Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry

This Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry is the ultimate combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. Juicy shrimp are seared to perfection, then tossed with crisp tender vegetables and a rich honey garlic sauce. It’s a quick and nutritious dish that comes together in just minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Serve it over fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even quinoa for a satisfying meal. The blend of garlic, ginger, and sriracha gives the dish a bold kick, while the honey adds just the right amount of sweetness. Garnish with sesame seeds or fresh scallions for an extra touch of flavor!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• For the Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth

  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce

  • 2 teaspoons rice vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

  • 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce

  • 2 tablespoons honey

  • 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger or ginger paste

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• For the Stir Fry:

  • 2 tablespoons canola oil

  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed

  • 1/2 teaspoon Chinese Five Spice

  • 1 red bell pepper, julienned

  • 2 cups broccoli florets

  • 8 ounces snow peas

  • 1 small onion, chopped

  • 2 scallions, chopped

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients until smooth and set aside.

2. Pat the shrimp dry and sprinkle both sides with Chinese Five Spice.

3. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

4. Add onions and broccoli, stirring constantly, and cook for 1-2 minutes.

5. Add red bell pepper and snow peas, continuing to stir, and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.

6. Add the remaining oil to the skillet and heat over medium-high heat.

7. Add shrimp in a single layer, cooking for about 1-2 minutes per side until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

8. Reduce heat to low and whisk the sauce once more. Pour into the skillet and cook until slightly thickened.

9. Return cooked shrimp and vegetables to the pan, tossing to coat in the sauce. Heat for 1-2 minutes.

10. Garnish with scallions and serve immediately.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes

Kcal: 282 kcal | Servings: 4

Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry: A Flavorful and Quick Weeknight Dinner

When it comes to easy, healthy, and flavorful meals, Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry is a top contender. Packed with tender shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a rich honey garlic sauce, this dish offers the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. It’s a quick meal that requires minimal prep but delivers restaurant-quality taste, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights.

Whether you’re looking for a protein rich dish, a low-carb meal, or something that comes together in under 30 minutes, this Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry is the answer. In this article, we’ll explore the origins of stir fry, the benefits of shrimp as a protein source, variations of this recipe, and tips for achieving the best results.

The Origins of Stir Fry

Stir frying is a cooking technique that originated in China over 1500 years ago, during the Han dynasty. This method quickly spread across Asia due to its efficiency and ability to preserve the natural flavors and nutrients of ingredients. Traditional stir fry dishes are cooked over high heat in a wok, allowing vegetables and proteins to cook quickly while maintaining a crisp texture.

Over time, stir fry recipes have evolved to include a variety of ingredients and regional flavors. From Chinese style garlic stir fry to Thai-inspired spicy shrimp stir fry, this cooking method has become a staple in many cuisines worldwide. Today, it’s a popular choice for home cooks who want to prepare healthy, flavorful meals with minimal effort.

Why Shrimp is the Perfect Protein for Stir Fry

Shrimp is one of the best proteins to use in a stir fry because it’s quick cooking, high in protein, and low in calories. Here are a few reasons why shrimp works so well in this dish:

• Fast Cooking Time: Shrimp cooks in just 2-3 minutes per side, making it ideal for quick meals.

• High in Protein: With about 20 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving, shrimp is a fantastic source of lean protein.

• Low in Calories & Fat: Unlike some other meats, shrimp is naturally low in fat and calories while being rich in essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, and selenium.

• Versatile Flavor: Shrimp has a mild, slightly sweet taste that pairs beautifully with bold seasonings like garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and honey.

Not only is shrimp nutritious, but its firm yet tender texture makes it a great addition to stir fry dishes. When cooked correctly, shrimp absorbs flavors beautifully while maintaining a juicy bite.

The Secret to a Perfect Stir Fry

While stir fry might seem like a simple dish, there are a few key techniques that can take it from good to amazing. Here are some essential tips to ensure your Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry turns out perfect every time:

1. Use High Heat

One of the biggest mistakes people make when stir frying is not using high enough heat. Cooking over high heat ensures that the ingredients cook quickly without becoming soggy. If your pan isn’t hot enough, the vegetables can release water, making the dish too watery.

2. Prep All Ingredients Before Cooking

Stir fry is a fast process, so it’s important to have everything chopped, measured, and ready to go before you start cooking. Once the ingredients hit the pan, there’s no time to stop and chop veggies or measure sauces.

3. Cook Shrimp Separately First

To prevent overcooking, always cook shrimp separately before adding them back into the stir fry at the end. Shrimp can become rubbery if left on the heat for too long, so it’s best to cook them just until pink and opaque, then remove them from the pan.

4. Add Vegetables in Stages

Different vegetables have different cooking times. Harder vegetables like carrots and broccoli should go in first, while softer vegetables like bell peppers and snow peas should be added later. This ensures all veggies are perfectly tender crisp.

5. Use a Balanced Sauce

The sauce is what ties the entire stir fry together. In this Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry, the combination of soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil creates a rich and flavorful coating for the shrimp and vegetables. The key is to balance sweet, savory, and spicy flavors so that no single ingredient overpowers the dish.

Variations and Customization Options

One of the best things about stir fry is how versatile it is. You can easily customize this Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry based on your preferences or dietary needs.

1. Make It Spicier

If you love spicy food, add extra heat with ingredients like:

• More sriracha or red pepper flakes

• Fresh Thai chilies

• Chili garlic sauce for an extra kick

2. Swap the Protein

Not a fan of shrimp? This stir fry recipe works well with other proteins like:

• Chicken (thinly sliced)

• Beef strips (sirloin or flank steak)

• Tofu (for a vegetarian option)

3. Use Different Vegetables

Feel free to mix and match different vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Some great options include:

• Mushrooms

• Zucchini

• Carrots

• Snap peas

• Baby corn

4. Make It Low-Carb

For a low carb version, serve the stir fry over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice. You can also reduce the honey in the sauce for an even lower sugar content.

What to Serve with Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry

This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some delicious options:

• Steamed Jasmine Rice or Brown Rice – Classic and satisfying

• Cauliflower Rice – A low-carb alternative

• Rice Noodles or Lo Mein – For a heartier meal

• Quinoa – A high-protein grain option

Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped scallions, or crushed peanuts for an extra layer of flavor.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal, this Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry is a must-try. With its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, it’s a dish that the whole family will love. Plus, it’s packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and nutritious ingredients, making it a guilt-free choice for any night of the week.

The best part? It’s completely customizable, so you can switch up the ingredients based on what you love. Whether you prefer it spicy, mild, low carb, or extra saucy, this stir fry is guaranteed to be a new favorite in your meal rotation.

So next time you’re short on time but still want something delicious and satisfying, give this Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry a try you won’t be disappointed!