If you are looking for a weeknight winner that comes together quickly without skimping on flavor, this Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s a harmonious blend of tender shrimp glazed in a luscious honey garlic sauce, paired perfectly with vibrant sautéed vegetables. Every bite bursts with sweet, savory, and garlicky notes, making it an irresistible dish that feels both comforting and fresh. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up a restaurant-quality stir fry that brings restaurant vibes right to your own table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward but play essential roles in building the dish’s flavor, color, and texture. Each item has a purpose, from the sweetness of honey to the bright crunch of fresh vegetables.
- 1 lb. raw shrimp (thawed, peeled and tails removed): Choose fresh or fully thawed shrimp for juiciness and easy cooking.
- 1/3 cup honey: Adds natural sweetness that balances the savory garlic and soy sauce.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Provides the salty backbone and umami richness.
- 1 tbsp minced garlic: Brings a punch of aromatic flavor that’s essential to this dish.
- 1 tsp minced ginger: Offers a zesty warmth that complements the garlic beautifully.
- 2 tbsp butter (salted): Adds a silky, rich mouthfeel and helps caramelize the shrimp.
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil): Perfect for stir-frying vegetables without overpowering their color or crunch.
- 1 lb. asparagus (trimmed and cut into 2 to 3 inch pieces): Provides a fresh, crunchy texture and lovely green color.
- 1 large red bell pepper (sliced into strips): Adds sweetness and vibrant red hues to the stir fry.
- ½ medium onion (sliced): Brings a subtle sweetness and extra depth to the vegetable mix.
How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by placing your cleaned and peeled shrimp in a bowl. This keeps it convenient for marinating and ensures you have everything ready to go. Handling shrimp right at the beginning sets a good pace for the rest of the recipe.
Step 2: Marinate to Perfection
In a small bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Pour half of this flavorful sauce over the shrimp and stir well to coat every piece. Cover the bowl and pop it into the fridge for at least 15 minutes. This marinating step lets the shrimp soak up all those wonderful flavors, making the final dish taste like it’s been slow-cooked for hours even though it’s super quick.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat up a large skillet on medium-high and add butter and olive oil. Once everything is sizzling and hot, add the asparagus, red bell pepper, and onion. Cook the veggies just until they are crisp-tender with slight char marks, about 4 minutes. This keeps them fresh and colorful while adding some lovely textures. Then, remove them from the pan and set aside to keep warm for later.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Add the last tablespoon of butter to your skillet, then add the marinated shrimp (discard any marinade that’s been in contact with raw shrimp for safety). Cook the shrimp for about one minute on each side until they are beautifully caramelized and opaque. Immediately toss the veggies back into the pan along with the reserved sauce, and heat everything through to meld all the flavors together.
Step 5: Ready to Serve
Your Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe is now ready to shine. Serve it hot over steamed rice for a satisfying, colorful meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. It’s simple, wholesome, and guaranteed to become a staple in your weeknight repertoire.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
To add a touch of freshness and a bit of crunch, try sprinkling some chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds on top. These simple garnishes elevate the dish visually and provide subtle texture contrasts that make every bite delightful.
Side Dishes
This stir fry pairs beautifully with plain steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a wholesome accompaniment. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice or a bed of quinoa are fantastic alternatives that absorb the flavorful sauce nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe in edible lettuce cups or alongside crispy wonton chips for scooping. You can also plate it over noodles like udon or soba to transform this dish into a noodle stir fry sensation. These ideas turn mealtime into a special event!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The shrimp and veggies happily keep for up to 2 days, making it a perfect next-day lunch or dinner option.
Freezing
Freezing this stir fry is possible but not ideal because the texture of the asparagus and bell peppers may change after being frozen and reheated. If you do freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month for best taste.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat to preserve the shrimp’s tenderness and vegetables’ crunch. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the best texture, but if short on time, microwave on medium power in short bursts, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely, peel, and devein them before marinating and cooking. This ensures even cooking and the best texture.
What can I substitute for asparagus?
If asparagus isn’t your favorite or not in season, green beans, broccoli florets, or snap peas make excellent substitutes that bring similar crunch and color to the dish.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, this Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe is not spicy by default, but you can easily add heat by tossing in red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha sauce to suit your taste.
Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
You can swap shrimp with firm tofu or tempeh and use a plant-based butter alternative to make this stir fry vegan-friendly. The honey can be replaced with maple syrup or agave for sweetness.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
This recipe is impressively quick, with only 5 minutes of prep and around 15 minutes of cooking time, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights when you want something fast and tasty.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the perfect blend of sweet honey and fragrant garlic paired with tender shrimp and crisp veggies. This Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe is a celebration of fresh flavors, effortless cooking, and vibrant textures that will brighten any meal. Give it a try—you might just find yourself adding it to your regular dinner rotation because it’s too good to resist!
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Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A quick and flavorful Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry featuring tender shrimp glazed with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, combined with crisp-tender asparagus, red bell pepper, and onion. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner that’s ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Marinade
- 1 lb. raw shrimp (thawed, peeled, and tails removed)
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp minced ginger
Vegetables
- 1 lb. asparagus (trimmed and cut into 2 to 3 inch pieces)
- 1 large red bell pepper (sliced into strips)
- ½ medium onion (sliced)
Cooking Fats
- 2 tbsp butter (salted)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Place the cleaned shrimp in a bowl and set aside to prepare the marinade.
- Make and Marinate: In a small bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Pour half this mixture over the shrimp, stirring to coat thoroughly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors infuse.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter along with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add asparagus, red bell pepper strips, and sliced onion. Sauté for about 4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender and slightly charred. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and keep warm on a plate.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Discard any used marinade on shrimp. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute per side until they are caramelized and cooked through.
- Combine and Heat Through: Quickly add the cooked vegetables and the reserved half of the marinade sauce to the skillet. Stir to combine and heat everything through for an additional minute.
- Serve: Serve the honey garlic shrimp stir fry hot, optionally over cooked rice for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Notes
- Marinating the shrimp for at least 15 minutes enhances the flavor and helps tenderize the shrimp.
- Sautéing vegetables until just crisp-tender preserves their bright color and texture.
- You can substitute soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option.
- For added heat, sprinkle chili flakes or add chopped fresh chili to the marinade.
- This dish pairs well with steamed jasmine or basmati rice but can also be served with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
