If you’re on the hunt for an effortlessly delicious meal that feels just as at home on a busy weeknight as it does on a special occasion, this Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe is about to become your go-to! Plump shrimp are coated in a sticky, sweet, and garlicky sauce that clings to every curve—and the whole dish comes together in just 20 minutes. Trust me, once you taste these juicy morsels, you’ll want to serve them over rice, toss them into noodles, or pile them high atop steamed veggies. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe is pure flavor magic in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe is in its simplicity: each ingredient has a clear purpose, working together to balance savoriness, sweetness, and a hint of heat. Plus, you won’t need any specialty items—just pantry basics and fresh shrimp for outstanding results.
- Shrimp: Use one pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined—the stars of this dish, bringing unmistakable tenderness and a beautiful bite.
- Soy Sauce: A couple of tablespoons create that unmistakable umami backbone and a rich color for the sauce.
- Honey: One-third cup coats the shrimp in a beautifully sticky glaze, balancing salty and garlicky notes with gentle sweetness.
- Garlic: Four cloves, minced—it’s not called Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe for nothing! Fresh garlic packs each bite with bold flavor.
- Ginger: Freshly grated ginger (just a tablespoon, and optional) adds brightness and a hint of warmth, making the flavors pop.
- Olive Oil: One tablespoon is all you need for a golden crust on your shrimp—plus, it helps transfer all that flavor.
- Butter: Adds richness and a silky finish to the sauce; don’t skip it!
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but just a pinch delivers a peppery kick that balances all that sweetness.
- Sliced Green Onions & Sesame Seeds: These garnishes are optional, but sprinkle them on for color, crunch, and a fresh burst at the finish.
How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Sauce
Gather your honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger (if using), and whisk them together in a small bowl. This swift prep lets the flavors meld, creating the luscious glaze that defines the Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe. Set the sauce aside for now—trust me, it’ll be center stage soon.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
Heat your olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your shrimp in one layer. Give them just 1–2 minutes per side, keeping an eye out for that telltale pink edge and opaque center. Overcrowding can cause steaming, so work in batches if needed for perfect, caramelized shrimp.
Step 3: Add the Sauce
Once all your shrimp are in the skillet and nearly cooked through, pour the honey garlic sauce over the top. Stir to coat each shrimp with that liquid gold. Turn the heat down slightly, and let the sauce bubble and reduce for about 2–3 minutes. If you like a little punch, sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes now. Watch the sauce transform into a glossy glaze—this is where the flavor magic happens!
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Take the skillet off the heat. Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the shrimp if you’d like an extra pop of color and texture. Serve immediately, letting the Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe shine as the star of your meal—over hot rice, with noodles, or alongside steamed veggies.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of the Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe is how customizable it is when it comes to finishing touches. A handful of sliced green onions instantly brightens the dish, while a sprinkle of sesame seeds adds crunch and a nutty aroma. If you’re a fan of spice, toss on just a pinch more red pepper flakes right before serving. These little extras don’t just look good—they add that pop of freshness every plate needs!
Side Dishes
This shrimp pairs like a dream with fluffy steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up all that sweet-savory sauce. For a lighter option, spoon the shrimp over cauliflower rice or a bed of wilted spinach. Stir-fried noodles, roasted broccoli, or a quick cucumber salad all complement the Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe beautifully. Pick your favorite and let the sauce do the talking!
Creative Ways to Present
Take the Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe beyond the ordinary by threading the cooked shrimp onto little skewers for party-ready bites, tucking them into lettuce cups for a crunchy hand-held meal, or even mixing them into a rice bowl with avocado and pickled veggies. Whether you go traditional or a bit unexpected, these shrimp can shine in endless creative presentations!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe (lucky you!), allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. The bright flavors stay surprisingly vibrant for up to two days in the fridge. Just be sure to keep any garnishes separate for maximum freshness when serving again.
Freezing
While fresh is always best, you can freeze the cooked shrimp and sauce for make-ahead meal prep. Spread the cooled shrimp in a single layer on a tray to freeze them quickly, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll be at their best within one month. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover shrimp gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or a drizzle of honey-soy sauce if the glaze needs loosening. Microwave reheating works too, just go slow and steady—shrimp can toughen if overheated. Either way, you’ll still get that crave-worthy, sticky-sweet flavor with minimum fuss.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw your frozen shrimp under cold running water, then pat them very dry before cooking. This will help them brown evenly and keep the sauce from becoming watery.
What’s the best way to peel and devein shrimp quickly?
Use a small paring knife or shrimp deveiner to run along the back of each shrimp and remove the dark vein. Most large shrimp can also be purchased already peeled and deveined, saving you time on prep.
Is this Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe very spicy?
The base recipe is sweet and garlicky, not spicy. The crushed red pepper flakes are totally optional, so you can leave them out or add more based on your heat preference.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
Simmering the sauce for a couple of extra minutes after adding it to the shrimp will help it reduce and get glossier. If you want it quite thick, you can mix a half teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir it in at the end.
Can I make this Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the sauce and marinate the shrimp for up to 30 minutes ahead, but for the best juicy texture, cook the shrimp right before serving. Quick cooking ensures they stay tender and succulent!
Final Thoughts
This Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe is a joy to whip up and even more fun to eat—sweet, salty, and perfectly garlicky! Whether you’re new to shrimp or a longtime seafood lover, give this irresistible dish a try and let its flavors win you over again and again.
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Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of honey with the savory flavors of garlic and soy sauce. Perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- â…“ cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger (if using). Set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, or until they just turn pink.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the honey garlic sauce into the skillet and stir to coat the shrimp. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes, or until it thickens slightly and the shrimp are fully cooked. Add red pepper flakes if using.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the shrimp in the sauce for 15–30 minutes before cooking.
- This recipe cooks quickly, so have all ingredients prepped before starting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg
