
This honey garlic shrimp stir fry is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something vibrant and satisfying with just a bit of sweetness. The sauce clings beautifully to the shrimp and vegetables, creating a glossy finish and bold flavors.
I first made this for a family birthday at home and it instantly became a favorite. We love how the shrimp stay juicy while the bold sauce ties everything together.
Ingredients
- Large shrimp: These soak up the sweet and savory flavors easily Try to choose firm and plump shrimp with a fresh ocean aroma
- Broccoli florets: Provide crunch and brighten up the dish Look for deep green crowns with tight buds
- Red bell pepper: Adds color and natural sweetness Pick one that feels heavy with shiny skin
- Onion: Gives savory depth to the base Yellow or white onions are sweetest when sauteed
- Minced garlic: Essential for that punchy aroma and sharp flavor Use fresh cloves for maximum impact
- Soy sauce: Brings salty complexity Choose a low sodium version for a lighter touch
- Honey: Gives sticky sweetness that balances the soy Use pure honey for best results
- Red pepper flakes: Supplies a gentle heat Use more if you love extra kick
- Ground ginger: Adds warmth to the sauce Freshly ground always brings more zing
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce Choose one without added fillers to keep it clear
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and rounds out the sauce Use pure butter not margarine
- Oil: Makes sure your vegetables do not stick I like to use a neutral oil like avocado or grapeseed
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Combine soy sauce honey ground ginger red pepper flakes and minced garlic in a bowl Mix thoroughly until fully combined then whisk in the cornstarch Sprinkle it in while whisking to prevent lumps The sauce should look glossy and smooth
- Cook the Vegetables:
- Heat oil in a large wok or skillet over medium high Once hot add bell peppers and onions Saute for three to four minutes until fragrant and just starting to soften You want them still slightly crisp
- Add the Broccoli:
- Toss in the broccoli florets Stir and cook for about four minutes more Let the broccoli brighten and take on a bit of char at the edges
- Add Butter and Shrimp:
- Reduce heat to medium Add butter and let it melt into the vegetables Then add shrimp in a single layer Cook for around two minutes per side until shrimp just turn pink and are opaque inside
- Add the Sauce and Finish:
- Pour in the prepared sauce evenly Toss quickly so everything is coated As it cooks for another two minutes the sauce will thicken and glaze the vegetables and shrimp Serve it all straight from the pan over your favorite rice

Shrimp is my favorite part of this recipe because my family grew up on the coast and we always celebrated small victories with a big seafood meal. Cooking this for them fills our kitchen with nostalgia every single time.
Storage Tips
Leftovers taste great when stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat gently warm in a skillet with a splash of water to revive the sauce and bring everything back to life.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap out broccoli for sugar snap peas or green beans. If you do not have honey try pure maple syrup or even agave. For a gluten free option use tamari instead of soy sauce. If you prefer chicken or firm tofu those both work in place of shrimp but may need a minute or two extra for cooking.
Serving Suggestions
We love this stir fry over jasmine or basmati rice but you can also serve it with noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter touch. Top with extra green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for some extra flair. Sometimes I add a squeeze of lime before serving for a burst of freshness.
Cultural Context
Stir fry dishes like this have roots in fast home cooking traditions across Asia where fresh ingredients are cooked quickly over high heat. The honey garlic combination is especially popular in Chinese American restaurants and is a playful fusion of classic flavors with a modern twist.

This shrimp stir fry is simple and tasty—sure to become a weeknight favorite. Enjoy it fresh for the most vibrant flavors and textures.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What vegetables pair best with honey garlic shrimp stirfry?
Broccoli florets, red bell pepper, and onion add color and freshness, complementing the sweet and savory flavors perfectly.
- → How do you thicken the honey garlic sauce?
Mixing cornstarch into the sauce helps it thicken as it cooks, giving a glossy coating to shrimp and vegetables.
- → Can frozen shrimp be used for this dish?
Yes, just be sure to thaw and pat dry the shrimp before cooking for the best texture and flavor.
- → What can you serve alongside this stirfry?
Steamed white or brown rice makes the perfect base, soaking up the delicious sauce and rounding out the meal.
- → How do you prevent shrimp from overcooking?
Cook shrimp just until pink, about 2 minutes per side, to keep them juicy and tender in the finished dish.