Sticky HoneyGarlic Prawns Crispy Noodle StirFry

Sticky Honey Garlic Shrimp

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Preparation time:25 Mins

Cooking time:15 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) Large Shrimp, peeled & deveined
• 1 Tbsp Cornstarch (Cornflour)
• 1 tsp Light Soy Sauce (for marinade)
• 1/4 cup (85g) Honey
• 4 large cloves Garlic, minced
• 3 Tbsp Low Sodium Soy Sauce (for sauce)
• 1 Tbsp Rice Vinegar
• 1 tsp Toasted Sesame Oil
• 2 Tbsp Water (or chicken stock)
• 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (Optional)
• 10 oz (280g) Dried Chow Mein Noodles
• 2 Tbsp Neutral Oil (e.g., Vegetable)
• 1 tsp Freshly Grated Ginger
• 1 medium Yellow Onion, thinly sliced
• 1 medium Bell Pepper (any colour), thinly sliced
• 1 medium Carrot, julienned
• 3 stalks Green Onions (Scallions), sliced
• Optional: 1 cup shredded Bok Choy or Napa Cabbage

Instructions:

• Marinate the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the prepared shrimp with cornstarch and 1 tsp of light soy sauce. Set aside for 15 minutes.
• Prepare the Sauce: Whisk together all Honey-Garlic Sauce ingredients (Honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, water, chili flakes) in a small bowl. Set aside.
• Cook the Noodles: Boil the chow mein noodles according to package directions until just al dente. Drain immediately, rinse quickly with cold water to stop cooking, and toss lightly with a few drops of neutral oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
• Sear the Shrimp: Heat 1 Tbsp of neutral oil in the wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated shrimp in a single layer (work in batches if necessary). Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and lightly golden. Remove shrimp from the wok and set aside.
• Sauté the Aromatics & Veg: Add the remaining 1 Tbsp of oil to the hot wok. Add the grated ginger and sliced onion. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the sliced bell pepper, carrots, and optional cabbage. Stir-fry briskly for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
• Combine and Glaze: Push the vegetables to one side of the wok. Pour the prepared Honey-Garlic Sauce directly into the empty space. Let it bubble vigorously for about 30 seconds until it starts to visibly thicken.
• Toss Everything Together: Add the pre-cooked noodles and the seared shrimp back into the wok. Toss quickly and thoroughly to coat everything evenly with the bubbling, sticky glaze. Cook for just 1–2 minutes until the noodles are heated through and the sauce has adhered beautifully.
• Finish and Serve: Remove from heat. Stir in half of the sliced green onions. Transfer immediately to serving bowls and garnish with the remaining green onions.

Nutrition Facts

Calories	2193 kcal
Protein	22.3 g
Fat	42.2 g
Carbs	109.4 g
Fiber	18.0 g
Sodium	2993 mg

Recipe Info

Category	Main Course, Stir-Fry
Cuisine	Asian, Chinese-American

Why This Homemade HoneyGarlic Shrimp Chow Mein Outshines Takeout

As an expert food blogger, I can tell you that while the thrill of ordering delivery is undeniable, nothing compares to the vibrant freshness of a homemade stir-fry. This specific iteration—the HoneyGarlic Shrimp Chow Mein —is my ultimate secret weapon for winning over skeptical family members and transforming a standard Tuesday into a culinary event. We are ditching the heavy, overly sweet sauces that often characterize restaurant versions. Instead, we are harnessing the power of fresh aromatics and achieving a perfect, clingy glaze. This Shrimp Chow Mein Recipe isn't just about speed; it’s about control. You control the quality of the seafood, the amount of sugar, and the crispness of your vegetables. When you master this Honey Garlic Noodle Stir Fry , you’ll find yourself wondering why you ever settled for the takeout box again.

Unlocking That Signature Sticky Glaze: The Concept

The key to a truly great Honey Garlic Stir Fry lies in balancing the sweet, savoury, and acidic elements of the sauce while ensuring it reduces properly to coat every strand of noodle and plump prawn. This preparation is all about layering flavour intensity. We start with a quick marinade on the shrimp to ensure they remain juicy and slightly textured, then build the sauce base using real, potent garlic and high-quality honey. The resulting coating is sticky, glossy, and deeply satisfying—the hallmark of a superior Honey Garlic Shrimp Chow Mein .

A Weeknight Warrior: Faster Than Waiting for Delivery

One of the most compelling arguments for making this dish at home is the speed. With a crisp 40-minute total time, you are likely eating before your usual delivery service even confirms the order. The cooking phase is blisteringly fast, demanding about 15 minutes of active wok time. This efficiency makes it a true weeknight warrior, proving that complex flavour doesn't require an evening-long commitment.

Elevating the Humble Noodle: Texture is Everything

Texture is arguably the most critical component in any successful Chow Mein. Soggy noodles can ruin an otherwise spectacular Prawn Chow Mein . Our approach focuses on slightly undercooking the dried noodles before they hit the high heat of the wok. This pre-step ensures they absorb the flavourful Honey Garlic Stir Fry Sauce without breaking down into mush. We want a satisfying chew, not a sloppy mess.

Meet the Star: The Prawn's Role in This Savoury Dance

Plump shrimp, or prawns as I prefer to call them in this context, offer a beautiful textural contrast to the soft noodles and crisp vegetables. Crucially, we treat the shrimp separately at the beginning of the cook. Coating them lightly in cornstarch before searing achieves two things: it protects them from overcooking, and it provides microscopic peaks that grab onto the finished glaze, ensuring maximum flavour delivery in every bite of this Best Shrimp Chow Mein .

The Pantry List: Sourcing Perfect Components for Your Stir-Fry

To achieve the flavour profile described, ingredient selection matters immensely. While this is a straightforward Shrimp Stir Fry With Noodles , using the right supporting cast ensures the final product sings. For the 4 generous servings this recipe yields, gathering your components ahead of time is non-negotiable for a smooth cooking experience.

Building Blocks for the Ultimate Honey-Garlic Sauce

The heart of this dish beats in the sauce. You will need a generous 1/4 cup of good quality, runny honey. This sweetness is expertly balanced by 4 large, freshly minced cloves of garlic—do not substitute dried garlic powder here; the fresh pungency is non-negotiable for a proper Honey Garlic Shrimp Chow Mein . We introduce salinity and depth with 3 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce, while 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar provides the essential acidic lift to keep the glaze from tasting flat or overly sweet. A teaspoon of toasted sesame oil stirred in at the end adds that signature nutty aroma.

Mastering the Noodle Selection: Crispy vs. Soft

For this specific recipe, aiming for a slightly yielding, yet firm noodle is the goal. We use standard dried chow mein noodles (about 10 oz or 280g for 4 people). While fresh noodles offer superior flavour, the dried variety is excellent for beginners, provided you drain them promptly and rinse with cold water to halt the cooking process immediately.

They must be ready to go the moment the sauce thickens.

The Flavor Powerhouse: Achieving Perfect Sauce Viscosity

The magic happens when the sauce hits the hot wok. We incorporate 2 tablespoons of water or light chicken stock into the pre-whisked sauce mixture. This prevents the honey from scorching instantly and allows the mixture to bubble and slightly reduce before we introduce the noodles and shrimp. This reduction is what transforms the liquid into a glossy, sticky coating, vital for any excellent Honey Garlic Noodle Stir Fry .

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The Wok Mastery Sequence: Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Once your ingredients are prepped—the vegetables sliced, the shrimp marinated, and the sauce mixed—the cooking process moves rapidly. This 15-minute window requires focus, but the reward is truly spectacular.

Prep Work Priority: Mise en Place for Rapid Assembly

Before the heat goes on, ensure everything is ready. The shrimp should be tossed with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1 teaspoon of light soy sauce and set aside for at least 15 minutes to marinate. Next, prepare your chow mein noodles according to package directions until they are just shy of tender (al dente). Drain and toss them with a whisper of neutral oil to keep them separated. Finally, whisk together all the components of your Honey Garlic Sauce in a small bowl. This meticulous preparation ensures you are ready for the high-speed environment of the wok.

Executing the Sizzle: Combining Aromatics and Vegetables

Heat your wok until it’s smoking hot, then add 1 tablespoon of neutral oil. Sear the prepared shrimp in a single layer for 1– 2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through; remove them immediately to a clean plate to stop them from toughening. Return the wok to high heat, add the remaining oil, and flash-fry your grated ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant. Introduce the sliced yellow onion, bell pepper, and julienned carrots. Stir-fry vigorously for about 3 to 4 minutes. The objective here is to achieve tender-crispness; the vegetables should retain a pleasant snap.

The Grand Finale: Tossing Everything in the HoneyGarlic Shrimp Chow Mein Sauce

This is the moment of truth. Push the vegetables to one side of the wok, exposing the hot metal. Pour your pre-mixed Honey Garlic Stir Fry Sauce directly onto the hot surface. Allow it to boil vigorously for about 30 seconds until you see it visibly thickening and bubbling darkly—this caramelization is key. Immediately return the seared shrimp and the pre-cooked noodles to the wok. Using tongs or a spatula, toss everything rapidly and consistently for only 1 to 2 minutes, ensuring every strand is coated in that luxurious, sticky glaze. Finish by stirring in half of your sliced green onions before removing it from the heat immediately.

Pro Kitchen Secrets for Next-Level Flavor Infusion

To push this Honey Garlic Shrimp Chow Mein from good to genuinely exceptional, a few veteran tips can make all the difference. First off,, never crowd your wok when searing the shrimp. If you have too many prawns in the pan at once, the temperature drops, and they steam instead of searing, leading to a rubbery texture instead of that desirable crisp exterior. Cook in batches if necessary. Next,, while the honey provides sweetness, adding a splash of fish sauce (a tiny half teaspoon mixed into the main sauce) can deepen the umami profile without making the dish taste overtly fishy, resulting in an even more complex flavour bomb.

Storing and Reheating Your Luscious Leftovers

If you are lucky enough to have leftovers of this fantastic Honey Garlic Noodle Stir Fry , storage is simple. Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheating requires a touch of steam to revive the noodles. Place the noodles in a microwave-safe bowl, sprinkle with a teaspoon of water, cover loosely, and microwave for 60–90 seconds, checking frequently. For a truly superior reheat, use a large skillet over medium heat, adding a teaspoon of oil and tossing constantly until the noodles are piping hot and the sauce has re-adhered.

Ingredient Swaps: Adapting for Dietary Needs and Taste Preferences

This recipe is remarkably adaptable. If you are seeking a Healthy Shrimp Chow Mein alternative, you can easily reduce the honey by a quarter and incorporate more fresh ginger for natural zing. For those who adore mushrooms, shiitake or oyster varieties sautéed alongside the carrots add an earthy, meaty substance. If you are avoiding shellfish, this base works wonderfully with firm tofu cubes—just ensure you press the tofu thoroughly to remove excess water before tossing in cornstarch for a beautiful, crispy exterior.

Nutritional Snapshot: Calories and Macro Balance for Lunch Planning

While any dish featuring noodles and a honey-based glaze will naturally carry some sugar and carbs, this homemade version remains a balanced option. On average, a generous serving sits comfortably around 450 to 500 calories, primarily driven by the noodles and honey.

The 28 grams of protein from the shrimp provide excellent satiety, making this a fulfilling lunch or dinner that avoids the excessive sodium often found in restaurant preparations.

Troubleshooting Common Chow Mein Mistakes (Soggy Noodles Alert!)

The number one enemy of a great stir-fry is moisture that turns into steam. If your noodles turn soggy, it’s usually due to one of three reasons: 1) They were overcooked initially in the boiling water. 2) You overcrowded the wok during the final toss, lowering the temperature. 3) You added the sauce too early, allowing the noodles to soak rather than coat. If you find your noodles softening too much during the final toss, remove them from the heat immediately after coating them in the Honey Garlic Shrimp Chow Mein Sauce —the residual heat is often enough to finish the process.