Quick and Easy Honey Shrimp And Broccoli Stir Fry

Ruby Bennett Avatar
By:
Ruby Bennett
Published:

Honey Shrimp And Broccoli

Skip the takeout and make this instead. That’s my rule for busy weeknights when the craving for Chinese food hits hard. This honey shrimp and broccoli stir fry comes together in about 20 to 25 minutes, start to finish. You get the same glossy, savory sweet sauce, the tender shrimp, and crisp tender broccoli you’d find in a restaurant, but you save money and know exactly what’s in it. I love that control. I’ve been on a kick recreating favorites at home, like Dan Dan Noodles, and this one might be the easiest yet. Other home cooks love this simple method too, like this classic honey shrimp and broccoli recipe. And if you’re after a high protein twist, try my High Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp. Both are fast, budget friendly meals that put dinner on the table without stress.

Jump to:

A Complete Meal

This dish is a full dinner in one pan. You’ve got protein from the shrimp, fiber and vitamins from the broccoli, and those crunchy water chestnuts add a nice texture contrast. Spoon everything over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice and you stretch the servings further, which is a real help when money is tight. Shrimp prices have come down in recent years, and I find great deals in the freezer aisle. So stock up and you can whip out meals like this whenever the mood strikes. If you’re cooking for a crowd, double the recipe. It scales beautifully. Fresh veggies are best, but feel free to toss in sliced summer squash or any garden surplus you have. I love the crisp bite water chestnuts bring. They also keep the dish from feeling heavy. For a lower carb version, you can skip the rice and serve it as a stir fry bowl; my Low Carb Shrimp And Broccoli does exactly that. This meal adapts to what you’ve got on hand.

A Complete Meal
A Complete Meal

Add Some Spice

I’m a big fan of customizable heat. My family likes it mild, but I like a little kick. You can do both easily. If you want spicy, add a sliced Thai chile or any hot red pepper you find at the market. They give a pop of color and a slow burn that wakes up the sauce. Start with one pepper, seeds removed if you prefer less fire, and adjust from there. For a milder dinner, swap in red bell peppers. They add sweetness and that vibrant red without the heat. Another quick trick? Stir a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes directly into the sauce when you mix it up. Or sprinkle them on at the end. You do you. Some cooks add a drizzle of chili oil, like the kind from this spicy honey shrimp version. The point is, you are in charge of the spice level, and the dish takes it all in stride.

The Recipe

Here you’ll find the full ingredient list, step by step instructions, and nutrition breakdown. Before you heat the pan, read through the steps once. This stir fry moves fast, and having everything prepped makes it a breeze. Pat the shrimp dry, chop the broccoli, open the water chestnuts, and whisk the sauce. A large nonstick skillet or wok works best. Cook the shrimp until they’re pink and just lightly crusted, then toss in the vegetables. The sauce thickens as soon as it boils, so stay close to the stove. Ready? Let’s cook. This is my favorite way to get a restaurant quality meal at home in less than half an hour.

I also want to mention that using fresh garlic and ginger makes a real difference here. If you only have powdered ginger, it works, but fresh gives a brighter flavor. The cornstarch slurry is your friend for that glossy finish. Now, the exact recipe card follows.

Honey Shrimp With Broccoli & Water Chestnuts

Quick and easy, so why get takeout? This recipe yields 4 servings at about 300 calories each. Prep time is 20 minutes and cook time 10 minutes. Asian inspired main course that uses simple ingredients.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 8 oz can sliced water chestnuts, drained
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced
  • 2 tbsp honey

Sauce:

  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tsp dark sesame oil
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced (or 1/2 tsp powdered ginger)
  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. This step matters a lot for browning.
  2. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch with the remaining sauce ingredients (chicken stock, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic). Stir well to dissolve any lumps.
  3. Heat vegetable oil in a large deep skillet or wok over high heat. Add shrimp and minced garlic. Drizzle with honey.
  4. Stir fry until shrimp are pink and lightly crusted, about 2 to 3 minutes. Keep them moving so they cook evenly.
  5. Add sliced water chestnuts and broccoli florets. Stir fry for another 2 minutes until broccoli turns bright green and is crisp tender.
  6. Give the sauce mixture a quick stir, then pour it over the shrimp and vegetables. Bring to a boil and cook for exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly. The sauce will turn glossy and thicken.
  7. Remove from heat and serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice. Sprinkle red pepper flakes on top if you like heat.

Nutrition

NutrientAmount per Serving
Calories300 kcal
Carbohydrates25 g
Protein27 g
Fat10 g
Saturated Fat6 g
Cholesterol288 mg
Sodium1121 mg
Potassium385 mg
Fiber3 g
Sugar12 g
Vitamin A285 IU
Vitamin C47 mg
Calcium194 mg
Iron4 mg

Please note that nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make honey shrimp and broccoli?

To make honey shrimp and broccoli, cook shrimp in a hot pan until pink, then set aside. Sauté broccoli in the same pan until tender. In a small bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a splash of lemon juice. Return the shrimp to the pan, pour the sauce over, and stir everything together until the sauce thickens slightly. Serve immediately.

What is the best way to cook honey shrimp?

The best way is to use a large skillet or wok over medium high heat. Pat the shrimp dry, then cook them quickly in a little oil until they turn pink. This takes about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Add the sauce just before serving to keep the shrimp tender and not overcooked.

Can you freeze honey shrimp stir fry?

Freezing is not recommended because the sauce can become watery and the broccoli loses its crisp texture when thawed. For best results, serve the stir fry fresh. If you must freeze, store the cooked shrimp and sauce without the broccoli, then add fresh broccoli when reheating.

How long does honey shrimp take to cook?

The entire dish takes about 20 to 25 minutes from start to finish. Prep the vegetables and sauce in 10 minutes, then cook the shrimp and broccoli in under 15 minutes. It is a quick weeknight meal.

What goes well with honey shrimp and broccoli?

Serve it over steamed jasmine rice or brown rice. Crunchy water chestnuts or snap peas add texture. A side of steamed edamame or a simple cucumber salad also pairs well with the sweet savory flavor of the honey shrimp.

Is honey shrimp stir fry healthy?

Yes, it is a healthier dinner option. Shrimp is low in calories and high in protein. Broccoli adds fiber and vitamins. Use reduced sodium soy sauce and a small amount of honey to control sugar. Skip heavy oils and use a nonstick pan for a lighter cook.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Honey Shrimp And Broccoli

Honey Shrimp And Broccoli Stir Fry

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

🍯 Skip the takeout and enjoy this glossy, savory-sweet stir fry in just 30 minutes.🥦 A complete one-pan meal with tender shrimp, crisp broccoli, and crunchy water chestnuts over fluffy rice.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tbsp vegetable oil

8 oz can sliced water chestnuts, drained

2 cups broccoli florets

2 cloves garlic, finely minced, divided

2 tbsp honey

1 cup chicken stock

1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce

1 tsp dark sesame oil

1 tsp fresh ginger, minced (or 1/2 tsp powdered ginger)

2 tbsp cornstarch

Instructions

1-Pat shrimp dry: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning.

2-Make the sauce: In a small bowl, combine cornstarch with chicken stock, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic; stir well to dissolve any lumps.

3-Heat the pan: Heat vegetable oil in a large deep skillet or wok over high heat, then add shrimp and garlic, and drizzle with honey.

4-Cook the shrimp: Stir-fry until shrimp are pink and lightly crusted, about 2-3 minutes, keeping them moving for even cooking.

5-Add the vegetables: Add sliced water chestnuts and broccoli florets; stir-fry for another 2 minutes until broccoli turns bright green and is crisp-tender.

6-Thicken the sauce: Give the sauce a quick stir, pour over the shrimp and vegetables, bring to a boil, and cook for exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly until glossy and thickened.

7-Serve immediately: Remove from heat and serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice; sprinkle red pepper flakes on top if desired.

Last Step:

Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.

Notes

🧊 Pat the shrimp completely dry before cooking to achieve a nice golden crust in the hot pan.🔥 Customize the heat level by adding sliced Thai chiles, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of chili oil to the finished dish.⚡ Prep all ingredients before you start—once the pan is hot, this stir fry moves fast and everything must be ready to go.

  • Author: Ruby Bennett
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stir Fry
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 300 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 1121 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Cholesterol: 288 mg

Next Recipe

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star