Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Tasty and Simple Recipe

If you're craving a quick, tasty meal, you need to try this Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry! With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a flavorful dish in no time. I’ll guide you through each step, from perfecting the sauce to cooking the shrimp and vegetables. Whether you’re a kitchen novice or a seasoned cook, this recipe is simple and satisfying. Let’s dive into the sweet and savory goodness!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

- 1 pound large shrimp

- 2 tablespoons honey

- 3 cloves garlic

- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger

- 1 bell pepper

- 1 cup snap peas

- 1 cup broccoli florets

Seasoning and Sauces

- 2 tablespoons soy sauce

- 1 tablespoon sesame oil

- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

- Salt and pepper to taste

Thickening Agent

- 1 teaspoon cornstarch

- 2 tablespoons water

In this dish, I use large shrimp for a nice bite. The honey adds sweetness, while garlic and ginger give bold flavor. Fresh veggies like bell pepper, snap peas, and broccoli provide great crunch and color.

For seasoning, I add soy sauce and sesame oil. These give a rich, savory taste. Salt and pepper help to bring out all the flavors.

To thicken the sauce, I mix cornstarch with water. This makes the sauce smooth and glossy.

Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to make a tasty honey garlic shrimp stir fry!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

- 2 tablespoons honey

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

- 2 tablespoons soy sauce

- 1 tablespoon sesame oil

This sauce is the heart of the dish. The honey gives sweetness, while garlic and ginger add depth. Soy sauce brings umami, and sesame oil adds warmth. Make sure it's mixed well and set aside for later.

Cook the Shrimp

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add:

- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Spread the shrimp in a single layer. Lightly season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink. They should be opaque and tender. Use a slotted spoon to set the shrimp aside on a plate.

Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add:

- 1 bell pepper, sliced into thin strips

- 1 cup snap peas, trimmed

- 1 cup broccoli florets

Stir-fry these vegetables for 3-4 minutes. You want them to be bright in color and tender-crisp. They should still have a bit of crunch. This step keeps the stir fry fresh and vibrant.

Combine and Finish Cooking

Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over the stir-fried veggies. Make sure everything is coated well. Then, return the cooked shrimp to the skillet.

Now, mix:

- 1 teaspoon cornstarch

- 2 tablespoons water

Add this mixture to the skillet. Cook everything for an additional 2-3 minutes. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens slightly. This step binds all the flavors together. Taste the dish and adjust with salt and pepper if needed.

Serve the honey garlic shrimp stir fry over warm cooked rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Shrimp

To get the best shrimp, watch the cooking time. Cook them for just 2-3 minutes until they turn pink. Overcooking makes them tough. When they are cooked just right, they feel tender and juicy. Always take them out of the pan as soon as they are done.

Vegetable Variations

You can make this dish your own by adding or swapping veggies. Try adding carrots, baby corn, or mushrooms. Each vegetable brings its own flavor and texture. You can also use whatever you have in your fridge. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking.

Adjusting Sauce Flavor

You can easily change the taste of the sauce. If you like it sweeter, add more honey. For spice, try adding chili flakes or sriracha. Taste the sauce before pouring it over the stir fry. Adjust it to match your flavor preferences. This flexibility makes the dish fun to create!

Variations

Different Proteins

You can change up the shrimp in this dish. Chicken, tofu, or scallops work great. Each option gives a new taste. For chicken, use bite-sized pieces. Cook them until golden before adding veggies. Tofu needs a quick fry to crisp it up. Scallops cook fast and add a sweet flavor. Each protein brings its own twist to the honey garlic sauce.

Gluten-Free Option

If you need a gluten-free dish, it's easy to swap the soy sauce. Use tamari or coconut aminos instead. Both choices keep the flavor strong without gluten. Tamari is a great option if you want a similar taste. Coconut aminos are sweeter and less salty. Either swap keeps your meal tasty and safe for gluten-free diets.

Low-Carb Adaptation

For a low-carb meal, skip the rice or noodles. Try serving the stir fry over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Zucchini noodles are light and soak up the sauce well. Just spiralize fresh zucchini and quickly sauté. Cauliflower rice is made by grating cauliflower. Both options add great texture while keeping carbs low. Enjoy your meal without the extra carbs!

Storage Info

Refrigeration

To store your Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry, first let it cool. Place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. In the freezer, it can last up to three months. Just be sure to label the container with the date.

Reheating Tips

Reheating this dish is easy. You can use a skillet or microwave. If using a skillet, heat it over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir frequently until heated through. If using a microwave, place the stir fry in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it to prevent drying out, and heat in short bursts. Stir between each burst for even heating.

Meal Prep Suggestions

Meal prep makes cooking easier. You can chop the vegetables and store them in the fridge. Keep shrimp separate until you are ready to cook. This way, your stir fry cooks quickly. You can also make the sauce ahead of time. Store it in the fridge in a jar. Just give it a shake before using it in your stir fry.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just remember to thaw them first. To thaw, place shrimp in cold water for about 10-15 minutes. This helps avoid overcooking. You can also put them in the fridge overnight. When cooking, add a minute to the cooking time. This ensures your shrimp are cooked through and still juicy.

What can I serve with Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry?

You have many tasty options to serve with your stir fry. Here are some ideas:

- Cooked white rice

- Brown rice

- Noodles, like lo mein or rice noodles

- Quinoa for a healthy twist

- Steamed or stir-fried vegetables for extra crunch

These sides will soak up the sauce and make your meal hearty.

How do I make the sauce spicier?

If you love heat, there are easy ways to spice up your sauce. Consider adding:

- Red pepper flakes for a quick kick

- Sriracha or chili paste for a bolder flavor

- Fresh chopped chili peppers for a fresh taste

- A splash of hot sauce to mix it up

Start with a small amount and taste before adding more. This way, you control the heat level.

This blog covered the key steps to make a tasty Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry. We explored the ingredients, cooking methods, and how to customize your dish. Remember, avoid overcooking shrimp for the best flavor and texture. You can also switch up veggies or proteins to fit your taste. With these tips, creating a delicious stir-fry is easy. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and make it your own! Happy cooking!