If you need a fast, flavorful meal that comes together in no time, this 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp is the perfect recipe. Tender, juicy shrimp are coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce that’s better than takeout and ideal for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 20 minutes.
- Sweet, savory, and garlicky flavor.
- Made with simple pantry ingredients.
- Perfect for busy weeknights.
- High in protein and naturally dairy-free.
- Delicious served with rice or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh minced ginger (optional)
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, garlic, and optional ginger.
- Divide the sauce evenly, reserving half for cooking later.
- Place the shrimp in a zip-top bag or airtight container.
- Pour half of the sauce over the shrimp and toss to coat.
- Marinate in the refrigerator for 15 minutes, or up to 12 hours.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Remove the shrimp from the marinade and discard the used marinade.
- Cook the shrimp for about 45 seconds on one side until pink.
- Flip the shrimp and pour in the reserved sauce.
- Continue cooking for 1–2 minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked and the sauce slightly thickens.
- Garnish the 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp with chopped green onions.
- Serve immediately with brown rice, jasmine rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Tips & Tricks
- Do not overcook the shrimp—they cook very quickly.
- Fresh garlic provides the best flavor.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers pair perfectly with the sauce.
- Pat the shrimp dry before marinating for better caramelization.
- Use fresh or fully thawed frozen shrimp.
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Dairy-Free
Notes
- Serve over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds for extra texture.
- Fresh lime wedges add a bright finish.
- Pair with steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 255
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 730mg
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before marinating.
How long should shrimp marinate?
Fifteen minutes is enough, but you can marinate for up to 12 hours for deeper flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes. Substitute gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos for the soy sauce.
What should I serve with Honey Garlic Shrimp?
Brown rice, jasmine rice, noodles, steamed broccoli, green beans, or stir-fried vegetables are excellent choices.
Can I meal prep this recipe?
Yes. Store cooked shrimp in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short intervals to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Similar Recipes
20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh minced ginger optional
- 1 pound medium shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, garlic, and optional ginger.
- Divide the sauce evenly, reserving half for cooking later.
- Place the shrimp in a zip-top bag or airtight container.
- Pour half of the sauce over the shrimp and toss to coat.
- Marinate in the refrigerator for 15 minutes, or up to 12 hours.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Remove the shrimp from the marinade and discard the used marinade.
- Cook the shrimp for about 45 seconds on one side until pink.
- Flip the shrimp and pour in the reserved sauce.
- Continue cooking for 1–2 minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked and the sauce slightly thickens.
- Garnish the 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp with chopped green onions.
- Serve immediately with brown rice, jasmine rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Serve over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds for extra texture.
- Fresh lime wedges add a bright finish.
- Pair with steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
This 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp is proof that a quick dinner can still be packed with incredible flavor. Sweet honey, savory soy sauce, fresh garlic, and juicy shrimp create a simple yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you need dinner on the table fast.