Honey Garlic Shrimp Stirfry

This quick honey garlic shrimp stir-fry transforms pantry staples into a restaurant-quality meal in just minutes. The sweet and savory sauce creates a glossy glaze that clings perfectly to plump shrimp and crisp vegetables, making weeknight dinners feel special without the fuss.

I first created this recipe when trying to impress my partner with something that looked fancy but wouldn't keep me in the kitchen all evening. Now it's our go-to for those nights when we want something that feels special without hours of preparation.

Ingredients

• Shrimp 12 large ones peeled and deveined for quick cooking and maximum flavor absorption
• Broccoli florets add nutrition and soak up the delicious sauce perfectly
• Red bell pepper brings a pop of color and sweet crunch
• Onion creates the aromatic foundation for any good stir fry
• Soy sauce provides that essential umami depth use low sodium if watching salt intake
• Honey creates the sticky sweet glaze that makes this dish irresistible
• Red pepper flakes add just enough heat to balance the sweetness adjust to your preference
• Ground ginger gives warmth and complexity without overwhelming
• Cornstarch thickens the sauce to that perfect clingy consistency
• Butter adds richness and helps create the silky sauce texture
• Vegetable oil with its high smoke point is ideal for stir frying

How To Make Honey Garlic Shrimp Stirfry

Prepare the sauce

Whisk soy sauce honey ginger red pepper flakes and garlic in a bowl until well combined. The honey will be thick so keep whisking until fully incorporated. Sprinkle cornstarch over the mixture and blend thoroughly until no lumps remain. This step is crucial for a smooth glossy sauce that will coat every bite perfectly.

Sauté the vegetables

Heat your wok or large skillet until very hot then add vegetable oil. Add red bell pepper and onion first stirring constantly to prevent burning. The high heat helps vegetables develop a slight char while remaining crisp. The onions should become translucent around the edges but still maintain some bite.

Add the broccoli

Introduce broccoli florets to the hot pan continuing to stir frequently. The broccoli needs slightly longer to cook through while still maintaining its bright green color and crunch. If your pan seems dry you can add a tablespoon of water and cover briefly to steam.

Cook the shrimp

Add butter to the pan allowing it to melt and coat the vegetables then add shrimp in a single layer. Cook for exactly two minutes per side until they just turn pink and start to curl. Overcooking shrimp makes them tough and rubbery so watch them carefully they cook surprisingly quickly.

Glaze everything

Pour your prepared sauce over the shrimp and vegetables stirring continuously as it begins to bubble and thicken. The sauce will transform from thin and watery to a beautiful thick glaze within about two minutes. Make sure to coat all ingredients evenly with the sauce.

The honey in this recipe creates that irresistible sticky glaze that makes this dish so special. I discovered by accident that letting the sauce reduce just a little longer than I originally planned created the perfect consistency that clings to every bite. My husband now insists I make this whenever we have friends over because everyone always asks for the recipe.

Storage Solutions

This stir fry keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight making leftovers sometimes even better than the original meal. For reheating I recommend using a skillet over medium heat rather than the microwave to maintain the texture of the vegetables and shrimp. Add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much in the refrigerator.

Easy Substitutions

This recipe welcomes adaptations based on what you have available. Snow peas snap peas or green beans work wonderfully in place of broccoli. Chicken cut into bite sized pieces makes an excellent substitute for shrimp just increase the cooking time to 5 to 6 minutes per side until fully cooked. For a vegetarian version try using cubed extra firm tofu pressed and patted dry before cooking. If you prefer less sweetness reduce the honey to 60ml and increase soy sauce by 30ml.

Serving Suggestions

While white rice is the classic pairing for this dish consider serving it over brown rice for added nutrition or cauliflower rice for a lower carb option. For an impressive dinner party presentation serve in lettuce cups with extra sauce drizzled on top. A simple side of steamed edamame makes this a complete meal. For extra flavor sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds or sliced green onions just before serving. This stir fry also makes an excellent filling for lettuce wraps if you want a lighter meal.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use frozen shrimp for this stirfry?

Yes, frozen shrimp work well! Just thaw them completely before cooking, pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, and proceed with the recipe as directed. Properly thawed shrimp will cook evenly and absorb the honey garlic sauce beautifully.

→ What vegetables can I substitute in this dish?

This stirfry is versatile! Try snow peas, snap peas, sliced carrots, mushrooms, baby corn, water chestnuts, or bok choy. Aim for vegetables with similar cooking times or add longer-cooking vegetables first and quick-cooking ones later to ensure everything is properly cooked.

→ How can I make this stirfry spicier?

To increase the heat, double the red pepper flakes or add fresh minced chilis like serrano or jalapeño. A splash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce in the honey sauce mixture will also add significant heat. Adjust according to your spice preference.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While best served fresh for optimal texture, you can prepare the sauce and chop all vegetables in advance. Store separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The dish itself can be reheated, though the shrimp may become slightly tougher and vegetables less crisp.

→ What's the best rice to serve with honey garlic shrimp?

Jasmine rice pairs wonderfully with the sweet-savory flavors of the honey garlic sauce. Medium-grain white rice or brown rice also work well. For a lower-carb option, try cauliflower rice or serve with rice noodles for a different texture.

→ How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Perfectly cooked shrimp turn from translucent gray to opaque pink with a slight curve (forming a loose 'C' shape). They should be firm to the touch but still tender when bitten. Cooking takes only 2-3 minutes per side—overcooking will make them tough and rubbery.