Introduction
Honey Garlic Shrimp is the perfect example of how a handful of simple ingredients can create a dish that’s sweet, savory, and absolutely irresistible. Juicy shrimp are cooked in a sticky honey garlic sauce that caramelizes beautifully, making every bite burst with flavor. The combination of honey’s natural sweetness, soy sauce’s umami depth, and garlic’s aromatic punch makes this dish truly unforgettable.
Best of all? It’s ready in just 20 minutes! Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner, a meal-prep favorite, or an appetizer that wows guests, Honey Garlic Shrimp is always a winner. Serve it with rice, noodles, or veggies, and you’ll have a wholesome and satisfying dish that tastes restaurant-quality without the fuss.
Why I Love This Recipe ❤️
I love Honey Garlic Shrimp because it’s fast, flavorful, and flexible. I can whip it up after a long day without much effort, yet it feels special and indulgent. The sauce is the real star here—it clings to the shrimp perfectly, balancing sweetness, saltiness, and garlicky richness in every bite.
It’s also one of those recipes that works for any mood—light enough for a quick lunch, but bold and satisfying for dinner. Plus, the ingredients are pantry staples, which means I can make it anytime without a special grocery trip.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes.
- Healthy & Protein-Packed: Shrimp is nutrient-rich and low in calories.
- Flavor Explosion: Sticky honey garlic sauce is addictive.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by both kids and adults.
- Versatile: Pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or veggies.
Recipe Overview
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 8–10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~300–320 kcal per serving (without rice)
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired / International
- Course: Main Course / Appetizer
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or butter for richness)
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening sauce)
- Garnish: chopped green onions, sesame seeds, lemon or lime wedges
Directions (Simple Version)
- Marinate shrimp briefly in honey, soy sauce, and garlic.
- Heat oil in a skillet and cook shrimp until pink.
- Add sauce, simmer, and thicken if needed.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Make the Marinade
- In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, and black pepper.
- Reserve 2–3 tablespoons of the sauce for later.
- Add shrimp to the marinade and let sit for 10–15 minutes (optional, but enhances flavor).
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp (without excess marinade) and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
Step 3: Add the Sauce
- Pour reserved sauce into the skillet.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes, spooning sauce over shrimp.
- For a thicker glaze, stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until sauce coats the shrimp.
Step 4: Garnish & Serve
- Remove from heat.
- Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and lemon wedges.
How to Serve
- Serve over steamed jasmine rice or fried rice.
- Toss with noodles for Honey Garlic Shrimp Pasta.
- Pair with stir-fried or roasted vegetables for a wholesome meal.
- Serve as a party appetizer with toothpicks.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t overcook shrimp—they become rubbery quickly.
- Marinating enhances flavor but isn’t mandatory for quick prep.
- Double the sauce if you want extra for drizzling over rice or noodles.
- Use raw shrimp (not pre-cooked) for the best flavor and texture.
Variations
- Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp: Add chili flakes, sriracha, or gochujang.
- Citrus Twist: Add orange or lime juice to the sauce.
- Honey Garlic Shrimp Skewers: Thread shrimp on skewers and grill.
- Vegetable Mix: Add broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers.
Freezing & Storage
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat; avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery texture.
- Freezing: Not recommended for cooked shrimp (texture suffers). Freeze raw shrimp and prepare fresh instead.
Special Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or wok
- Mixing bowl for marinade
- Whisk or fork
- Tongs or spatula
Conclusion
Honey Garlic Shrimp is a sweet, savory, and quick-to-make dish that turns simple ingredients into a show-stopping meal. With its sticky honey glaze, juicy shrimp, and garlicky goodness, it’s a recipe that feels indulgent but takes just minutes to prepare.
Honey Garlic Shrimp
Description
Honey Garlic Shrimp is the perfect example of how a handful of simple ingredients can create a dish that’s sweet, savory, and absolutely irresistible. Juicy shrimp are cooked in a sticky honey garlic sauce that caramelizes beautifully, making every bite burst with flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Step 1: Make the Marinade : In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, and black pepper. Reserve 2–3 tablespoons of the sauce for later. Add shrimp to the marinade and let sit for 10–15 minutes (optional, but enhances flavor).
-
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp : Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp (without excess marinade) and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
-
Step 3: Add the Sauce : Pour reserved sauce into the skillet. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, spooning sauce over shrimp. For a thicker glaze, stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until sauce coats the shrimp.
-
Step 4: Garnish & Serve : Remove from heat. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and lemon wedges.
