Quick & Tasty Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe That’ll Wow Everyone

Crisp ocean treasures meet sweet garlic shrimp in a dish that dances between bold flavors and delicate textures.

Succulent shellfish shimmer under a glossy coating that promises instant satisfaction.

Marinating these tender morsels infuses each bite with rich, complex notes.

Home cooks adore how quickly this recipe comes together without sacrificing taste or elegance.

Mediterranean and Asian influences blend seamlessly in this irresistible seafood creation.

Minimal ingredients deliver maximum impact, turning an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary.

Let’s make magic happen in your kitchen tonight.

Why Honey Garlic Shrimp Is So Popular

• Speedster Seafood Delight: This honey garlic shrimp recipe zooms from kitchen to table in mere minutes, perfect for busy individuals craving a fast, mouthwatering meal.
• Flavor Explosion Technique: Combining sweet honey with savory soy sauce creates an irresistible glaze that transforms simple shrimp into a restaurant-quality dish bursting with complex taste profiles.
• Beginner-Friendly Cooking: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe ideal for novice cooks, allowing anyone to look like a culinary pro without extensive kitchen skills.
• One-Pan Wonder: Using a single skillet means less cleanup and more enjoyment, reducing post-meal kitchen stress and making this dish a smart choice for weeknight dinners or quick entertaining.

Ingredients for Quick Honey Garlic Shrimp

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that provides the main protein base for this quick and flavorful dish.

• Garlic, Green Onions: Fresh ingredients that add depth and zesty flavor to the shrimp.
• Sesame Seeds: Provide a nutty crunch and visual appeal to the finished dish.

• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create a glossy coating for the shrimp.
• Soy Sauce: Brings a savory umami flavor and helps balance the honey's sweetness.
• Olive Oil: Serves as the cooking medium and helps prevent sticking in the skillet.

How to Make Quick Honey Garlic Shrimp

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Pan

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, creating a smooth cooking surface for the shrimp.

Step 2: Awaken the Garlic Flavor

Add minced garlic and gently sauté until it releases its aromatic essence, about 1 minute, filling your kitchen with a delightful fragrance.

Step 3: Dance the Shrimp in the Pan

Introduce the shrimp to the skillet, letting them cook until they transform into a beautiful pink color and become completely opaque, approximately 3-4 minutes on each side.

Step 4: Create the Magical Sauce

• Honey
• Soy sauce

Pour this golden mixture over the cooked shrimp, gently stirring to ensure every piece gets a perfect coating.

Step 5: Thicken the Flavor Profile

Continue cooking on medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and create a slightly sticky glaze that clings to the shrimp.

Step 6: Prepare for Serving

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds

Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite.

Expert Tips for Honey Garlic Shrimp

• Peel and devein shrimp ahead of time to save precious cooking minutes and ensure even cooking.
• Use medium heat to prevent burning garlic and overcooking delicate shrimp, maintaining perfect texture and flavor.
• Whisk honey and soy sauce thoroughly before adding to create a smooth, well-blended coating that clings beautifully to shrimp.
• Store raw shrimp in the coldest part of the refrigerator and use within 1-2 days for maximum freshness and safety.
• Replace traditional soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make this recipe completely gluten-free without sacrificing taste.

Creative Twists for Honey Garlic Shrimp

• Spicy Asian Fusion: Replace honey with sriracha sauce and add red pepper flakes for a fiery kick.
• Low-Carb Protein Option: Swap shrimp with chicken breast and use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a keto-friendly version.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute shrimp with firm tofu cubes and use maple syrup instead of honey for a plant-based meal.
• Mediterranean Style: Use lemon juice instead of honey, add oregano and replace soy sauce with olive oil for a Greek-inspired variation.

Perfect Pairings for Honey Garlic Shrimp Dish

• A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the sweet and savory shrimp, cutting through the rich honey garlic sauce with its bright acidity.
• Serve the honey garlic shrimp over fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sauce, creating a complete and satisfying meal that balances flavors and textures.
• Create a light, crunchy side of shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy rice vinegar dressing to provide a refreshing contrast to the sweet and garlicky shrimp.

Storage Guidance for Honey Garlic Shrimp

• Store leftover honey garlic shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Warm shrimp in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out and maintain sauce consistency.
• Gently reheat in a skillet over low-medium heat, adding a tablespoon of water or extra sauce to keep shrimp moist. Stir frequently to prevent overcooking and maintain tenderness.
• Do not freeze this dish, as shrimp can become rubbery and lose its delicate texture when thawed and reheated.

FAQs

• Is honey garlic shrimp a healthy dish?

Yes, shrimp is a lean protein low in calories and high in nutrients. The recipe uses minimal oil and includes beneficial ingredients like garlic, which has immune-boosting properties.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure proper seasoning and prevent excess water in the pan.

• What type of soy sauce works best?

Use regular soy sauce or low-sodium soy sauce. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative that provides a rich, authentic flavor.

• How spicy is this honey garlic shrimp?

The recipe is not spicy by default. If you want heat, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha sauce during cooking.

Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent shrimp dance in a luscious honey garlic sauce, promising a quick and irresistible meal that balances sweet and savory flavors. Tender seafood meets caramelized glaze, inviting you to savor each delectable bite of this restaurant-quality dish.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) large shrimp, peeled

Sauce and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil

Garnish:

• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) toasted sesame seeds

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare all ingredients for swift and efficient cooking preparation.
2. Warm olive oil in a skillet at medium temperature, introducing minced garlic and sautéing until aromatic, roughly 60 seconds.
3. Incorporate raw shrimp into the heated skillet, cooking until they transform into a vibrant pink and become translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
4. Create a glaze by whisking honey and soy sauce in a separate mixing vessel.
5. Drench the cooked shrimp with the prepared sauce, gently stirring to ensure comprehensive and uniform coating.
6. Elevate heat to medium-high and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize and slightly thicken.
7. Terminate cooking process and transfer shrimp to serving plate.
8. Embellish the dish with freshly chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for enhanced visual appeal and complementary texture.
9. Serve immediately while the shrimp remain warm and sauce remains glossy.

Notes

• Prep ingredients beforehand to ensure quick and smooth cooking without last-minute scrambling.
• Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture, preferably large or jumbo size for juicier results.
• Adjust honey and soy sauce ratio to control sweetness and saltiness according to personal taste preferences.
• For a gluten-free version, replace traditional soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to maintain similar flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 188 kcal
• Sugar: 11 g
• Sodium: 340 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7.2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 166 mg