Introduction: Can a 25-Minute Dish Be Sweet, Savory, and Weeknight-Friendly?
Craving a quick, flavorful seafood dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes? Honey Garlic Shrimp, created by Lidey Heuck, combines succulent shrimp with a sweet-and-savory honey-garlic sauce for a weeknight win. Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars from 2,741 reviews, this recipe uses pantry staples for maximum flavor with minimal effort. Ready to whip up a dish that’s as delicious as it is speedy? Let’s dive into this vibrant shrimp recipe!
Overview: Why Honey Garlic Shrimp Shines
Honey Garlic Shrimp is loved for its bold flavors, quick preparation, and versatility. Here’s what makes it special:
- Time Requirement: 5 minutes prep, 20 minutes cooking (including marinating), totaling 25 minutes.
- Difficulty Level: Easy—requires marinating, searing, and saucing, ideal for all skill levels.
- Why It’s Special: A honey-soy marinade doubles as a glossy pan sauce, coating tender shrimp with sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes. This recipe serves 4, perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or quick meals.
Ideal with steamed rice and a green vegetable or cucumber salad for a balanced meal.
Essential Ingredients
Honey Garlic Shrimp uses pantry staples for a flavorful result. Here’s what you’ll need for 4 servings:
- 1 pound extra-large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off): Tender, quick-cooking protein.
- ⅓ cup honey: Adds sweetness and glossiness.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: Provides savory umami.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (from 2 large cloves): Infuses bold, savory flavor.
- ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Adds warmth and zing.
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper: Brings subtle heat.
- ¼ teaspoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil or vegetable oil: For searing shrimp.
- Thinly sliced scallions: Fresh garnish for crunch and color.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Shrimp: Extra-large or jumbo sizes ensure juicy texture and forgiving cook time.
- Honey and Soy Sauce: Create a balanced sweet-salty marinade and sauce.
- Garlic and Ginger: Add aromatic depth and warmth.
- Cornstarch: Ensures a glossy, thickened pan sauce.
Substitutions and Variations
- Shrimp: Swap with large scallops or cubed firm tofu for vegetarian.
- Honey: Use maple syrup or agave for vegan.
- Soy Sauce: Replace with tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free.
- Garlic: Use ½ teaspoon garlic powder in a pinch.
- Ginger: Substitute with ¼ teaspoon ground ginger.
- Crushed Red Pepper: Swap with sriracha or omit for mild flavor.
- Oil: Use avocado oil or sesame oil for a nutty twist.
- Vegan Option: Use tofu and maple syrup or agave; replace soy sauce with coconut aminos.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
- Flavor Variations:
- Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp: Increase crushed red pepper to ¼ teaspoon or add 1 teaspoon chili oil.
- Citrus Shrimp: Add 1 teaspoon orange or lemon zest to the marinade.
- Sesame Shrimp: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds with scallions.
- Veggie Shrimp: Add 1 cup sliced bell peppers or broccoli florets with the shrimp.
- Teriyaki Shrimp: Replace hoisin with 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce in the marinade.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Honey Garlic Shrimp is a fast, one-pan process that yields a flavorful, glossy dish. Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Gather and Prep
- Gather all ingredients: 1 pound shrimp, ⅓ cup honey, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, ½ teaspoon grated ginger, ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper, ¼ teaspoon cornstarch, 1 tablespoon oil, scallions.
- Peel and devein shrimp; mince garlic; grate ginger; slice scallions thinly.
Tip: Prep ingredients while shrimp marinate to save time; use a microplane for ginger to avoid fibers.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
- Place 1 pound shrimp in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup honey, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, ½ teaspoon grated ginger, and ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper until smooth.
- Pour 3 tablespoons of the marinade over the shrimp; toss to coat.
- Marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature or up to 1 hour in the fridge.
Tip: Reserve remaining marinade for the sauce; don’t over-marinate to avoid mushy shrimp.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- Whisk ¼ teaspoon cornstarch into the remaining marinade; set aside.
Tip: Stir cornstarch thoroughly to ensure a smooth sauce; keep nearby for quick addition.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
- Lift shrimp from marinade to paper towels; pat dry and discard marinade in the bowl.
- Heat a large 12-inch skillet (preferably cast-iron) over medium-high; add 1 tablespoon oil, swirling to coat.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer; cook until lightly browned, about 2 minutes.
- Flip shrimp and cook for 1 more minute.
Tip: Use cast-iron for deeper browning; avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
- If shrimp are cooked (smaller shrimp may finish early), transfer to a serving dish.
- Add reserved marinade with cornstarch to the skillet; cook, stirring, until thickened, 1-2 minutes.
- If shrimp are still in the pan, cook with the sauce until thickened; if removed, pour sauce over shrimp.
Tip: Stir sauce constantly to prevent lumps; return shrimp to coat if needed.
Step 6: Serve
- Transfer shrimp and sauce to a serving dish; sprinkle with sliced scallions.
- Serve hot, about ¼ pound shrimp and 2-3 tablespoons sauce per serving, with steamed rice and a green vegetable or cucumber salad.
Tip: Serve immediately for the best texture; offer extra scallions for garnish.
Assembly: Building the Perfect Honey Garlic Shrimp
Making Honey Garlic Shrimp is all about balancing sweet, savory, and tender textures. Here’s how to make it shine:
- Shrimp: Juicy and lightly browned for perfect texture.
- Honey-Garlic Sauce: Glossy, sweet, and savory with a hint of heat.
- Scallions: Add fresh crunch and color.
- Versatility: Pairs beautifully with rice or vegetables.
Presentation Tips
- Serve on a platter with sauce drizzled over for elegance.
- Garnish with extra scallions or sesame seeds for flair.
- Pair with holiday dishes like hoisin garlic noodles or desserts like Dubai chocolate for a festive spread.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Honey Garlic Shrimp is best fresh but can be prepped ahead.
- Storage:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Freezing is not recommended, as shrimp may become rubbery.
- Make-Ahead:
- Prep marinade and aromatics up to 1 day ahead; refrigerate separately.
- Marinate shrimp up to 1 hour before cooking; pat dry just before searing.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water for 3-5 minutes, stirring gently. Microwave in 30-second bursts, covered, until warm.
- Tip: Reheat gently to avoid overcooking shrimp; add fresh scallions after reheating.
Recipe Variations
Honey Garlic Shrimp is versatile and easy to customize. Here are some fun twists:
- Spicy Honey Shrimp: Add 1 tablespoon sriracha to the marinade.
- Vegan Honey Garlic Tofu: Use cubed firm tofu and maple syrup instead of honey.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
- Coconut Honey Shrimp: Replace 1 tablespoon soy sauce with coconut milk for creaminess.
- Garlic-Lemon Shrimp: Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest and 1 tablespoon lemon juice to the marinade.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings)
- Calories: Approximately 250-300 kcal (varies with shrimp size and oil).
- Protein: High, from shrimp.
- Fat: Low to moderate, from oil.
- Carbs: Moderate, from honey.
- Note: For precise nutrition, calculate based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Conclusion: Savor the Sweet-Savory Bliss!
Honey Garlic Shrimp is the quick, flavorful dish that brings restaurant-quality taste to your weeknight table. With its tender shrimp, glossy honey-garlic sauce, and minimal prep, it’s perfect for busy evenings, date nights, or quick meals. Fast, versatile, and delicious, this recipe is sure to impress. So, grab your skillet, whip up this shrimp masterpiece, and enjoy a burst of flavor. We’d love to hear how your dish turns out—share your creations in the comments or on social media!
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Honey Garlic Shrimp
Description
Craving a quick, flavorful seafood dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes? Honey Garlic Shrimp, created by Lidey Heuck, combines succulent shrimp with a sweet-and-savory honey-garlic sauce for a weeknight win
Ingredients
Honey Garlic Shrimp uses pantry staples for a flavorful result. Here’s what you’ll need for 4 servings:
- 1 pound extra-large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off): Tender, quick-cooking protein.
- ⅓ cup honey: Adds sweetness and glossiness.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: Provides savory umami.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (from 2 large cloves): Infuses bold, savory flavor.
- ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Adds warmth and zing.
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper: Brings subtle heat.
- ¼ teaspoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil or vegetable oil: For searing shrimp.
- Thinly sliced scallions: Fresh garnish for crunch and color.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Shrimp: Extra-large or jumbo sizes ensure juicy texture and forgiving cook time.
- Honey and Soy Sauce: Create a balanced sweet-salty marinade and sauce.
- Garlic and Ginger: Add aromatic depth and warmth.
- Cornstarch: Ensures a glossy, thickened pan sauce.
Substitutions and Variations
- Shrimp: Swap with large scallops or cubed firm tofu for vegetarian.
- Honey: Use maple syrup or agave for vegan.
- Soy Sauce: Replace with tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free.
- Garlic: Use ½ teaspoon garlic powder in a pinch.
- Ginger: Substitute with ¼ teaspoon ground ginger.
- Crushed Red Pepper: Swap with sriracha or omit for mild flavor.
- Oil: Use avocado oil or sesame oil for a nutty twist.
- Vegan Option: Use tofu and maple syrup or agave; replace soy sauce with coconut aminos.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
- Flavor Variations:
- Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp: Increase crushed red pepper to ¼ teaspoon or add 1 teaspoon chili oil.
- Citrus Shrimp: Add 1 teaspoon orange or lemon zest to the marinade.
- Sesame Shrimp: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds with scallions.
- Veggie Shrimp: Add 1 cup sliced bell peppers or broccoli florets with the shrimp.
- Teriyaki Shrimp: Replace hoisin with 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce in the marinade.
Instructions
Step 1: Gather and Prep
- Gather all ingredients: 1 pound shrimp, ⅓ cup honey, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, ½ teaspoon grated ginger, ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper, ¼ teaspoon cornstarch, 1 tablespoon oil, scallions.
- Peel and devein shrimp; mince garlic; grate ginger; slice scallions thinly.
Tip: Prep ingredients while shrimp marinate to save time; use a microplane for ginger to avoid fibers.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
- Place 1 pound shrimp in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup honey, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, ½ teaspoon grated ginger, and ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper until smooth.
- Pour 3 tablespoons of the marinade over the shrimp; toss to coat.
- Marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature or up to 1 hour in the fridge.
Tip: Reserve remaining marinade for the sauce; don’t over-marinate to avoid mushy shrimp.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- Whisk ¼ teaspoon cornstarch into the remaining marinade; set aside.
Tip: Stir cornstarch thoroughly to ensure a smooth sauce; keep nearby for quick addition.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
- Lift shrimp from marinade to paper towels; pat dry and discard marinade in the bowl.
- Heat a large 12-inch skillet (preferably cast-iron) over medium-high; add 1 tablespoon oil, swirling to coat.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer; cook until lightly browned, about 2 minutes.
- Flip shrimp and cook for 1 more minute.
Tip: Use cast-iron for deeper browning; avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
- If shrimp are cooked (smaller shrimp may finish early), transfer to a serving dish.
- Add reserved marinade with cornstarch to the skillet; cook, stirring, until thickened, 1-2 minutes.
- If shrimp are still in the pan, cook with the sauce until thickened; if removed, pour sauce over shrimp.
Tip: Stir sauce constantly to prevent lumps; return shrimp to coat if needed.
Step 6: Serve
- Transfer shrimp and sauce to a serving dish; sprinkle with sliced scallions.
- Serve hot, about ¼ pound shrimp and 2-3 tablespoons sauce per serving, with steamed rice and a green vegetable or cucumber salad.
Tip: Serve immediately for the best texture; offer extra scallions for garnish.
FAQs
1. Why are my shrimp rubbery?
Overcooking can cause this; cook for only 2-3 minutes total and remove if done before sauce thickens.
2. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before marinating to avoid excess water.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written; use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
4. Why is my sauce too thin?
Insufficient cornstarch or not cooking long enough can cause this; ensure cornstarch is mixed well and simmer until thickened.
5. Can I make this in advance?
Prep marinade and aromatics ahead; cook shrimp fresh for best texture.
6. What are the health benefits of this dish?
Shrimp provides lean protein; garlic and ginger offer antioxidants; moderate in carbs, enjoy in balance.