Honey Garlic Shrimp is the kind of weeknight dinner hero we all need in our arsenal: succulent, golden crusted shrimp bathed in a sticky, garlicky-sweet sauce that clings to each bite. From the first whiff of sizzling garlic to the glossy finish of honey and soy, this dish is a pure crowd-pleaser. You’ll love how quick it comes together, yet how special it looks and tastes when served, whether you pile it over fluffy rice, tangle it with noodles, or just sneak a shrimp or two straight from the pan (no judgment!). With a few staple ingredients, the flavors truly shine, making this recipe a personal favorite that never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Honey Garlic Shrimp calls for just a handful of fuss-free ingredients, each playing a big role in delivering mouthwatering flavor. From the boldness of garlic to the sweet richness of honey, there’s nothing blend-in about any of these components—they all add something special to this vibrant skillet dinner.
- Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp cook up juicy and tender, soaking up all the saucy goodness.
- Honey: Adds beautiful sweetness and creates that signature sticky glaze everyone loves.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Balances the dish with salty, savory notes without being overpowering.
- Minced Garlic: Gives the sauce a fragrant punch that’s absolutely irresistible.
- Fresh Grated Ginger (optional): Adds a gentle heat and brightness; totally worth including if you have it.
- Olive Oil: Helps sear the shrimp quickly, adding just a hint of richness.
- Cornstarch (optional): Thickens the sauce if you want that luscious, clingy finish.
- Water (optional): Used to make the cornstarch slurry, ensuring the sauce thickens smoothly.
- Sliced Green Onions and Sesame Seeds: For garnish, these add a pop of color and a final touch of freshness and crunch.
How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp
Step 1: Make the Marinade
Start by whisking together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, and—if you’d like—a bit of fresh grated ginger in a medium bowl. This simple marinade is where all the magic begins: sweet, salty, tangy, and bright, ready to transform your shrimp in under half an hour.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
Add your peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl, tossing them to ensure every piece is slicked with the marinade. Let them chill in the refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes. This quick soak is all you need to infuse the shrimp with flavor and keep them extra juicy.
Step 3: Sear the Shrimp
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lift the shrimp from their marinade (save the liquid for later!) and arrange them in a single layer in the hot pan. Sear for 1 to 2 minutes per side, just until they curl and turn pink—they’ll finish cooking in no time.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
While the shrimp are sizzling, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer. For a thicker sauce, whisk cornstarch with water in a small bowl to make a slurry, then whisk that into the sauce and let it simmer for a minute or two until glossy and slightly thickened.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Once your shrimp are cooked through, pour the warm honey garlic sauce over them in the skillet. Toss everything together to ensure every piece is coated in that glossy sauce. Remove from heat, shower with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and you’ve got yourself a meal that looks as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Shrimp
Garnishes
A finishing flourish can make this Honey Garlic Shrimp feel like a restaurant dish. Try a handful of thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for color, crunch, and a gentle pop of flavor right at the end.
Side Dishes
This is the ultimate sauce-to-something-else recipe: a mound of hot, fluffy rice soaks up every drop, but noodles are fantastic as well. You can also serve your shrimp with steamed broccoli, crisp snap peas, or even Asian-style slaw for a complete plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Honey Garlic Shrimp into party-worthy skewers for appetizers, tuck them in lettuce cups for a fun, low-carb twist, or spoon everything over a bed of garlicky mashed cauliflower if you’re looking for something different. It’s a versatile dish that fits nearly any mood.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Honey Garlic Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The shrimp will soak up more of the sauce as they rest, making them even more flavorful the next day.
Freezing
It’s best to freeze the shrimp and sauce separately if possible. Place cooled cooked shrimp and sauce in freezer-safe bags, press out extra air, and label. Use within two months for best taste and texture.
Reheating
Gently warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce needs loosening. Microwaving is fine, but be careful not to overcook the shrimp or they’ll get rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and pat the shrimp dry before marinating. This helps the marinade cling and ensures the shrimp sear beautifully in the pan.
Is fresh ginger necessary, or can I leave it out?
If you have fresh ginger, it adds a zesty depth to the Honey Garlic Shrimp, but the dish is still delicious without it. You could also use a small pinch of ground ginger in a pinch.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
A pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha stirred into the sauce gives the dish a gentle heat, balancing that honeyed sweetness perfectly.
What’s the best way to avoid overcooked shrimp?
Keep a close eye during cooking—shrimp cook quickly! As soon as they turn opaque and pink, pull them off the heat to keep them tender and juicy.
Can I prepare the marinade in advance?
Yes! The marinade can be whisked together up to a day ahead and stored in the fridge, saving even more time when dinner hour rolls around.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a show-stopping, speedy meal, you simply can’t go wrong with Honey Garlic Shrimp. It’s bursting with flavor, endlessly flexible, and reliably delicious every single time. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it on repeat!
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Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp with a sweet and savory sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this Asian-inspired dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off
Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger (optional)
Additional:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon water (optional, for cornstarch slurry)
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate Shrimp: Whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Add shrimp and marinate for 15–30 minutes.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Prepare Sauce: Simmer reserved marinade in a saucepan. Thicken with cornstarch slurry if desired.
- Combine: Toss cooked shrimp in sauce until coated.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Notes
- You can substitute maple syrup for honey if desired.
- For added spice, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Serve with steamed broccoli or snap peas for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
