If you’re searching for a quick, flavorful dish that’s sure to impress both your family and friends, the **Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry** is here to save the day! With a harmonious blend of sweet and savory, combined with the perfect crunch of fresh vegetables, this dish is a weeknight game-changer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish takes just 15 minutes from start to finish.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey and garlic creates a tantalizing sweet-savory sauce.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein and vibrant veggies, it’s a balanced meal.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to your favorite vegetables or dietary preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry is its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, contributing to the colorful presentation and incredible depth of flavor.
- 1 lb. raw shrimp: Fresh, succulent shrimp offer a juicy base for absorbing the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: A light oil to sauté the shrimp and veggies without overpowering the flavors.
- Broccoli, bell peppers, snow peas: These veggies provide an appealing crunch and vibrant color.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic infuses the dish with a robust, aromatic base.
- Green onion: Adds a pop of freshness as a garnish to finish off the dish.
- Soy sauce, honey, cornstarch: These combine to create the signature sweet and sticky sauce.
Variations
Get creative with your Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry! Feel free to swap ingredients to match your personal preferences and dietary needs.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace shrimp with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based alternative.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for some heat.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free.
How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry
Step 1: Whisk the Sauce
Start by whisking together soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch in a bowl. This simple combination will transform into a beautifully thick, glossy sauce that clings to every piece of shrimp and vegetable.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add shrimp. Cook on each side for about 2 minutes until they turn a lovely pink. Remove them from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking while you prepare the veggies.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
In the same skillet, toss in broccoli, bell peppers, and snow peas. Sauté for about 5-6 minutes until the peppers are blistered and the veggies are tender-crisp. This gives the dish its vibrant, fresh crunch.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Reduce the heat to low, reintroduce the shrimp and garlic to the skillet, and pour in the prepared sauce. Stir everything together for just 10 seconds, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat each ingredient beautifully. Top with green onions and serve over a bed of your favorite rice.
Pro Tips for Making Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry
- Perfect Shrimp: Ensure that shrimp is thawed and patted dry to achieve a superior sear.
- Sauce Consistency: Be patient when stirring in the sauce; it needs just a moment to thicken.
- Vegetable Varieties: Feel free to experiment with seasonal veggies for a fresh twist.
- Quick Cleanup: Keep a small bowl nearby to quickly discard any shrimp shells or veg trimmings.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry
Garnishes
Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds for added nuttiness, and a scattering of chopped fresh cilantro can also provide a bright, herbal note.
Side Dishes
This stir fry pairs wonderfully with jasmine rice or quinoa. If you’re in the mood for a little twist, cauliflower rice is also a great low-carb choice that complements the dish’s flavors flawlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the stir fry in individual bowls with a side of lime wedges for a citrusy splash that diners can add to taste. Layered presentations in wide, shallow bowls can also highlight the vibrant colors beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The shrimp will remain tasty and the flavors will meld beautifully over time.
Freezing
If you plan on freezing, portion the stir fry into separate containers before it cools completely. This ensures even, quick freezing and helps preserve the shrimp’s texture.
Reheating
To reheat, a quick sauté in a nonstick pan over medium-low heat should bring the stir fry back to its former glory. Avoid using high heat to ensure the shrimp stays tender.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used, but make sure to fully thaw and dry them before cooking to achieve the best texture.
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What can I substitute for honey in the sauce?
Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as alternatives, keeping in mind they may slightly alter the flavor.
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Is there a way to make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the sauce and chop the vegetables in advance to streamline the cooking process.
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How can I add more protein to this dish?
Consider adding some edamame or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for additional protein content.
Final Thoughts
This **Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry** is not just a recipe—it’s an experience! With its simple preparation and world-class flavor, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Why wait? Try it tonight and savor every delicious bite!
Print
Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Description
This Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful, and healthy dish that combines succulent shrimp with vibrant vegetables in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it is easily customizable with your favorite vegetables and served over fluffy rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb. raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
Vegetables
- 1 head broccoli, chopped
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 2 cups snow peas
Garlic and Oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoon cornstarch
Garnish
- Green onion for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch in a bowl until well combined. Set aside.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook until pink, about 2 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil along with broccoli, bell peppers, and snow peas. Sauté until vegetables are blistered and tender, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add garlic and shrimp: Add the minced garlic and cooked shrimp back to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine with sauce: Reduce heat to low. Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet and stir for about 10 seconds or until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients evenly.
- Garnish and serve: Top with sliced green onion. Serve the stir fry over cooked rice or noodles and enjoy your flavorful meal.
Notes
- Using cooked shrimp is fine; just thaw and cook in the skillet for a few minutes.
- Feel free to swap vegetables like carrots, edamame, mushrooms, or cauliflower for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 409 kcal
- Sugar: 33 g
- Sodium: 2330 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 381 mg
