Quick Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe That’s Sweet & Savory Bliss

Succulent honey garlic shrimp dances on the culinary stage, promising a delightful flavor explosion.

Marinades work magic when carefully balanced with sweet and savory notes.

Seafood enthusiasts appreciate quick meals that pack incredible taste in minutes.

Fresh ingredients become your secret weapon for creating restaurant-quality dishes at home.

Crisp shrimp caramelized with golden honey and aromatic garlic will make you feel like a professional chef.

Simple techniques guarantee a mouthwatering result that impresses everyone around the table.

You can whip up this irresistible recipe faster than ordering takeout, making dinner both exciting and effortless.

Honey Garlic Shrimp That Melts in Your Mouth

• Speed Up Meal Prep: Marinate shrimp quickly and cook in minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
• Flavor Explosion: Combine sweet honey and savory garlic for an irresistible taste that transforms simple shrimp into a restaurant-quality dish.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adapt this recipe for various diets and preferences, serving over rice, noodles, or alongside different vegetables for a customizable meal.
• Beginner-Friendly Cooking: Requires minimal cooking skills with straightforward steps, making it an excellent recipe for home cooks looking to expand their culinary repertoire.

Ingredients to Prepare Honey Garlic Shrimp

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that will absorb the delicious honey garlic marinade and become the star of the dish.

• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides a sharp and intense flavor to the sauce.
• Ginger: Adds a warm, slightly spicy note that complements the shrimp.
• Soy Sauce: Salty condiment that enhances the overall umami flavor of the dish.
• Honey: Sweet component that helps create a glossy and sticky glaze for the shrimp.

• Vegetable Oil, Cooking Oil: Helps prevent sticking and provides a medium for even cooking.
• Green Onions: Fresh herb that adds a mild onion flavor and bright color as a garnish.

How to Cook Honey Garlic Shrimp

Step 1: Prep Shrimp for Deliciousness

Grab your frozen shrimp and thaw them under cool running water. Gently pat them dry with paper towels to remove extra moisture.

This helps the shrimp soak up all the yummy flavors and cook perfectly.

Step 2: Create Magical Marinade

• Minced garlic
• Minced ginger
• Soy sauce
• Honey

Stir until everything blends into a smooth, mouthwatering sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 3: Marinate and Infuse Flavor

Toss the shrimp into a resealable bag or bowl. Pour half the marinade over them, making sure each shrimp gets a delicious coating.

Let them soak up the goodness for 10 minutes to an hour. If going longer, pop them in the fridge to keep things fresh.

Step 4: Fire Up the Skillet

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil and let it get nice and hot.

Carefully place the marinated shrimp in a single layer so they cook evenly and get that perfect sear. Drizzle the remaining marinade over the top.

Step 5: Sauté to Perfection

Cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes on each side. Watch for them to turn pink and look opaque – that’s when you know they’re done.

Keep an eye on the sauce as it simmers and starts to thicken. If the sauce needs more reducing, remove the shrimp and let it simmer a bit longer.

Step 6: Add Final Flourish

Once the sauce becomes thick and glossy, take the skillet off the heat. Sprinkle some chopped green onions on top for an extra burst of flavor and a pop of color.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate up your honey garlic shrimp immediately, making sure they’re coated in that incredible sauce. Serve alongside steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Pro Tips for Honey Garlic Shrimp

• Dry shrimp thoroughly with paper towels to achieve perfect caramelization and prevent watery sauce during cooking.
• Marinate shrimp for maximum 30 minutes to prevent seafood from becoming tough and maintaining delicate texture.
• Use high heat and avoid overcrowding pan to get beautiful golden-brown sear and prevent steaming instead of sautéing.
• Create restaurant-quality sauce by reducing marinade until it becomes glossy and slightly thick, coating shrimp beautifully.
• Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy optimal flavor and prevent shrimp from becoming rubbery or overcooked.

Variations on Honey Garlic Shrimp

• Spicy Asian Kick: Replace honey with sriracha and add red pepper flakes for a fiery version of the shrimp dish.
• Citrus Mediterranean Style: Swap soy sauce with lemon juice, add oregano, and use olive oil instead of vegetable oil for a Greek-inspired variation.
• Coconut Tropical Fusion: Incorporate coconut milk into the marinade, use coconut oil for cooking, and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes as a garnish for a tropical profile.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Replace honey with a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol, use tamari instead of soy sauce, and serve over cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly alternative.

Pairing Suggestions for Honey Garlic Shrimp

• Crisp Sauvignon Blanc perfectly balances the sweet and savory notes of honey garlic shrimp with its bright, citrusy undertones.
• Jasmine rice absorbs the rich marinade, creating a delightful base that enhances the shrimp's bold garlic-honey glaze.
• Roasted asparagus adds a slightly charred, earthy element that contrasts beautifully with the tender, glossy shrimp.
• Sprinkle chopped cilantro or Thai basil to introduce a vibrant, aromatic dimension that cuts through the dish's richness.

Storage Tips for Honey Garlic Shrimp

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftover honey garlic shrimp to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cover the shrimp completely to prevent them from drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Freezer Preservation: Seal cooled shrimp in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 1 month, ensuring the sauce is well-distributed to maintain moisture.
• Microwave Reheating: Place shrimp in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and cover loosely. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the shrimp are warmed through and reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
• Skillet Reheating

FAQs

• Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe?

No, raw shrimp work best. Pre-cooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery when reheated, losing their tender texture and potentially overcooking.

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

Look for two key signs: the shrimp should turn pink and opaque, and they’ll curl slightly into a “C” shape. Avoid cooking longer than 2-3 minutes per side to prevent toughness.

• Is it safe to marinate shrimp with acidic ingredients like soy sauce?

Yes, but limit marinating time to 30 minutes maximum. Acidic marinades can start breaking down shrimp’s delicate protein structure if left too long, making them mushy.

Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 19 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent honey garlic shrimp elevates weeknight dinners with its irresistible blend of sweet and savory flavors. Minimal ingredients and quick preparation make this dish a reliable choice for home cooks seeking delicious results.

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Ingredients

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• 1 pound raw shrimp (sizes 21–25 or 26-30, peeled, deveined, and thawed)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp minced ginger
• 1 green onion (minced, optional)

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Instructions

1. Quickly thaw frozen shrimp under cold water, then thoroughly dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring optimal marinade absorption and cooking performance.
2. Create a harmonious marinade by whisking together minced garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and honey in a mixing bowl until completely integrated.
3. Submerge shrimp in the prepared marinade, either in a sealed plastic bag or bowl, coating thoroughly. Let it rest for 10-60 minutes, refrigerating if marinating beyond 10 minutes to preserve freshness.
4. Preheat a large nonstick skillet to medium-high heat, adding vegetable oil. Carefully arrange marinated shrimp in a single layer to promote even cooking and achieve a perfect sear.
5. Cook shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side until they transform to a vibrant pink and become opaquely cooked. Simultaneously, monitor the sauce as it simmers and begins to reduce.
6. When the sauce reaches a glossy, thick consistency that elegantly coats the shrimp, remove from heat. Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions for an aromatic garnish.
7. Immediately plate the honey garlic shrimp, ensuring each piece is lavishly glazed. Complement with steamed rice or noodles for a complete, flavor-packed dining experience.

Notes

• Watch shrimp carefully during sautéing, as they can quickly become rubbery and tough if cooked beyond 2-3 minutes.
• Marinate shrimp at room temperature for more intense taste, but never longer than one hour to prevent seafood breakdown.
• Swap regular soy sauce with tamari for gluten-free version or use coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative that maintains similar umami profile.
• If sauce doesn’t thicken, create a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water, then stir into the pan to help achieve desired glaze consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (or 60 minutes)
• Cook Time: 4 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 168 kcal
• Sugar: 11 g
• Sodium: 414 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 0.2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg