
This quick and easy honey garlic shrimp stir-fry is a weeknight hero that comes together in under 30 minutes. Tender shrimp meet a luscious honey garlic sauce, balanced with soy and a hint of spice, all paired beautifully with crisp broccoli and steamed rice.
This was the dish I turned to whenever I needed a comforting meal that felt special but didn't demand hours in the kitchen. It quickly became a favorite for simple dinner celebrations at home.
Ingredients You Need
- Large uncooked shrimp: about 1 pound provides juicy, flavorful protein. Choose shrimp that is peeled and deveined for ease.
- Peanut oil: 2 tablespoons for high heat sautéing without burning.
- Fresh broccoli florets: 3 cups add crunch and vibrant color. Look for firm stalks and deep green heads.
- Chicken broth: 1 ½ cups as the savory base for the sauce.
- Low sodium soy sauce: ¼ cup gives savory depth without overpowering.
- Honey: ⅓ cup delivers natural sweetness and helps the sauce caramelize.
- Packed brown sugar: ¼ cup enhances richness and balances acidity.
- Minced garlic: 5 cloves infuse the sauce with vibrant aromatics.
- Apple cider vinegar: 2 tablespoons brings brightness.
- Toasted sesame oil: 1 teaspoon optional but adds an irresistible nutty aroma.
- Ground ginger: ½ teaspoon warms the flavor profile.
- Pinch of red pepper flakes: to lift the sauce with mild heat.
- Cornstarch: ¼ cup mixed with cold water for thickening.
- Cooked rice: 3 cups to serve as the base that absorbs all those wonderful sauce flavors.
- Green onions: to garnish adding a fresh bite.
- Honey roasted peanuts: for garnish providing crunch and a touch of extra sweetness.
Detailed Cooking Directions
- Build The Flavor Base:
- Combine chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, toasted sesame oil, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Set this sauce mixture aside to meld.
- Cook The Shrimp:
- Heat peanut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook approximately 1 minute 20 seconds on each side until pink and just cooked through. Transfer shrimp to a clean plate to avoid overcooking.
- Sauté The Broccoli:
- In the same skillet, add broccoli florets and sauté on medium-high heat for around 4 minutes until they begin to soften but retain some crunch. Remove broccoli and set aside.
- Simmer The Sauce:
- Pour the reserved sauce mixture into the skillet and bring it to a boil gently.
- Thicken The Sauce:
- Mix cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Slowly add this slurry into the boiling sauce while stirring continuously until thickened to a glossy consistency.
- Warm The Vegetables:
- Lower the heat to low and return the broccoli to the skillet. Cover partially and allow it to heat through for 2 to 3 minutes, soaking in the sauce.
- Finish With Shrimp:
- Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet and spoon sauce over. Heat everything together for about 1 minute to meld flavors without overcooking the shrimp.
- Serve And Garnish:
- Spoon the shrimp and broccoli mixture over cooked rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and honey roasted peanuts for a delightful crunch and extra sweetness boost.

The toasted sesame oil is my secret ingredient here, adding a fragrant depth that transforms the dish. I remember the very first time I added it; it instantly elevated what could have been a basic stir-fry into something restaurant quality.
Smart Storage Tips
Store leftover shrimp and broccoli stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To keep the shrimp tender, reheat gently on low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water. The rice reheats well in the microwave but adding a sprinkle of water before warming helps keep it fluffy rather than dry.
Ingredient Variations
Try swapping broccoli for snap peas or bell peppers for a different crunchy texture and vibrant color. You could easily switch shrimp for chicken or tofu to suit preferences. Adding fresh herbs such as cilantro or basil before serving can bring a fresh twist that lightens the richness.
Perfect Pairing Ideas
Serve this dish with jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the honey garlic sauce beautifully. A light cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing offers a crisp contrast. For drinks, a chilled white wine like Riesling with its slight sweetness complements the savory sweetness perfectly.
Seasonal Makeovers
In cooler months incorporate roasted carrots or cauliflower florets, which add earthiness and seasonality. In spring or summer, fresh snap peas and thinly sliced green beans brighten the dish and add a fresh crunch. Adjust the honey for a more floral or robust sweetness depending on seasonal honey varieties.

This honey garlic shrimp stir-fry always reminds me that simple ingredients treated with care can create a dish that's both nourishing and indulgent. It brings the comfort of home-cooked meals with a touch of restaurant flair, making any mealtime feel a little more special.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of shrimp works best?
Large, uncooked shrimp with shell and veins removed are ideal as they cook quickly and stay tender, absorbing the sauce well.
- → Can I substitute the broccoli?
Yes, other crisp vegetables like snap peas or asparagus can be used. Just adjust cooking time to retain a pleasant crunch.
- → How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
Stir in the cornstarch mixture gradually and remove from heat once the sauce coats the back of a spoon to avoid over-thickening.
- → What is the role of apple cider vinegar in the sauce?
It balances sweetness with a subtle tang, enhancing depth and brightness in the overall flavor.
- → How long should shrimp be cooked to avoid toughness?
Cook shrimp about 1 minute 20 seconds per side until just opaque. Overcooking results in a rubbery texture.
- → Can honey roasted peanuts be omitted or substituted?
Yes, they add crunch and mild sweetness but can be skipped or replaced with toasted cashews or almonds if preferred.