Introduction

Sticky Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry is a quick, flavorful, and irresistible dish that combines succulent shrimp with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. Tossed with crisp vegetables and served over rice or noodles, this stir-fry is perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or anytime you crave a fast, restaurant-quality meal at home.

The sauce is sticky, glossy, and packed with flavor, coating every piece of shrimp and vegetable. With a perfect balance of sweetness, tang, and umami, this dish is both comforting and exciting. The best part? It’s ready in under 25 minutes, making it a perfect option for busy evenings.

Why I Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy – From prep to plate in under 25 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknights.
2. Sweet and Savory Flavor – Honey and garlic create a perfectly sticky, flavorful sauce that clings to every bite.
3. Tender Shrimp – The shrimp cook quickly and remain juicy and tender.
4. Colorful, Healthy Veggies – Crisp vegetables add freshness, texture, and nutrition.
5. Versatile – Serve over rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This recipe is a must-try because it’s fast, flavorful, and restaurant-quality at home. The combination of sweet honey, pungent garlic, and a hint of soy sauce elevates simple shrimp and vegetables into an unforgettable stir-fry. It’s perfect for anyone craving a satisfying, sticky, and flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The balance of flavors and textures makes it a dish that appeals to the entire family.

Recipe Information

• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Asian / Stir-Fry
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: ~400 kcal

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Stir-Fry:

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small broccoli crown, cut into florets
• 1 medium carrot, sliced thin
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

• ¼ cup honey
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry)

Garnish:

• 2 tbsp sesame seeds
• 2 tbsp chopped green onions

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prepare the Shrimp:
   • Toss shrimp with 1 tbsp cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until lightly coated.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch slurry. Set aside.
3. Cook the Vegetables:
   • Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
   • Add bell peppers, broccoli, and carrot. Stir-fry 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender. Remove from skillet and set aside.
4. Cook the Shrimp:
   • Add remaining 1 tbsp oil to the skillet.
   • Add shrimp and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Add garlic and ginger and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Combine and Glaze:
   • Return vegetables to the skillet.
   • Pour honey garlic sauce over shrimp and vegetables, tossing to coat.
   • Cook 1–2 minutes until sauce thickens and becomes sticky.
6. Garnish and Serve:
   • Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve immediately over steamed rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice.

How to Serve

• Serve hot in individual bowls over steamed rice or noodles.
• Pair with spring rolls, dumplings, or a light Asian salad for a full meal.
• Drizzle extra sauce from the skillet over rice or noodles for extra flavor.

Recipe Tips

• Pat shrimp dry before cooking for a better sear.
• Don’t overcook shrimp—they cook quickly and remain tender.
• Use cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce without clumping.
• Customize vegetables based on what you have: snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms work well.

Variations

• Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp: Add ½ tsp chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
• Low-Sugar Version: Substitute honey with maple syrup or a sugar-free sweetener.
• Protein Swap: Replace shrimp with chicken breast or tofu for variation.
• Extra Nutty Flavor: Add 1 tbsp peanut butter or crushed peanuts to the sauce.

Freezing & Storage

• Storage: Store cooked shrimp and vegetables separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as shrimp and vegetables lose texture when frozen and reheated.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or wok
• Spatula or tongs
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small bowl for sauce

FAQ

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: Vegetables and sauce can be prepared ahead, but cook shrimp fresh for the best texture.

Q: How can I make the sauce extra sticky?
A: Increase cornstarch to 1.5 tsp or simmer sauce 1–2 minutes longer until thickened.

Conclusion

Sticky Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry is a fast, flavorful, and visually stunning dish that brings restaurant-quality flavors to your home kitchen. With tender shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a sweet-savory honey garlic sauce, it’s a meal that’s satisfying, healthy, and versatile. Perfect for weeknights or entertaining, this stir-fry is guaranteed to become a family favorite.