If you’re on the hunt for a quick and satisfying dinner that tantalizes the taste buds, look no further than this delightful Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry. Briefly whipping up a weeknight dinner with vibrant vegetables and succulent shrimp wrapped in a glossy, finger-licking sauce is a fantastic treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With only 15 minutes from kitchen to table, it’s perfect for busy evenings.
- Healthful Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables and lean protein, this dish is as wholesome as it is delicious.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with your choice of veggies or even swapping shrimp with another protein.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry lies in its simple yet flavor-rich ingredients. Each component contributes to the overall taste, adding texture and vibrant color to your plate.
- 1 lb. raw shrimp: Freshness is vital here. Opt for shrimp that’s already peeled and deveined to save time.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for sautéing, providing a mild flavor that lets the other ingredients shine.
- Broccoli, bell peppers, and snow peas: These veggies bring a delightful crunch and vibrant colors, making the stir fry not only nutritious but a feast for the eyes.
- Garlic cloves: Minced for maximum aroma and flavor kick.
- For the sauce – soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch: This trifecta creates a sweet, savory, and slightly thickened sauce that coats each piece beautifully.
- Green onion: For that final touch of freshness and subtle oniony zing.
Variations
One of the joys of home cooking is making a recipe truly your own. Here are some easy variations to adapt this Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry to suit different tastes or dietary needs.
- Swap the Protein: Not a shrimp fan? Use chicken or tofu for an equally delightful dish.
- Vegan Version: Replace shrimp with chickpeas or tofu, and swap honey for maple syrup to keep it plant-based.
- Extra Veggies: Feel free to throw in whatever’s in your fridge — mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini make great additions.
How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by whisking together the soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Set aside as this will be the flavorful binder of your dish, adding that perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat a teaspoon of oil in your skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp, cooking each side for about two minutes until they turn a lovely pink. Remove them with a slotted spoon to ensure that the succulent juices stay put.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, pour in the remaining oil, then toss in your broccoli, peppers, and peas. Sauté these for about 5-6 minutes until the peppers start to blister slightly — this enhances their natural sweetness.
Step 4: Combine Shrimp and Sauce
Introduce the shrimp back into the skillet, followed by the minced garlic. Sauté for an additional minute before reducing the heat to low and pouring in the prepared sauce. Stir everything together for roughly 10 seconds until the sauce thickens, then remove from heat.
Pro Tips for Making Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry
- Shrimp Selection: Opt for jumbo shrimp for a meatier bite, and be sure they are fresh or properly thawed to maintain texture.
- Veggie Prep: Cut vegetables uniformly to ensure they cook evenly and look appealing on your plate.
- Sauce Perfection: Mix the cornstarch thoroughly with the soy sauce to avoid lumps, ensuring a smooth, clingy sauce.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry
Garnishes
Garnish with thinly sliced green onions for a pop of color and a mild oniony crunch. A sprinkle of sesame seeds can add a nutty touch, boosting both flavor and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This dish is a star on its own but pairs excellently with a bowl of steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up that delicious sauce. If you’re watching carbs, a bed of cauliflower rice or quinoa works beautifully too.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this vibrant stir fry in a wide, shallow bowl to let the colors shine. You can also dish it up in individual portions for a personalized dining experience, perfect for dinner parties or potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Perfect for meal prep and those busy midweek lunches!
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the stir fry in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw thoroughly before reheating to maintain the texture of the shrimp and vegetables.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce if needed. Alternatively, a microwave works if you’re pinched for time, but be sure to cover the dish to retain moisture.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and the desired texture.
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What other vegetables could I use?
Feel free to explore — carrots, mushrooms, cauliflower, or edamame can be great additions or swaps, depending on what you have on hand.
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Is there a low-sodium version of this dish?
Replace regular soy sauce with a low-sodium variety, and adjust the honey to keep the balance of sweetness and savoriness.
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Can I make it spicier?
Yes, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha can give the dish an exciting heat without overpowering the existing flavors.
Final Thoughts
Why not break away from the ordinary mealtime routine and try this Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry? It’s quick, versatile, and bursting with flavor — I bet it will become a regular in your kitchen, just like it has in mine. Enjoy the delicious symphony of tastes and textures!
PrintHoney Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stir Fry
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, stir-fried with fresh vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and snow peas. It makes for an easy weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch option, packed with vibrant flavors and nutritious ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 lb. raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 head broccoli, chopped
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 2 cups snow peas
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Green onion, sliced (for garnish)
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch in a bowl until well combined and smooth. 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 they turn pink, approximately 2 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to remove and set aside.
- Stir-fry vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining oil. Add chopped broccoli, sliced bell peppers, and snow peas. Sauté until vegetables are blistered and tender, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add garlic and shrimp: Add minced garlic and cooked shrimp back to the skillet. Sauté everything together for an additional 1 minute to allow flavors to meld.
- Thicken the sauce and combine: Reduce heat to low, pour the prepared sauce into the skillet, and stir for about 10 seconds until sauce thickens and coats all ingredients evenly.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle sliced green onions on top. Serve the stir fry over cooked rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked shrimp, thawing it first, then cooking for a few minutes in the skillet.
- Other vegetables such as carrots, edamame, mushrooms, or cauliflower can be added for variety.
- This dish can be made gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce.
- For a boost of flavor, add a dash of sesame oil or sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- 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