Description

Craving a quick, delicious meal that’s perfect for busy nights? What if you could whip up succulent shrimp coated in a sweet-savory honey garlic sauce in just 20 minutes? 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp is your answer—a 4.8-star-rated dish from 274 reviews, ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests with minimal effort

Ingredients

Here’s the lineup for 4 servings. Each ingredient plays a key role, with swaps for flexibility.

Honey (1/3 cup): Adds natural sweetness and sticky texture. Sub: Maple syrup or agave nectar.
Soy sauce (1/4 cup, preferably reduced sodium): Provides savory, umami depth. Sub: Tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced, or 1 teaspoon jarred): Brings bold, savory flavor. Sub: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon minced, optional): Adds warm, zesty notes. Sub: 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger or omit.
Medium shrimp (1 lb, peeled, deveined, uncooked): Lean protein with quick cooking time. Sub: Chicken breast (cubed, cook longer) or tofu for vegetarian.
Olive oil (2 teaspoons): Lightly coats skillet for cooking. Sub: Avocado oil or vegetable oil.
Optional garnish: Chopped green onion for freshness. Sub: Chives, cilantro, or sesame seeds.

These ingredients are pantry-friendly and accessible, creating a wholesome, flavorful dish

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Instructions

Make the marinade/sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk 1/3 cup honey, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon minced ginger (if using). Divide into two equal portions (about 1/4 cup each). Tip: Whisk thoroughly to combine honey and soy sauce.
Marinate the shrimp: Place 1 lb shrimp in a large sealable container or zip-top bag. Pour half the marinade (1/4 cup) over the shrimp, shake or stir to coat, and refrigerate for 15 minutes (or up to 8-12 hours). Cover and refrigerate the remaining marinade for cooking. Tip: Don’t marinate longer than 12 hours to avoid over-tenderizing shrimp.
Prep sides (optional): While shrimp marinates, steam broccoli or microwave quick-cook brown rice for a complete meal. Tip: Use pre-cooked rice or frozen veggies for faster prep.
Cook the shrimp: Heat 2 teaspoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add shrimp (discard used marinade) and cook for 45 seconds until pink on one side. Flip shrimp, pour in the reserved marinade, and cook for 1-2 minutes until shrimp is fully cooked (opaque and pink). Tip: Don’t overcook shrimp; they cook fast and can become rubbery.
Serve: Plate shrimp with sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with optional green onion. Serve with brown rice and steamed veggies or over a salad. Tip: Drizzle extra sauce over sides for added flavor.