Why do you make the sauce before cooking the honey garlic shrimp stir fry?

Preparing the sauce first allows the soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch to combine and rest for a few minutes. This resting time helps the cornstarch dissolve fully, so when the sauce is heated during cooking, it thickens quickly to a smooth, slightly thick consistency instead of remaining watery. This process ensures the sauce evenly coats the shrimp and vegetables, improving the overall flavor and texture of the dish.

Can I use frozen or pre-cooked shrimp for honey garlic shrimp stir fry?

Yes, you can use frozen or pre-cooked shrimp. If using frozen shrimp, thaw it completely and pat it dry to avoid excess moisture in the stir fry. For pre-cooked shrimp, simply warm it briefly in a skillet to prevent overcooking. Adding a quick char with a kitchen torch or a hot pan can enhance the flavor and give the shrimp a slightly caramelized taste.

What vegetables are best for honey garlic shrimp stir fry and can I substitute them?

Common vegetables for honey garlic shrimp stir fry include bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas. These add color, crunch, and complement the sweet garlic sauce well. You can substitute or add other vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, edamame, or cauliflower depending on your preference or what’s available. Using a variety of textures helps balance the dish and keeps it nutritious.

Do I need any special equipment like a hand torch to make honey garlic shrimp stir fry?

A hand torch is not necessary but can be helpful to quickly char the shrimp, adding a smoky flavor and appealing texture. If you don’t have a torch, you can achieve a similar effect by cooking the shrimp over high heat in a well-seasoned cast iron skillet or wok. The key is to cook the shrimp quickly without overcrowding the pan to get a nice sear.

How long does it take to cook honey garlic shrimp stir fry from start to finish?

This stir fry typically takes about 20 to 25 minutes to prepare and cook. Making the sauce first takes 5 minutes, prepping vegetables and shrimp another 10 to 15 minutes, and the actual stir-frying can be done in 5 to 7 minutes. This quick cooking time makes it a great option for a flavorful weeknight meal.

Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry With Quick Flavorful Sauce

Name: Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb. (about 450 g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 head of chopped broccoli; 2 sliced bell peppers; 2 cups of snow peas; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup honey; 2 tbsp cornstarch; 4 cloves garlic, minced; Green onions, for garnish

Description

🍤 Experience a restaurant-quality stir fry that comes together in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious and nutritious
🥗 Packed with protein and fresh vegetables, this dish delivers bold Asian-inspired flavors with a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb. (about 450 g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 tbsp olive oil

1 head of chopped broccoli

2 sliced bell peppers

2 cups of snow peas

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup honey

2 tbsp cornstarch

4 cloves garlic, minced

Green onions, for garnish

Instructions

1-First, peel and devein the 1 lb. of raw shrimp, chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces, and mince the garlic. In a large wok or skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and sauté for about 2 minutes per side until they turn pink, then set them aside to rest.

2-Heat the oil and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes until opaque.

3-Add garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.

4-Incorporate the vegetables and sauté for 5-6 minutes until the peppers blister.

5-Return the shrimp to the pan and mix in the sauce.

6-Stir everything for another minute to blend the flavors.

7-Next, pour in the sauce made from whisking together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup honey, and 2 tbsp cornstarch, which you’ve let sit to thicken. Reduce the heat to low and stir for about 10 seconds until the sauce coats the ingredients perfectly. Finally, garnish with green onions and serve over rice for a complete meal that offers a balanced nutritional profile.

Notes

🍤 Don’t overcook the shrimp – they cook quickly and become tough when overdone, so remove them from the pan as soon as they turn pink
🥦 Cut vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking – larger pieces may need a head start in the pan
🍯 For a thicker sauce, let the cornstarch mixture sit longer before adding, or add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in a tablespoon of water

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stir-frying
Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 409
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 890mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 54g
Fiber: 9g
Protein: 42g
Cholesterol: 185mg

Keywords: Honey Garlic, Shrimp Stir Fry, Quick Meal, Asian Recipe