If you’re craving something that’s insanely flavorful yet ready in a flash, this 10-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe is your new best friend. Picture plump shrimp masterfully glazed in a luscious, sticky honey garlic sauce with just a hint of heat from chili flakes and a burst of brightness from fresh lime zest. It’s a balance of sweet, savory, and spicy that hits all the right notes in every bite. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder why you ever ordered takeout when dinner can be this easy and delicious at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, with a handful of ingredients that come together to create a powerhouse of flavor and perfect texture. Each component plays a key role—from the cornstarch that gives the shrimp a slight crisp, to the honey that provides that addictive sweetness, and the ginger and garlic that bring warmth and depth.
- 900g (2 lbs) shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star ingredient, fresh or thawed shrimp work best for that juicy, tender bite.
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce: Adds a salty richness that immediately elevates the dish.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps create a delicate crust on the shrimp when seared.
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided): Ensures a perfect sear without sticking or burning.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced: Packs an aromatic punch that’s essential for layering flavor.
- 2 tablespoons ginger paste or grated fresh ginger: Adds a bright, zesty warmth that complements the garlic beautifully.
- 8 tablespoons honey: The magic sweetener that glazes the shrimp with a sticky, luscious coating.
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional or to taste): Brings a subtle kick to liven up the dish; adjust as you like.
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish): Adds a fresh, crisp finish and visual appeal.
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (optional twist for nutty depth): A small addition that makes a big flavor impact.
- Zest of 1 lime (optional twist for a citrusy kick): Brightens the dish with a fresh, aromatic zing just before serving.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional for balance): Adds a gentle tang that balances the sweetness of the honey.
How to Make 10-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Start by tossing the shrimp with light soy sauce and cornstarch in a bowl until each piece is evenly coated. This quick marinade not only seasons the shrimp but also primes it for that perfect sear. Letting it sit briefly while you prepare the sauce ensures the flavors start to meld and the shrimp develops a slight velvety texture.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
Heat half of your vegetable oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Sauté the shrimp in batches so they have room to cook evenly and get a slight crisp for about 1 to 2 minutes per side. You want them just pink and slightly caramelized, not overcooked. Set them aside, keeping them warm while you move on to the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Using the same pan (so you keep all those tasty shrimp bits), add the remaining oil. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger, stirring quickly for about 30 seconds until you can smell that intoxicating aroma. Then stir in honey, chili flakes, toasted sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Let this bubble gently for about a minute, transforming into a rich, glossy sauce that will coat the shrimp beautifully.
Step 4: Glaze the Shrimp
Return the shrimp to the pan, tossing them in the honey garlic sauce so every piece is coated in that shiny glaze. Cook for an additional minute to warm everything through and allow the sauce to cling perfectly. Just before serving, sprinkle the lime zest over top to brighten the dish with a refreshing citrus note.
Step 5: Serve & Garnish
Finish by scattering thinly sliced green onions over the shrimp for a bit of fresh crunch and a burst of color. This completes your 10-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe’s presentation, inviting and downright irresistible.
How to Serve 10-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions are a must for their slight sharpness and color, but you can also add toasted sesame seeds for extra texture or even a few fresh cilantro leaves if you want a herbaceous lift. A wedge of lime on the side encourages everyone to add an extra sprinkle of tangy brightness if they like.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs perfectly with a steaming bowl of jasmine rice that soaks up the honeyed garlic sauce. For a lower-carb option, try serving with cauliflower rice or crisp lettuce wraps. Steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli or snap peas provide a nice crunch contrast and round out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to jazz it up for a party or special dinner, consider skewering the shrimp and serving them as finger foods with dipping sauces on the side. Another fun idea is piling the shrimp onto crispy toasted baguette slices for an elegant appetizer or tossing them with your favorite noodles for a satisfying dinner bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover honey garlic shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to two days. Because shrimp cook so quickly, avoid overcooking when reheating to maintain that tender, juicy texture.
Freezing
While the shrimp are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked leftovers for up to one month. Place the glazed shrimp in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make shrimp rubbery. Heat just until warmed through to keep that lovely texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating. This prevents excess moisture and helps achieve that perfect sear.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The chili flakes add a mild kick, but they are totally optional. You can adjust the amount to your taste or omit entirely if you prefer a sweeter sauce.
What can I substitute for light soy sauce?
If you don’t have light soy sauce, tamari or a low-sodium soy sauce works well too. They’ll provide a similar umami flavor without overwhelming saltiness.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
While shrimp is the focus here, you can swap it out for tofu or tempeh and follow the same steps, though cooking times might vary slightly. The sauce is vegan-friendly if you use plant-based alternatives.
How do I get the shrimp to have a crispy texture?
The cornstarch coating and cooking over medium-high heat are key to that light crispness. Make sure the pan is hot enough before adding shrimp and don’t overcrowd the pan.
Final Thoughts
This 10-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe is a total game-changer for anyone who loves big flavor without the fuss. It’s fast, simple, and delivers a restaurant-worthy result right from your kitchen. Whether making weeknight dinners or impressing friends last minute, this dish is ready to become your go-to favorite. So grab those shrimp and let’s get cooking—you won’t regret it!
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10-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This 10-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe is a quick and flavorful dish featuring succulent shrimp glazed in a sweet and spicy honey garlic sauce. Ready in just 10 minutes, it combines savory soy and ginger with hints of chili and lime zest for a fiery yet balanced taste. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps for a light and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Marinade
- 900g (2 lbs) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Cooking
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons ginger paste or grated fresh ginger
- 8 tablespoons honey
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (optional twist for nutty depth)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional for balance)
Garnish and Finishing Touches
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Zest of 1 lime (optional twist for a citrusy kick)
Instructions
- Marinate the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with light soy sauce and cornstarch until they are evenly coated. Allow the shrimp to sit while you prepare the sauce ingredients; this helps the cornstarch adhere and results in a slightly crispy texture when cooked.
- Sear the Shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are slightly crispy. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same pan, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Sauté the minced garlic and ginger paste for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the honey, chili flakes (if using), toasted sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Let the sauce bubble and thicken gently for about 1 minute to develop flavor.
- Glaze the Shrimp: Return the seared shrimp to the pan and toss them in the honey garlic sauce to coat evenly. Cook everything together for another minute until the shrimp are glazed, glossy, and heated through. Just before serving, sprinkle the lime zest over the shrimp to add a fresh citrusy brightness.
- Serve & Garnish: Transfer the honey garlic shrimp to a serving dish and garnish with thinly sliced green onions. This dish pairs excellently with steamed rice, jasmine noodles, or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a lighter option.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the chili flakes or add fresh chopped chili.
- Ensure the shrimp are not overcrowded in the pan for optimal searing and crispiness.
- Use fresh ginger if possible for better flavor over paste.
- Can be served as a main dish or as an appetizer with toothpicks.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute the soy sauce with tamari.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently; however, shrimp is best enjoyed fresh.
