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Quick Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry

honey garlic shrimp stir-fry - featured image

A quick and easy honey garlic shrimp stir-fry ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights with a sweet and savory glaze that’s irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) peeled and deveined medium shrimp (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 3 tablespoons honey (raw or organic preferred)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce (regular or low sodium; tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (avocado oil as alternative)
  • 2 stalks green onions, chopped
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
  • Optional vegetables: sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli florets (about 1 cup total)

Instructions

  1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to help them sear nicely.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
  3. Heat a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 1-2 minutes.
  4. Add shrimp in a single layer without crowding the pan. Cook for about 2 minutes on the first side until pink and slightly golden, then flip and cook another 1-2 minutes. Remove shrimp to a plate.
  5. If using vegetables, add them now to the hot pan with a splash of oil. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
  6. Pour the honey garlic sauce mixture into the pan with veggies or empty pan if no veggies. Bring to a gentle boil.
  7. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and stir constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 1-2 minutes.
  8. Return shrimp to the pan and toss well to coat with the sauce. Cook for an additional 1 minute to warm through and marry flavors.
  9. Remove from heat and drizzle with sesame oil. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry thoroughly to ensure a good sear and avoid steaming. Use high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to keep shrimp tender. Stir constantly when thickening sauce with cornstarch slurry to get a glossy finish. Avoid overcooking shrimp to prevent rubbery texture. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari and verify cornstarch is gluten-free. Leftovers keep up to 2 days refrigerated; reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic shrimp, quick dinner, stir-fry, easy shrimp recipe, weeknight meal, gluten-free option, healthy shrimp stir-fry