Honey Garlic Shrimp

Honey Garlic Shrimp

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If you love sweet and savory flavors, this honey garlic shrimp recipe is a must-try. It’s juicy, tender shrimp coated in a sticky, garlicky, and slightly tangy honey sauce that comes together in just 15 minutes.

This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even a quick appetizer. Serve it over rice, noodles, or with roasted veggies for a complete meal.

Honey Garlic Shrimp

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & Easy – Ready in just 15 minutes!

  • Minimal Ingredients – Uses pantry staples.

  • High in Protein – A healthy meal with lean protein and natural sweeteners.

  • Versatile – Pairs well with rice, noodles, or vegetables.

Best Shrimp to Use for This Recipe

  • Fresh or Frozen Shrimp: Both work well, just make sure to thaw frozen shrimp before cooking.

  • Peeled & Deveined: Saves time and makes it easier to eat.

  • Large or Jumbo Shrimp: They stay juicy and tender when cooked.

Ingredients List

For the Shrimp:

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter for richness)

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

  • ¼ cup honey

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional for extra flavor)

  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)

  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (adds nutty depth)

For Garnish:

  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

  • 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped

Timing

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 5 minutes

  • Total Time: 15 minutes

How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

  • If using frozen shrimp, thaw them by placing them in cold water for 15 minutes.

  • Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

  • Season with salt and black pepper.

Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

  • In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.

  • Set aside for later.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

  • Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.

  • Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.

Step 4: Simmer in the Sauce

  • Pour the honey garlic sauce into the pan.

  • Stir well and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the shrimp.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

  • Remove from heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.

  • Serve hot over rice, noodles, or vegetables.

Honey Garlic Shrimp

Best Side Dishes for Honey Garlic Shrimp

Pair this dish with:

  • Steamed Jasmine Rice – Soaks up the flavorful sauce.

  • Garlic Butter Noodles – Adds extra richness.

  • Stir-Fried Vegetables – A healthy, crunchy side.

  • Cauliflower Rice – A low-carb option.

Can You Bake or Air Fry Honey Garlic Shrimp?

Baking Method

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

  • Toss shrimp with sauce and spread on a lined baking sheet.

  • Bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.

Air Fryer Method

  • Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

  • Cook shrimp for 5-6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.

  • Toss with the sauce after cooking.

Tips for the Best Honey Garlic Shrimp

  • Use Fresh Garlic & Ginger – It gives the best flavor.

  • Don’t Overcook Shrimp – They cook quickly, so remove them once they turn pink.

  • Thicken the Sauce – Let it simmer briefly to make it stick to the shrimp.

  • Spice It Up – Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

Refrigerating

  • Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezing

  • Freeze cooked shrimp in a sealed bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating

  • Reheat in a pan over low heat for a few minutes.

  • Avoid microwaving too long to prevent rubbery shrimp.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 280

  • Protein: 30g

  • Carbohydrates: 25g

  • Fat: 8g

  • Sodium: 800mg

FAQs

Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?

Yes! Just swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.

What If I Don’t Have Honey?

Use maple syrup or brown sugar as a substitute.

Can I Use Pre-Cooked Shrimp?

Yes, but only cook for 1 minute to avoid overcooking.

Conclusion

This honey garlic shrimp is an easy, 15-minute meal that’s packed with flavor. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or a meal-prep option, this recipe is sure to be a hit.