Dinner

Honey Garlic Shrimp

Name: Honey Garlic Shrimp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 min
Total time: 14 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1/4 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon ginger, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; Green onions for garnish

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This honey garlic shrimp recipe is quick, bright, and full of flavor. Sticky honey and salty soy sauce coat tender shrimp, while garlic and ginger add warmth and a little kick. The dish cooks in minutes and delivers a glossy, savory-sweet sauce that smells irresistible and looks attractive when finished with bright green onions. It’s great for a fast weeknight dinner or an easy, impressive dish for guests.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 minutes
Total Time: 14 minutes
Servings: 3
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

(Approximate per serving)

Calories per serving: 280 kcal
Protein: 36 g
Carbohydrates: 23 g
Fat: 8 g
Fiber: 0.5 g
Sugar: 23 g
Sodium: 1,230 mg

Why Make This Honey Garlic Shrimp

This recipe is fast, satisfying, and full of texture. The shrimp stay tender and slightly firm, the sauce is glossy and sticky, and the garlic gives a warm aroma as you cook. It’s a great choice when you want a dinner ready in under 20 minutes. If you enjoy sweet-and-salty dishes, this one delivers with minimal fuss. For another honey-garlic twist on weeknight meals, try this slow-cooker honey garlic chicken for an easy swap.

How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp

Follow simple steps to make a quick sauce, cook the shrimp briefly, and finish with fresh green onions for color and crunch. Keep your pan hot and use peeled, deveined shrimp for best, even cooking. Taste the sauce before adding the shrimp and adjust salt or honey to your preference.

Ingredients:

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Green onions for garnish

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger in a bowl until smooth. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Mixing

Make sure the honey mixture is well combined so the flavors are even. Taste a small bit (if you want) and adjust balance — more honey for sweetness, a splash more soy for saltiness.

Step 3: Sautéing

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1–2 minutes on the first side until the edges start to turn pink. Pour the honey-garlic mixture over the shrimp and toss or spoon the sauce over them. Cook an additional 2 minutes, flipping once, until shrimp are fully pink and opaque and the sauce has thickened slightly.

Step 4: Finishing

Remove the pan from heat. Let the sauce cling to the shrimp for a moment; it will thicken as it cools. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve hot.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Shrimp

Serve this shrimp over steamed rice, buttery noodles, or cauliflower rice for a lighter option. It pairs well with simple vegetables like steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a crisp cucumber salad to balance the sweetness. For an Asian-inspired plate, add a sprinkle of sesame seeds and serve with quick-pickled carrots.

How to Store Honey Garlic Shrimp

Refrigerator: Store cooled shrimp in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave briefly to avoid overcooking.
Freezer: Not recommended for best texture — shrimp can become rubbery after freezing and reheating. If you must, freeze in a sealed container for up to 1 month and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Tip: Store sauce separately if you plan to keep leftovers; reheating shrimp in fresh sauce helps preserve a better texture.

Expert Tips for Perfect Honey Garlic Shrimp

Pat shrimp dry: Removing surface moisture helps them sear and develop a better texture.
Use medium-high heat: A hot pan gives a quick sear without overcooking the shrimp.
Don’t overcook: Shrimp go from tender to rubbery fast. Remove them as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
Adjust sweetness: If the sauce is too sweet, add a squeeze of lime or a splash of rice vinegar to brighten it.
Thicken gently: If sauce is too thin, simmer 30–60 seconds more, but keep an eye so the shrimp don’t overcook.
Swap soy sauce: For lower sodium, use low-sodium soy sauce and taste before adding extra salt.
Make it gluten-free: Substitute tamari or a gluten-free soy alternative.

Delicious Variations

Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp: Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce.
Citrus Honey Garlic Shrimp: Add 1 tablespoon fresh lime or lemon juice to the sauce for brightness.
Garlic Butter Shrimp: Use butter instead of olive oil and finish with fresh parsley.
Honey Garlic Shrimp Skewers: Thread shrimp on skewers and grill for 2–3 minutes per side.
Veggie-Packed Stir-Fry: Toss cooked shrimp with stir-fried bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does shrimp take to cook?
Shrimp cook quickly — usually 3–4 minutes total in a hot pan. Cook until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking makes them tough.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw frozen shrimp completely in the refrigerator or under cold running water, then pat dry before cooking to avoid steaming.
Is this recipe very sweet?
It’s balanced sweet and salty. If you prefer less sweet, reduce honey to 2 tablespoons and add a splash of lime or a dash of rice vinegar.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes. Mix the honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger up to a day ahead and store in the fridge. Warm slightly before pouring over hot shrimp.
How do I prevent the sauce from burning?
Keep the heat at medium and toss the shrimp often. If the sauce starts to stick, lower the heat and add a teaspoon of water to loosen it.
What if my sauce is too thin?
Simmer briefly to reduce and thicken, or stir in a tiny slurry of cornstarch and water (1/2 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 teaspoon water) and cook until thickened.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes. Use a larger skillet or cook in batches so the shrimp sear properly and don’t steam.

Conclusion

This honey garlic shrimp is a simple, flavorful meal that comes together fast and looks as good as it tastes. The balance of sticky honey, savory soy, and bright garlic makes it a crowd-pleaser for weeknights and casual dinners. If you want a quick reference with similar timing and tips, see this helpful recipe for 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp – Sally’s Baking. Give it a try — it’s an easy way to make a memorable dinner in minutes.