Honey Garlic Shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp coated in a sweet, savory, and garlicky sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or as an elegant meal for special occasions, this recipe comes together in just minutes, making it a go-to option for seafood lovers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for a fast dinner.
- Flavor-Packed: A delicious balance of sweet honey, savory garlic, and umami soy sauce.
- Versatile: Pairs well with rice, noodles, or vegetables.
- Healthy Option: Shrimp is a great source of lean protein with essential nutrients.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The irresistible honey garlic sauce is loved by both kids and adults.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Honey
- Garlic (minced)
- Soy sauce
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and lemon juice.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the honey garlic mixture over the shrimp, stirring to coat evenly. Let it simmer for another minute until the sauce thickens.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle with red pepper flakes, green onions, and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately with rice or vegetables.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha for extra heat.
- Citrus Twist: Substitute lime juice for lemon for a different citrusy note.
- Soy-Free Option: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure you use a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
- Vegetarian Alternative: Swap shrimp for tofu or mushrooms for a plant-based version.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover honey garlic shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked shrimp in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed.
FAQs
How do I prevent shrimp from becoming rubbery?
Avoid overcooking by cooking shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, about 1-2 minutes per side.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Thaw frozen shrimp under cold running water or in the fridge overnight before cooking.
What can I serve with honey garlic shrimp?
It pairs well with rice, noodles, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time. Simply heat the shrimp in the sauce for about 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild spice level, but you can adjust the heat by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the sauce and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.
What kind of shrimp should I use?
Medium to large raw shrimp work best. Use peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience.
Can I grill the shrimp instead?
Yes! Skewer the shrimp and brush with the sauce while grilling for a smoky flavor.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Let it simmer for an extra minute or add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water).
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Simply double the ingredients while maintaining the same cooking method.
Conclusion
Honey Garlic Shrimp is a delicious, quick, and easy meal that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to serve guests, this recipe delivers bold flavors with minimal effort. Enjoy it with your favorite sides and experiment with variations to make it your own!
Print
Honey Garlic Shrimp
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Honey Garlic Shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy shrimp are coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, then pan-seared to perfection. Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish pairs well with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Make the sauce – In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice. Set aside.
- Marinate the shrimp – Add the shrimp to a bowl and pour half of the sauce over them. Let them marinate for about 10–15 minutes.
- Cook the shrimp – Heat olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque.
- Add the sauce – Pour in the remaining sauce and let it simmer for another 1–2 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Garnish & serve – Remove from heat, sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds, and serve immediately with rice or noodles.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen shrimp, but make sure they are thawed and patted dry before cooking.
- Want it spicy? Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.
- For extra thickness, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and stir it in while cooking the sauce.
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