Mediterranean Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry
This Mediterranean-inspired stir fry combines tender shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a sweet-savory honey garlic sauce with a touch of spice. It’s quick to prepare, full of fresh flavors, and perfect for a healthy dinner in under 20 minutes. Serve it on its own for a light meal or over rice, quinoa, or couscous for something more filling.
Total Time: 18 minutes
Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients
12 large shrimp, tails removed, deveined
1 1/2 cups broccoli florets
1/2 cup red bell pepper, sliced
1/2 cup onion, sliced
2 tsp minced garlic
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup honey
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp cornstarch
1 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp oil (olive oil or avocado oil)
Instructions
Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, red pepper flakes, ground ginger, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
Cook the Vegetables
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add broccoli, red bell pepper, and onion. Stir fry for 3–4 minutes until vegetables begin to soften but are still crisp. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Shrimp
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet.
Add shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside with vegetables.
Make the Sauce in the Pan
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the sauce mixture, stirring continuously until it thickens (about 1 minute).
Combine and Finish
Return shrimp and vegetables to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
Cook for another 1–2 minutes until heated through.
Serve
Serve immediately, plain or over rice, quinoa, or couscous.
Tips
Prep Ahead: Have all your ingredients chopped and ready before starting—this stir fry cooks quickly.
Avoid Overcooking Shrimp: Shrimp turn rubbery if overcooked; remove them from the pan as soon as they turn pink.
Sauce Thickness: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth. If too thin, let it simmer for another minute.
Even Cooking: Cut vegetables into similar sizes so they cook evenly.
Freshness Boost: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving for extra brightness.
Variations
Extra Veggies: Add zucchini, snap peas, mushrooms, or baby spinach.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, almonds, or pine nuts before serving.
Spicy Version: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of harissa or chili paste.
Protein Swap: Replace shrimp with scallops, chicken breast strips, or tofu.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Mediterranean Grain Bowl: Serve over couscous, farro, or bulgur instead of rice.
Q&A
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes, but thaw them completely, pat dry, and then cook to avoid excess liquid watering down the sauce.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: The sauce can be prepared in advance, and vegetables can be chopped ahead of time. Cook shrimp just before serving for the best texture.
Q: Can I make it less sweet?
A: Reduce the honey to 1/3 cup or add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to balance the sweetness.
Q: What can I serve with this?
A: It pairs well with rice, quinoa, couscous, or even zucchini noodles for a lighter option.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Nutrition Facts
(Per serving, based on 2 servings)
Calories: ~400
Protein: 26g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 39g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: ~980mg
Final Conclusion
This Mediterranean Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry is a quick, colorful, and flavorful meal that’s as easy as it is satisfying. The sweet and savory sauce clings beautifully to the tender shrimp and crisp vegetables, while hints of ginger and garlic give it a fresh, vibrant kick. Whether served over grains or enjoyed on its own, it’s a healthy and versatile dish you can have on the table in under 20 minutes.