If you’re looking for a quick and flavorful dinner, this Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe is the perfect choice. Ready in just 20 minutes, this easy shrimp recipe combines sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and fresh garlic to create a delicious meal that tastes like takeout but is made right at home. Whether you’re serving it with rice, vegetables, or noodles, this dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in only 20 minutes from start to finish
- Sweet and savory flavor combination everyone loves
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for busy weeknights
- Family-friendly and beginner-friendly
- Pairs well with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced (optional)
- 1 pound 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 large zip-top bag or sealed container.
- Pour one portion of the sauce over the shrimp and toss to coat evenly.
- 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.
- Arrange shrimp in 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 coated in the sauce.
- Serve the Honey Garlic Shrimp immediately with the sauce spooned over the top.
- Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Tips & Tricks
- Do not overcook shrimp, as they can become rubbery quickly.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Serve over brown rice, jasmine rice, or noodles.
- Frozen shrimp work well; thaw completely before cooking.
- For extra vegetables, add broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers to the skillet.
- Reduced-sodium soy sauce helps balance the sweetness of the honey.
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, Nut-Free
Notes
- Substitute tamari for a gluten-free option if needed.
- Fresh ginger adds extra depth but is optional.
- Serve with steamed broccoli, green beans, or stir-fried vegetables.
- A squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving adds brightness.
- Double the sauce if you prefer extra sauce for rice or noodles.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 620mg
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating and cooking.
How long should shrimp be marinated?
Fifteen minutes is enough, but you can marinate the shrimp for up to 12 hours for a stronger flavor.
What should I serve with Honey Garlic Shrimp?
Brown rice, jasmine rice, quinoa, steamed vegetables, and noodles all pair wonderfully with this dish.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the marinade and marinate the shrimp several hours in advance.
Is this recipe spicy?
No. It has a sweet and savory flavor profile. Add red pepper flakes or chili sauce if you want heat.
Can I use another protein?
Absolutely. This sauce also works well with chicken, salmon, or tofu.
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 medium-low heat or microwave in short intervals until heated through. Avoid overcooking.
Similar Recipes
Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger minced (optional)
- 1 pound 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 large zip-top bag or sealed container.
- Pour one portion of the sauce over the shrimp and toss to coat evenly.
- 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.
- Arrange shrimp in 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 coated in the sauce.
- Serve the Honey Garlic Shrimp immediately with the sauce spooned over the top.
- Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Notes
- Substitute tamari for a gluten-free option if needed.
- Fresh ginger adds extra depth but is optional.
- Serve with steamed broccoli, green beans, or stir-fried vegetables.
- A squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving adds brightness.
- Double the sauce if you prefer extra sauce for rice or noodles.
Conclusion
This Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe proves that a restaurant-quality seafood dinner doesn’t have to be complicated. With a simple honey garlic sauce, tender shrimp, and a cooking time of just 20 minutes, it’s an ideal meal for busy evenings. Serve it with rice and vegetables for a complete dinner that is flavorful, satisfying, and easy enough to make anytime.