MEDITERRANEAN HONEY GARLIC SHRIMP STIRFRY RECIPE

MEDITERRANEAN HONEY GARLIC SHRIMP STIR-FRY

Table of Contents

This vibrant Mediterranean Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry delivers a perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and zesty flavors. Tender shrimp, colorful vegetables, and a garlicky honey glaze come together in a quick stir-fry that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With added broccoli for crunch and nutrition and a hint of red pepper flakes and ginger for depth, this dish is clean, wholesome, and utterly satisfying.

Time Required:

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients (Serves 2–3):

For the Shrimp & Veggies:

12 large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails off

1½ cups broccoli florets

½ cup red bell pepper, sliced

½ cup onion, sliced (red or yellow)

2 teaspoons minced garlic

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

2 tablespoons oil (olive oil or avocado oil)

Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

½ cup honey

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

½ teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water)

Juice of ½ lemon (optional, for Mediterranean brightness)

½ teaspoon dried oregano (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Sauce:

In a small bowl, whisk together:

Soy sauce, honey, red pepper flakes, ground ginger, and lemon juice (if using).

In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water to form a slurry. Set both aside.

Sear the Shrimp:

Pat the shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Add shrimp and sear 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked. Remove and set aside.

Stir-Fry the Vegetables:

Add remaining oil and butter to the same pan.

Sauté garlic and onions for 1 minute.

Add broccoli and bell pepper; cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally until crisp-tender.

Combine Everything:

Return shrimp to the pan.

Pour in the honey garlic sauce and stir well.

Add cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce thickens and coats the shrimp and veggies (about 2 minutes).

Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a dash more lemon juice if desired.

Serve:

Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges or fresh herbs like parsley or basil.

Optional: Serve over couscous, rice, or quinoa for a heartier meal.

Tips:

Don’t Overcook Shrimp:
Shrimp cook very quickly—just 1–2 minutes per side. Remove them from the pan once pink and firm to avoid rubbery texture.

Prep Ahead:
Chop all vegetables and mix the sauce beforehand to make the cooking process quick and stress-free.

Sauce Too Thin?
Be sure to use the cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water). If you want the sauce even thicker, add a bit more slurry at the end while simmering.

Use High Heat:
Stir-fries cook best over medium-high to high heat. It helps keep the veggies crisp and the shrimp seared without getting soggy.

Balance Sweetness:
If the honey makes the sauce too sweet for your taste, add more lemon juice or a splash of balsamic vinegar to balance it out.

Variations:

Add More Vegetables:
Try adding snap peas, baby corn, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for color and crunch.

Protein Swap:
Not a fan of shrimp? This recipe works wonderfully with:

Diced chicken breast or thighs

Salmon cubes

Tofu (for a vegetarian version)

Make It Spicier:
Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a spicier kick.

Serve It Differently:

Spoon it over lemon-herb couscous, rice, or quinoa

Stuff it into a whole wheat pita or wrap

Serve with a side salad or hummus platter

Make It Gluten-Free:
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and double-check all other ingredients for gluten.

Low-Carb Option:
Skip the grain and serve this over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Q&A

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the sauce and chop the veggies up to 2 days ahead. Cooked shrimp stir-fry will last 2–3 days in the fridge. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

Q: What can I use instead of honey?
A: Maple syrup or agave nectar are great substitutes. They’ll keep the sweetness but offer slightly different flavors.

Q: How can I make this dish more Mediterranean?
A: Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or crumble in a bit of feta cheese at the end. You can also use herbs like dill, parsley, or basil for added Mediterranean flair.

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes. Thaw them completely under cold running water or overnight in the fridge, then pat dry before cooking.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutrition may vary slightly based on ingredients and exact quantities used.

Conclusion

This Mediterranean Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry is the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and fresh. It’s fast, flavorful, and packed with protein and fiber-rich vegetables. Whether you’re trying to eat clean, prep meals ahead, or just want a quick, colorful dinner, this dish hits all the marks. Versatile enough to serve over grains or on its own, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen!