Description
This 10-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe is a quick, flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp glazed with a sweet and spicy honey garlic sauce. Perfect for a fast weeknight dinner, it balances savory soy, aromatic ginger and garlic, a hint of chili heat, and optional bright citrus notes for a finger-licking treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Marinade
- 900g (2 lbs) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Cooking and Sauce
- 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)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional)
- Zest of 1 lime (optional)
For Garnish
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Marinate the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with light soy sauce and cornstarch until evenly coated to create a light batter. Let it sit while you prepare the sauce, allowing flavors to meld and the coating to adhere.
- Sear the Shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp in batches for 1 to 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and develop a slight crisp exterior. Remove the shrimp and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Make the Sauce: In the same pan, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Sauté minced garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in honey, chili flakes, toasted sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Allow the sauce to bubble and thicken for 1 minute, intensifying the flavors.
- Glaze the Shrimp: Return the seared shrimp to the pan, tossing them thoroughly to coat in the sticky honey garlic sauce. Cook for another minute until the shrimp are heated through and glossy. Add the lime zest just before finishing to add a fresh, citrusy brightness.
- Serve & Garnish: Transfer the glazed shrimp to a serving plate and sprinkle with thinly sliced green onions. Serve hot over steamed rice, jasmine noodles, or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a light, delicious meal.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the chili flakes or add fresh chopped chilies.
- Use fresh shrimp for best taste and texture, but frozen shrimp can be used—just thaw thoroughly before cooking.
- The toasted sesame oil adds a nutty depth but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Lime zest is optional but recommended for a bright finishing flavor.
- This dish pairs well with steamed jasmine rice or light noodles.
