If you’re looking for a fast, flavorful meal that comes together in no time, this Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe is the perfect choice. Made with tender shrimp coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, it’s an easy weeknight dinner that tastes like takeout but is healthier and fresher. Best of all, it’s ready in about 20 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 20 minutes
- Perfect for busy weeknights
- Sweet, savory, and garlicky flavor combination
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Pairs beautifully with rice and vegetables
- Family-friendly and beginner-friendly
- Naturally high in protein and satisfying
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced (optional)
- 1 lb medium uncooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- Chopped green onion, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger if using.
- Divide the sauce mixture into two equal portions.
- Place the shrimp in a sealable container or zip-top bag.
- Pour one portion of the sauce over the shrimp and toss to coat.
- Marinate in the refrigerator for 15 minutes, or up to 12 hours for deeper flavor.
- Cover and refrigerate the remaining sauce for cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Remove shrimp from the marinade and discard the used marinade.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook 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.
- Serve the Honey Garlic Shrimp with the sauce spooned over the top.
- Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
- Enjoy with brown rice, steamed broccoli, or your favorite vegetables.
Tips & Tricks
- Use fresh shrimp whenever possible for the best texture.
- Do not overcook shrimp; they cook very quickly and can become rubbery.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Substitute tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Serve over quinoa, cauliflower rice, or noodles for variety.
- Fresh ginger adds extra depth, but the recipe is delicious without it.
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, High-Protein
Notes
- Large shrimp can also be used; simply adjust cooking time slightly.
- Add steamed snap peas, bell peppers, or broccoli for a complete meal.
- Garnish with sesame seeds for additional texture.
- For meal prep, store rice and shrimp separately for best results.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 240
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 650mg
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw the shrimp completely and pat dry before marinating and cooking.
How do I know when shrimp are cooked?
Shrimp turn pink and opaque and curl into a loose “C” shape when fully cooked.
Can I make Honey Garlic Shrimp ahead of time?
Yes. Marinate the shrimp up to 12 hours in advance and cook when ready.
What can I serve with Honey Garlic Shrimp?
Brown rice, jasmine rice, steamed vegetables, noodles, or quinoa are all excellent choices.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Replace soy sauce with certified gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos.
Can I add vegetables to the skillet?
Yes. Broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots work very well in this recipe.
Storage
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer:
Freeze cooked shrimp in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
Warm gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short intervals until heated through. Avoid overcooking.
Similar Recipes
Honey Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger minced (optional)
- 1 lb medium uncooked shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- Chopped green onion for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger if using.
- Divide the sauce mixture into two equal portions.
- Place the shrimp in a sealable container or zip-top bag.
- Pour one portion of the sauce over the shrimp and toss to coat.
- Marinate in the refrigerator for 15 minutes, or up to 12 hours for deeper flavor.
- Cover and refrigerate the remaining sauce for cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Remove shrimp from the marinade and discard the used marinade.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook 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.
- Serve the Honey Garlic Shrimp with the sauce spooned over the top.
- Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
- Enjoy with brown rice, steamed broccoli, or your favorite vegetables.
Notes
- Large shrimp can also be used; simply adjust cooking time slightly.
- Add steamed snap peas, bell peppers, or broccoli for a complete meal.
- Garnish with sesame seeds for additional texture.
- For meal prep, store rice and shrimp separately for best results.
Conclusion
This Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe proves that delicious dinners don’t need hours in the kitchen. With its sweet and savory sauce, juicy shrimp, and quick cooking time, it’s a reliable meal you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or a simple meal-prep favorite, this recipe delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort.