If you’re craving a meal that’s sweet, savory, garlicky, and ready in under 30 minutes, this Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry with Broccoli is a dream come true.

This dish combines juicy shrimp sautéed to perfection with fresh broccoli florets, all tossed in a sticky honey garlic sauce made from simple pantry staples — soy sauce, honey, garlic, and a hint of ginger. The result is a restaurant-quality stir-fry that’s bursting with flavor and nutrition, yet incredibly easy to make at home.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s:

• Fast: It takes just 20 minutes from start to finish.
• Flavor-packed: The combination of honey and garlic creates that perfect sweet-and-savory balance.
• Healthy: Loaded with lean protein from shrimp and fiber-rich broccoli.
• Flexible: Works beautifully with any vegetables or protein you have on hand.

Plus, the sauce thickens into a beautiful glaze that clings to every shrimp and broccoli floret, making it taste like takeout — only better (and healthier!).

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try for anyone who loves quick, flavorful meals that don’t compromise on taste or nutrition.

Here’s why:

• It’s meal-prep friendly and reheats wonderfully.
• It’s lighter and cleaner than typical takeout stir-fries — no added MSG or deep-frying.
• The honey garlic sauce works perfectly not just with shrimp, but also chicken, beef, or tofu.

If you’ve ever wanted to master a simple stir-fry that impresses everyone at the table, this is it!

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings and Nutrition

• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~320 kcal per serving

Course and Cuisine

• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Asian / Chinese-American

Ingredients

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or lightly steamed)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or sesame oil)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (optional but recommended)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

• ⅓ cup honey
• ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for slurry)
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Optional Garnishes:

• Toasted sesame seeds
• Sliced green onions
• Extra drizzle of honey or sesame oil

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp and Broccoli

1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. If using fresh broccoli, blanch it briefly in boiling water for 1–2 minutes, then drain and set aside. (This keeps it bright green and crisp-tender.)

Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
2. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp

1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
3. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Broccoli

1. In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil.
2. Add the broccoli and stir-fry for about 3 minutes, until slightly tender but still crisp.

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Reduce heat to medium.
2. Pour in the honey garlic sauce and stir until it begins to simmer.
3. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1 minute until the sauce thickens into a glaze.
4. Add the cooked shrimp back into the pan and toss everything together to coat evenly.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

1. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning — add a splash of soy sauce or honey if desired.

How to Serve

Serve hot over a bed of:

• Steamed jasmine rice
• Brown rice or quinoa for a healthier option
• Stir-fried noodles for a heartier meal
• Cauliflower rice for a low-carb version

Add a wedge of lime for brightness and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for texture.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcook shrimp — they turn rubbery quickly. Remove them as soon as they turn pink.
• Blanch broccoli ahead for the perfect tender-crisp texture.
• Add the cornstarch slurry gradually to control sauce thickness.
• For a glossy finish, drizzle with a touch of sesame oil right before serving.
• To make it spicier, add chili flakes or a squeeze of Sriracha.

Recipe Variations

1. Vegetarian Version: Replace shrimp with tofu or tempeh.
2. Chicken Stir-Fry: Use thinly sliced chicken breast instead of shrimp.
3. Spicy Garlic Shrimp: Add chopped fresh chili or chili paste to the sauce.
4. Mixed Veggie Version: Include bell peppers, snap peas, or baby corn for more color and nutrition.
5. Citrus Twist: Add 1 tsp of orange zest or lime juice for a zesty flavor lift.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration:
  Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water.
• Freezing:
  Freeze shrimp and sauce separately for best results. Store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Special Equipment Needed

• Wok or large non-stick skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Tongs or wooden spatula

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess water in the pan.

Q2: How do I make the sauce thicker?
Add a bit more cornstarch slurry (½ tsp cornstarch + 1 tsp water) while simmering.

Q3: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but add them only at the end to warm through — otherwise, they’ll overcook.

Q4: Can I substitute honey?
You can use maple syrup or brown sugar for a slightly different sweetness.

Q5: Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes — just use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry with Broccoli is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a stunning meal. The sauce is glossy, sticky, and rich with garlicky sweetness, the shrimp are juicy and tender, and the broccoli adds a satisfying crunch and color.

It’s the kind of dish that’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but flavorful enough to serve to guests. Whether you’re craving something healthy, comforting, or irresistibly delicious — this stir-fry checks every box.

So grab your wok, whip up this dish in under 30 minutes, and enjoy the irresistible blend of sweet, savory, and garlicky perfection — all in one bowl!