Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry
Dinner

Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry

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This Healthy Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry is a vibrant, flavorful meal packed with juicy shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a sweet-savory honey garlic sauce. Quick to prepare and rich in nutrients, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or light lunches. Served over rice, this stir fry delivers bold Asian-inspired flavors in under 30 minutes, with just one skillet required.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Veggies & Shrimp:

  • 2 tbsp avocado oil

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced

  • 3 cups broccoli, chopped into bite-size pieces

  • 1 small bag snap peas

  • 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

Sauce:

  • ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce

  • 2 tsp sesame oil

  • 2 tbsp honey

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)

  • 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger (or 1 tsp ground ginger)

  • 1 tbsp arrowroot powder (or cornstarch, for thickening)

Directions

  1. Heat Oil:
    In a large skillet, heat avocado oil over medium-high heat.

  2. Sauté Veggies:
    Add bell pepper, broccoli, and snap peas. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften.

  3. Make Sauce:
    In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, garlic, ginger, and arrowroot powder until smooth.

  4. Cook Shrimp:
    Add shrimp to the skillet, reduce heat to medium, and cook for 2 minutes or until they just turn pink.

  5. Add Sauce:
    Pour the sauce over the shrimp and vegetables. Stir and cook for another 4 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.

  6. Serve:
    Serve hot over cooked rice or cauliflower rice.

Nutrients (Approximate per serving, without rice)

  • Calories: ~250–300 kcal

  • Protein: High (from shrimp)

  • Fat: Moderate (from avocado and sesame oil)

  • Carbohydrates: Moderate (from honey and vegetables)

  • Sugar: Lightly sweet (from honey)

  • Sodium: Moderate to high (from soy sauce; use low sodium)

Why This Stir Fry Is a Weeknight Hero

Quick, versatile, and nutrient-rich, this shrimp stir fry hits all the right notes. It’s easy to prepare with pantry staples and fresh produce, and it’s customizable based on what’s in your fridge. The shrimp cook in minutes, the vegetables maintain their crunch and color, and the sauce pulls everything together with a balance of garlic, ginger, soy, and honey. Unlike heavy takeout options, this version is light, clean, and full of natural goodness—without sacrificing flavor.

A Balanced Mix of Protein, Veggies, and Flavor

This dish offers a well-rounded meal with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and healthy fats, all in a single skillet. Shrimp provides a low-fat, high-protein foundation that cooks in mere minutes, making it ideal for fast meals. The colorful mix of broccoli, snap peas, and red bell pepper adds texture, fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Together, they form a rainbow of flavor and nutrition that’s as beautiful on the plate as it is beneficial for your body.

The Honey Garlic Sauce: Sweet, Savory, and Glossy

The real magic of this stir fry lies in its honey garlic sauce. It’s a simple blend of low-sodium soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sesame oil, thickened lightly with arrowroot powder or cornstarch. This sauce coats every piece of shrimp and vegetable in a glossy glaze that’s garlicky, slightly sweet, and savory with a hint of umami. It’s flavorful without being heavy and balances perfectly against the freshness of the stir-fried vegetables.

Nutrient-Rich and Clean Eating Approved

With about 250–300 calories per serving (not including rice), this stir fry is naturally low in calories, high in protein, and loaded with essential nutrients. The shrimp contribute selenium, vitamin B12, and iodine. The vegetables bring in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. Avocado oil and sesame oil supply healthy fats, while the sauce remains light and refined-sugar free thanks to the honey. If you’re watching your sodium, opt for low-sodium soy sauce or use coconut aminos as a substitute.

Simple Steps with Big Impact

The preparation couldn’t be easier:

  1. Heat the oil and stir-fry your vegetables until they’re tender-crisp.

  2. Whisk the sauce ingredients together for a smooth mixture.

  3. Add shrimp to the skillet, cooking briefly until they’re pink and just opaque.

  4. Pour the sauce over everything and cook until it thickens and glazes the ingredients.

  5. Serve hot, ideally over steamed rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

In less than half an hour, you’ll have a balanced, satisfying meal ready to enjoy.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Options

This stir fry is wonderful over:

  • Steamed white or brown rice

  • Quinoa for added protein

  • Cauliflower rice for a grain-free, low-carb alternative

  • Soba or rice noodles for a hearty, noodle-based bowl

Top it with sesame seeds, chopped scallions, or chili flakes for added texture and flavor. A lime wedge on the side brightens everything and brings out the sauce’s subtle sweetness.

Flexible and Customizable

This recipe is a great template for experimentation:

  • Switch the protein: Use cubed tofu, chicken breast, or scallops if you don’t have shrimp.

  • Change the vegetables: Try zucchini, mushrooms, baby corn, green beans, or cabbage.

  • Make it spicier: Add sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the mix.

  • Boost the greens: Stir in spinach or kale during the last minute of cooking.

It’s easy to adapt this stir fry to suit your dietary needs or pantry contents, making it a reliable go-to for any season.

Make-Ahead Friendly

This dish is excellent for meal prep. Cooked stir fry can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. It reheats well in the microwave or a skillet, maintaining its flavor and texture. Store the rice separately to keep it from absorbing too much sauce.

If you’re planning ahead, chop the veggies and mix the sauce in advance. This will cut your cooking time down to under 15 minutes—a lifesaver on busy days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Healthy Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry is:

  • Fast: Ready in 25–30 minutes.

  • Flavorful: Loaded with bold, garlic-forward taste.

  • Nutritious: High in protein, low in calories, and packed with vegetables.

  • One-pan: Minimal cleanup, maximum convenience.

  • Flexible: Easily customizable with your favorite ingredients.

It’s the perfect combination of healthy and delicious—a satisfying meal that feels indulgent without the guilt.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s both nourishing and full of flavor, this Healthy Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry is a must-try. It checks all the boxes: quick, easy, and filled with vibrant, satisfying ingredients that taste as good as they make you feel. Whether served with rice or on its own, this dish brings the freshness of stir-fried vegetables and the savory-sweet zing of honey garlic shrimp to your table in a simple, elegant way. Enjoy it once, and it’s sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.

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