Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Try This Zingy Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe Tonight

Sweet, savory honey garlic shrimp promises a culinary adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Succulent prawns glisten with a magical marinade combining rich sweetness and bold Asian-inspired flavors.

Kitchen experiments often lead to unexpected delights, and this recipe proves exactly that point.

Minimal ingredients combine into something extraordinary, creating a dish that looks impressive yet comes together quickly.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike adore these flavor-packed bites that work perfectly as an appetizer or main course.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this simple yet sophisticated seafood sensation.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe and impress everyone at your next meal.

Quick and Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp: Why It’s a Favorite

  • Requiring minimal culinary skills, even novice cooks can confidently create a delicious dish with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
  • The combination of sweet honey, zesty garlic, and rich soy sauce creates an irresistible sauce that transforms ordinary shrimp into an extraordinary meal.
  • Versatile recipe allows quick swaps like switching protein or adding vegetables, making it adaptable for different taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients List for Honey Garlic Shrimp

Main Protein:
  • Shrimp: Fresh seafood that provides the primary protein for this quick and easy dish.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Honey, Soy Sauce: Sweet and savory combination that creates a delicious glaze for the shrimp.
  • Sesame Oil: Adds a rich, nutty flavor to enhance the overall taste of the recipe.
  • Garlic: Provides a bold, aromatic flavor that complements the shrimp perfectly.
Cooking and Garnish:
  • Cooking Oil: Helps prevent sticking and provides a medium for cooking the shrimp.
  • Green Onions: Fresh herb that adds a light, crisp garnish and subtle onion flavor to the dish.

Making Honey Garlic Shrimp: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare Succulent Seafood

Thoroughly cleanse the shrimp under cool running water, then gently blot them completely dry using clean paper towels.

Ensure each shrimp is free from excess moisture for perfect searing.

Step 2: Craft Flavor-Packed Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together these vibrant ingredients:
  • Freshly minced garlic
  • Golden honey
  • Rich soy sauce
  • Aromatic sesame oil

Blend the ingredients until they create a harmonious, glossy mixture.

Step 3: Fire Up the Skillet

Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a generous splash of cooking oil.

Allow the pan to become sizzling hot, creating the perfect environment for cooking shrimp.

Step 4: Sear Shrimp to Perfection

Carefully place the shrimp into the hot skillet.

Cook each side for approximately 2 minutes, watching for a beautiful pink color and translucent appearance that signals they’re perfectly cooked.

Step 5: Infuse with Incredible Flavor

Pour the prepared sauce directly over the shrimp.

Gently simmer for an additional 2 minutes, delicately stirring to ensure every shrimp is lavishly coated with the delicious sauce.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Transfer the glistening shrimp to a serving plate.

Sprinkle with freshly sliced green onions for a pop of color and extra flavor burst.

Serve immediately while piping hot and bursting with tantalizing taste.

Tips for Cooking Honey Garlic Shrimp to Perfection

  • Use paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring crispy and evenly cooked shrimp without steaming.
  • Let shrimp sit in the honey garlic sauce for 10-15 minutes before cooking to enhance taste absorption and tenderness.
  • Cook shrimp quickly over medium-high heat to prevent overcooking, which can make them tough and rubbery.
  • Swap regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe gluten-free without losing flavor intensity.
  • Serve over cauliflower rice or quinoa for a low-carb option that complements the shrimp's rich, sweet-savory profile.

Storage and Reheating Guide for Honey Garlic Shrimp

  • Transfer leftover shrimp to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cover the shrimp completely to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
  • Place shrimp in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir gently between intervals to ensure even warming and avoid overcooking.
  • Warm a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes, turning occasionally to prevent burning and restore original texture.
  • Pack cooled shrimp in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve flavor and texture.

Best Pairings with Honey Garlic Shrimp

  • Pairing Vibrant Wines: Select a crisp, dry Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the sweet and savory honey garlic shrimp, balancing the dish's rich flavors with refreshing acidity.
  • Enhance with Zesty Side: Serve alongside a light Asian-inspired cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame seeds, which will provide a cool, crunchy contrast to the warm, saucy shrimp.
  • Match with Aromatic Rice: Prepare jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the delicious honey garlic sauce, creating a harmonious blend of textures and absorbing the dish's delightful flavors.
  • Create Herbal Brightness: Sprinkle fresh cilantro or chopped green onions on top to add a burst of freshness and elevate the overall taste profile of the shrimp dish.

Variations on the Classic Honey Garlic Shrimp

  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the dish gluten-free and safe for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Alternative: Swap shrimp with extra-firm tofu or tempeh, pressing and cutting into bite-sized pieces before following the same cooking method for a plant-based protein version.
  • Low-Sodium Adaptation: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce or replace it with coconut aminos to cut down on salt content while maintaining rich flavor profiles.
  • Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the marinade for those who enjoy a bold, fiery element in their honey garlic sauce.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for better searing.

  • Is it possible to make this dish spicy?

Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha sauce to the honey garlic sauce to give it a spicy kick. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your heat preference.

  • What type of shrimp works best for this recipe?

Medium to large-sized shrimp (21-25 count) work great. Ensure they are peeled and deveined for easy preparation. Fresh or thawed frozen shrimp both work well in this quick recipe.

  • How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and form a loose “C” shape. Overcooking will make them tough and rubbery, so watch them carefully during the 2-minute cooking time on each side.

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Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 16 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent honey garlic shrimp dances with sweet and savory notes, bringing coastal flavors straight to your dinner table. Delicate shrimp glazed in golden honey and aromatic garlic promises a quick, irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Sauce Ingredients:

  • 4 tablespoons honey
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 3 cloves fresh minced garlic

Garnish:

  • 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly cleanse the shrimp under chilled running water, then meticulously blot dry using absorbent kitchen paper to remove excess moisture.
  2. Create a vibrant marinade by whisking together finely chopped garlic, golden honey, umami-rich soy sauce, and fragrant sesame oil until the mixture achieves a smooth, harmonious consistency.
  3. Preheat a large skillet to medium-high temperature, adding a thin layer of cooking oil to prevent sticking and promote even caramelization.
  4. Carefully introduce the prepared shrimp to the hot skillet, allowing them to sizzle and transform into a beautiful pink hue, approximately 2 minutes per side.
  5. Gently cascade the prepared sauce over the perfectly cooked shrimp, reducing heat and allowing the liquid to shimmer and coat each morsel for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  6. Transfer the glossy, aromatic shrimp to a serving platter, embellishing with delicate rings of fresh green onions for a burst of color and subtle onion zest.
  7. Serve immediately while the shrimp remain warm and the sauce clings tantalizingly to each succulent piece.

Notes

  • Always use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture, ensuring they are deveined and cleaned properly before cooking.
  • Pat shrimp completely dry to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and prevent them from becoming soggy or steaming in the pan.
  • Adjust honey and soy sauce ratio to control sweetness and saltiness, making the dish adaptable to personal taste preferences or dietary restrictions.
  • For a low-carb version, replace honey with a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit sweetener or use less honey to reduce sugar content.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Jack Sullivan

Jack Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Single-recipe development with a narrative approach, Culinary storytelling and food history, Seasonal and regional ingredient utilization, Home cooking techniques adapted for modern kitchens​

Education

New England Culinary Institute (Montpelier, VT)
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and modern plating techniques.​

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southern Appalachian cuisine and local ingredient sourcing.​


Jack grew up surrounded by smoky skillets and handwritten recipes in the mountains of North Carolina. His roots in Appalachian cooking shaped the way he sees food – as something that connects people, tells a story, and holds meaning.
With hands-on training and a background in sustainable, regional cooking, Jack started Boil And Broil to make meaningful meals more accessible. He’s all about one-dish recipes that are simple to follow but rich with flavor and history.

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