh ginger doing its magic. It elevates the sauce and brings warmth that balances the garlic and honey.

Instructions for Making Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry

Time to bring that sizzle to life! Here’s how to stir fry like a pro:

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Heat your wok or skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Set aside.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Add a drizzle of oil to the hot pan and swirl to coat.
4. Assemble the Dish: Add shrimp in a single layer and sear 1–2 minutes per side until just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
5. Cook to Perfection: Add broccoli and red bell pepper to the pan. Stir fry 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender. Return shrimp to the pan and pour in the sauce. Stir until everything is coated and glossy.
6. Finishing Touches: Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or as-is for a lighter option.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The key to this dish is contrast. The shrimp are juicy with caramelized edges, the vegetables stay crisp and bright, and the sauce is silky, sticky, and packed with flavor. Each bite has a little crunch, a little chew, and a whole lot of umami-rich satisfaction.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make stir fry night even easier:

• Cook shrimp just until pink to keep them tender.
• Add chili flakes or sriracha for heat if desired.
• Stir the sauce again before pouring to redistribute the cornstarch.

What to Avoid

Keep your stir fry smooth with these easy avoidables:

• Overcooking shrimp, which turns them rubbery.
• Adding sauce too early — it thickens best at the end.
• Using too little heat — high temp is key for sear and flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 2
Calories per serving: 350
Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This dish is best fresh, but you can prep components ahead. Chop veggies and mix the sauce a day in advance. Store leftovers in the fridge up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving the shrimp too long to keep them tender.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry

Scoop it over jasmine rice or tuck it into lettuce wraps. Serve with chopsticks and a side of miso soup or cucumber salad for a light, satisfying meal. Want a little extra crunch? Top with crispy wontons or roasted cashews.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Leftovers? Lucky you. Try this:

• Toss into a cold noodle salad with sesame dressing.
• Add to a wrap or rice bowl with avocado and cabbage slaw.
• Stir into scrambled eggs for a fusion-style breakfast.

Additional Tips

Just a little more flavor-boosting inspiration:

• Toast sesame seeds before using for deeper flavor.
• Marinate shrimp briefly in soy sauce and garlic before stir frying.
• Use both red and green bell peppers for a rainbow of color.

Make It a Showstopper

Presentation counts. Serve the stir fry in a wide shallow bowl, top with a final drizzle of sauce, sprinkle generously with green onions and sesame seeds, and place lime wedges on the side for a fresh pop. A garnish of chopped cilantro adds bright green contrast.

Variations to Try

Mix it up with these tasty twists:

• Spicy Kick: Add chili oil or sriracha to the sauce.
• Nutty Version: Toss in chopped cashews or peanuts at the end.
• Citrus Boost: Add orange zest and juice for a tangy flair.
• Pineapple Shrimp: Stir in pineapple chunks for sweet and savory.
• Teriyaki Swap: Use teriyaki sauce instead of soy-honey for a twist.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?

A1: Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Q2: Is this dish spicy?

A2: Not as written, but you can add spice to taste with chili flakes or sriracha.

Q3: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

A3: It’s better with raw shrimp, but pre-cooked works. Add it at the very end to warm.

Q4: Can I meal prep this?

A4: Yes! Prep all ingredients ahead and cook fresh when ready.

Q5: What kind of pan is best?

A5: A wok is ideal, but any large skillet with high sides will work.

Q6: How do I make it gluten-free?

A6: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and check all ingredients for hidden gluten.

Q7: Can I add noodles?

A7: Definitely — toss in cooked rice noodles or lo mein.

Q8: Can I double the sauce?

A8: Yes, and it’s great to keep some extra for drizzling over rice.

Q9: Is sesame oil necessary?

A9: It adds depth, but you can skip or sub with peanut oil for nuttiness.

Q10: Can I use other seafood?

A10: Yes, scallops or chunks of firm white fish also work well.

Conclusion

This Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry is everything you want in a fast, flavorful meal — sweet, savory, saucy, and full of color. It’s easy to throw together, endlessly customizable, and delivers restaurant-quality flavor right from your own kitchen. Trust me, one bite and it’ll be on your weekly repeat list.

Print