If you’re craving a meal that’s quick, tasty, and satisfying, you’re in the right place! My Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry is packed with flavor and takes just 20 minutes to prepare. With juicy shrimp, fresh veggies, and a sweet garlic sauce, it’s a dish that will impress everyone. Join me to discover how to whip up this delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Sauce: The honey garlic sauce adds a delightful sweetness and depth of flavor that elevates the dish.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with colorful veggies and lean protein, this stir fry is a nutritious meal option.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or protein to make it your own!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 cup broccoli florets
– 1 carrot, sliced
– 2 green onions, chopped
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for thickening)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Gathering the right ingredients is key to a great dish. Start with fresh large shrimp. They should be peeled and deveined for best results. You will need honey to add a lovely sweetness.
Next, grab garlic cloves to give your dish a rich flavor. Soy sauce adds a nice saltiness, and sesame oil gives a nutty taste.
For veggies, you’ll need a red bell pepper for color, broccoli for crunch, and a carrot for sweetness. Green onions add a fresh touch at the end.
If you want a thicker sauce, cornstarch is an option. Vegetable oil helps cook everything evenly. Lastly, season with salt and pepper to taste.
You can serve this stir fry over rice or noodles. This mix of ingredients makes for a quick and tasty meal anyone can enjoy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Sauce
To start, get a small bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of honey, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. If you want a thicker sauce, mix in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. This mix brings sweet and savory flavors. Set the bowl aside while you cook.
Cooking the Shrimp
Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. When the oil is hot, toss in 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook them for 2-3 minutes. They should turn pink and opaque. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
Stir-Frying the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add a sliced red bell pepper, 1 cup of broccoli florets, and a sliced carrot. Stir-fry the veggies for about 4-5 minutes. You want them to be tender-crisp but not mushy. This adds color and crunch to the dish.
Combining Ingredients
Now, return the shrimp to the skillet with the veggies. Pour the honey garlic sauce over everything. Stir gently to coat the shrimp and vegetables evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. This will heat everything through and thicken the sauce a bit. Before serving, add salt and pepper to taste. Toss in chopped green onions for fresh flavor. Enjoy this dish over cooked rice or noodles!
Tips & Tricks
How to Perfectly Cook Shrimp
To cook shrimp just right, start with fresh or thawed shrimp. Rinse them under cool water and pat them dry. Heat your skillet over medium-high heat before adding oil. When the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes. They should turn pink and opaque. Don’t overcook them, as shrimp can get tough fast. If you follow these steps, your shrimp will be tender and juicy.
Tips for Flavor Enhancements
To boost flavor, try adding ginger or red pepper flakes. You can also add a splash of lime juice for brightness. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can give a nice touch. For a smoky flavor, include a bit of smoked paprika. Experiment with different veggies, too. Snap peas or baby corn can add crunch. These small changes can elevate your dish.
Ways to Thicken the Sauce
If you like a thick sauce, use cornstarch. Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Add it to your sauce before pouring it over the shrimp and veggies. Stir well and let it cook for a few minutes. The sauce will thicken nicely. You can also reduce the sauce by cooking it longer. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning. Both methods work great to achieve a rich, sticky sauce.
Pro Tips
- Choose Fresh Shrimp: Always opt for fresh or properly frozen shrimp to ensure the best flavor and texture in your stir fry.
- Prep Your Ingredients: Have all your vegetables and shrimp prepped before starting to cook, as stir frying is a quick process that requires constant attention.
- Control the Heat: Maintain a high heat throughout cooking to achieve the best sear on your shrimp and to keep your vegetables vibrant and crisp.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap in or add your favorite vegetables like snap peas or zucchini for a personal touch on the dish.
Variations
Alternative Proteins
You can swap shrimp for other proteins. Chicken or tofu works great. Both absorb flavors well. For chicken, use boneless, skinless breast. Cut it into bite-sized pieces. Cook it the same way as shrimp. If you choose tofu, press and cube it. Stir-fry it until golden for best results.
Vegetable Substitutes
Feel free to change the veggies. Snow peas, snap peas, or zucchini add different tastes. You can also use asparagus or mushrooms. These options will keep your dish fresh and exciting. Just remember to cut your veggies into similar sizes for even cooking.
Sauce Variations
The sauce is key to the flavor. You can add chili paste for heat. If you like it sweeter, try adding more honey. For a tangy twist, mix in lime juice. Use low-sodium soy sauce if you want less salt. Experimenting with the sauce can lead to new favorites.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To store leftovers, let the honey garlic shrimp stir fry cool down first. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. Place the shrimp and vegetables together in the container. This meal stays good in the fridge for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it.
Reheating Tips
When you are ready to eat the leftovers, you can reheat them easily. The best method is to use a skillet on medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir until heated through. You can also use the microwave. Just cover the dish and heat in short bursts until warm.
Freezing Instructions
If you decide to freeze the stir fry, do so within two days of cooking. Place the cooled stir fry in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
What can I serve with honey garlic shrimp stir fry?
You can serve honey garlic shrimp stir fry with cooked rice or noodles. Both options soak up the tasty sauce. I love using jasmine rice for its aroma. You can also try whole grain or egg noodles for a twist. Add a side of steamed vegetables for extra color and crunch.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep some parts ahead of time. You can clean and chop the veggies a day early. Mix the sauce and store it in the fridge too. However, I recommend cooking the shrimp just before serving. This keeps them fresh and juicy.
Is this honey garlic shrimp stir fry gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, choose a gluten-free soy sauce. Many brands offer this option now. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free. Enjoy this meal without worrying about gluten!
This blog post shared a tasty honey garlic shrimp stir fry recipe. You learned about key ingredients like shrimp, honey, and fresh veggies. The steps are clear, guiding you from sauce prep to cooking. Tips helped you cook shrimp just right and enhance flavors. Variations let you mix it up with different proteins or sauces.
For leftovers, I covered storage and reheating. Enjoy making this dish your own! Cooking can be fun and simple. Happy stir-frying!
