HONEY GARLIC SHRIMP EASY RECIPE

The sweet, sticky glaze coating plump, juicy shrimp, with the sharp zing of garlic dancing on your tongue – that’s what awaits you with this Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that will transport your taste buds to a world of flavor, and the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! Get ready to impress everyone (including yourself) with this restaurant-quality dish made right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients: The Flavor Powerhouse

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

For Garnish (Optional):

• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions

Step-by-Step Instructions: Shrimp Perfection Achieved!

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

1. Make sure your shrimp are fully thawed, peeled, and deveined. Pat them dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear and prevents steaming. Nobody wants soggy shrimp!
2. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Simple seasonings, but they make a difference!

Step 2: Whisk Together the Honey Garlic Sauce

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, water, rice vinegar, minced garlic, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes (if using). Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved; this will prevent lumps in your sauce.
2. Add sesame oil to the mixture. This secret ingredient will enhance the flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

1. Heat a large skillet (cast iron is ideal!) over medium-high heat.
2. Add the seasoned shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, or the shrimp will steam instead of sear. If necessary, cook in batches.
3. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Don’t overcook, or they’ll become rubbery.
4. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

1. Pour the honey garlic sauce into the same skillet you used to cook the shrimp.
2. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly.
3. Continue to simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. It should coat the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Combine and Glaze

1. Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet with the thickened honey garlic sauce.
2. Toss the shrimp to coat them evenly with the sauce.
3. Cook for another minute or two, allowing the sauce to glaze the shrimp beautifully.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the skillet from the heat.
2. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
3. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or your favorite side dish.

Tips and Tricks for the BEST Honey Garlic Shrimp

Shrimp Selection Matters

I always recommend using large or jumbo shrimp for this recipe. They hold up better during cooking and have a more satisfying bite. Fresh or frozen shrimp will work, but if using frozen, make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry.

Don’t Skip the Cornstarch

The cornstarch in the sauce is crucial for thickening it. If you skip it, your sauce will be thin and watery. Make sure to dissolve it completely in the cold sauce before heating it up.

Garlic: Fresh is Best

While you can use jarred minced garlic in a pinch, fresh minced garlic will give you the most intense and delicious flavor. Trust me, it’s worth the extra minute of chopping!

Spice It Up (or Tone It Down)

This recipe is easily customizable to your spice preference. If you like things spicy, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, simply omit the red pepper flakes altogether.

Serving Suggestions Galore!

Honey Garlic Shrimp is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Serve it over fluffy white rice, brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. It’s also delicious with noodles, such as lo mein or soba noodles. For a complete meal, add some steamed broccoli, asparagus, or a simple salad.

Variations: Remix Your Shrimp Game

Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp

For an even richer and more decadent version, add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet along with the honey garlic sauce. The butter will melt into the sauce, creating a silky smooth and incredibly flavorful glaze.

Honey Garlic Shrimp Skewers

Thread the shrimp onto skewers before cooking for a fun and easy appetizer. Grill the skewers instead of pan-frying them for a smoky flavor.

Honey Garlic Shrimp Tacos

Use the Honey Garlic Shrimp as a filling for tacos! Serve in warm tortillas with shredded cabbage, avocado, and a drizzle of lime crema.

What to Serve With Honey Garlic Shrimp

Besides the suggestions above, consider a side of Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken for a complete Chinese-inspired feast. Alternatively, a refreshing side salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the shrimp perfectly.

Other Delicious Garlic Recipes to Explore

If you’re a garlic lover like me, you’re always on the lookout for new ways to incorporate this flavorful ingredient into your cooking. Here are a few other garlic-infused recipes you might enjoy:

• Ranch Garlic Chicken Skewers: Perfect for grilling season!
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: A creamy and comforting classic.
• Garlic Chicken Wraps: A quick and easy lunch or dinner option.
• Garlic Butter Shrimp Lasagna: The ultimate seafood indulgence.

Is Honey Garlic Shrimp Healthy?

This recipe can absolutely be part of a healthy diet! Shrimp is a great source of protein and low in calories. While the sauce does contain honey and soy sauce (which can be high in sodium), you can control the amount you use. Consider using low-sodium soy sauce. Adding plenty of vegetables as a side dish is a great way to balance out the meal.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Honey Garlic Shrimp

Leftover Honey Garlic Shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, or microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Be careful not to overcook it, or the shrimp will become tough.

Honey Garlic Shrimp: Your New Go-To Dinner!

This Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe is truly a winner. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do. Happy cooking!

Lady Maria

Honey Garlic Shrimp

This Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe delivers a sweet and savory flavor explosion with minimal effort. Plump, juicy shrimp are coated in a sticky honey garlic glaze, creating a restaurant-quality dish that’s ready in minutes. Serve over rice or noodles for a quick and satisfying meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Sesame seeds for garnish
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Equipment

• Large skillet (cast iron recommended)
• Mixing bowls
• whisk
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• paper towels
• spatula or tongs

Method

 

1. Make sure your shrimp are fully thawed, peeled, and deveined. Pat them dry with paper towels.
2. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, water, rice vinegar, minced garlic, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Add sesame oil to the mixture and whisk to combine.
5. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Add the seasoned shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
7. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Do not overcook.
8. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
9. Pour the honey garlic sauce into the same skillet you used to cook the shrimp.
10. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly.
11. Continue to simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
12. Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet with the thickened honey garlic sauce.
13. Toss the shrimp to coat them evenly with the sauce.
14. Cook for another minute or two, allowing the sauce to glaze the shrimp beautifully.
15. Remove the skillet from the heat.
16. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
17. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or your favorite side dish.

Notes

Use large or jumbo shrimp for best results. Don’t skip the cornstarch for a thicker sauce. Freshly minced garlic provides the most intense flavor. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your spice preference. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. For a richer version, add 2 tablespoons of butter to the sauce. To make Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp, add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet along with the honey garlic sauce. Thread shrimp on skewers and grill for a smoky flavor. Use the honey garlic shrimp as a filling for tacos.