EASY HONEY GARLIC SHRIMP

Imagine plump, juicy shrimp glistening with a sweet and savory glaze, the aroma of garlic and honey filling your kitchen, ready to devour in minutes. This Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe is about to become your new go-to for a ridiculously easy and satisfying meal that’s ready faster than takeout – I promise you’ll love it!

Ingredients

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:

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

Garnish (optional):

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds

Let’s Talk Shrimp: Picking the Perfect Protein

Okay, friend, let’s talk shrimp! The key to incredible Honey Garlic Shrimp starts with quality ingredients, and that definitely includes the shrimp itself. I usually opt for large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined, because they’re nice and plump and soak up that amazing sauce beautifully. You can buy them pre-peeled and deveined to save time (who doesn’t love a shortcut?), or do it yourself if you’re feeling ambitious. If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels before cooking. This helps them get a nice sear and prevents them from steaming in the pan.

We are always looking for new Protein Ideas For Dinner, and this dish is at the top of my list lately. It’s just so fast and easy to prepare, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. Shrimp also makes a great choice for Protein Dinner Meal Prep – the sauce can be prepped ahead of time and the shrimp cooks so quickly that you can easily throw everything together right before serving.

Crafting the Honey Garlic Magic

The sauce is where the real magic happens, trust me! The balance of sweet honey, savory soy sauce, tangy rice vinegar, and pungent garlic creates a flavor explosion that will have you licking your plate. Don’t be afraid to adjust the red pepper flakes to your liking – I like a little kick, but you can totally skip them if you prefer a milder flavor. And that little touch of sesame oil? It adds a subtle nuttiness that elevates the whole dish. The cornstarch slurry is crucial for thickening the sauce and giving it that beautiful, glossy sheen. Make sure to whisk it well with the water to avoid any lumps.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get Everything Ready:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth.
3. Mince the garlic and set aside.

Cook the Shrimp:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, or they’ll become rubbery!
4. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Sauce:

1. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
2. Pour in the honey mixture and bring to a simmer.
3. Add the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

Combine and Serve:

1. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
2. Cook for another minute or so, until the shrimp are heated through.
3. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
4. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or your favorite veggies.

Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings

Alright, so you’ve got this amazing Honey Garlic Shrimp… now what? I personally love serving it over a bed of fluffy white rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. But honestly, it’s also fantastic with noodles (think stir-fry vibes!), quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. For a complete meal, add some steamed broccoli, green beans, or a simple side salad. And if you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and some chopped green onions really take it to the next level.

If you’re looking for other Quick Prep Meals, consider making Chicken Veggie Skillet or even Honey Garlic Chicken! The possibilities are endless. For a totally different shrimp experience, you could try making Shrimp Tacos or even Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, which are always a crowd-pleaser. And if you’re in the mood for more garlic goodness, Parmesan Chicken With Garlic Sauce is another amazing option.

Troubleshooting Tips & Tricks

Sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned in the kitchen, and that’s okay! Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:

• Shrimp is rubbery: This usually happens when the shrimp is overcooked. Be sure to cook it just until it turns pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.
• Sauce is too thin: If your sauce isn’t thickening up, make sure you’re using enough cornstarch and that you’re cooking it long enough. You can also add a little more cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water) to the skillet.
• Sauce is too thick: If your sauce is too thick, simply add a little water or chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Garlic is burning: Garlic burns easily, so be sure to keep a close eye on it and cook it over medium heat. If it starts to brown too quickly, remove the skillet from the heat for a few seconds.

Make it Your Own: Variations & Customizations

The beauty of this Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe is that it’s super versatile! Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to make it your own. Here are a few ideas:

• Add veggies: Toss in some broccoli florets, bell peppers, snow peas, or snap peas along with the shrimp for a more complete meal.
• Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes, a dash of sriracha, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Make it gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Add ginger: A little grated ginger adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the sauce.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.

Final Thoughts: Your New Favorite Shrimp Recipe

So there you have it – the easiest, most delicious Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe you’ll ever need! It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re looking for a Quick Prep Meals for a busy weeknight or a simple yet impressive dish to serve guests, this recipe has got you covered. So go ahead, grab some shrimp, whip up that amazing sauce, and get ready to enjoy a flavor explosion in every bite. Happy cooking!

Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe is a quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights. Plump shrimp are coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, creating a flavor explosion ready in minutes and perfect over rice or noodles.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Small bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Tongs

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• Chopped green onions optional
• Sesame seeds optional

Instructions

 

• In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
• In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth.
• Mince the garlic and set aside.
• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper.
• Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them.
• Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
• Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
• Pour in the honey mixture and bring to a simmer.
• Add the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
• Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
• Cook for another minute or so, until the shrimp are heated through.
• Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
• Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or your favorite veggies.

Notes

For best results, use fresh shrimp and do not overcook. Serve immediately. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add veggies like broccoli or bell peppers. For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce. For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.