Name: Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined); 1/3 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic; 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional); Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional); Cooked rice or steamed vegetables for serving

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If you’ve been searching for that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and just a hint of zing, this Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner. Succulent shrimp are bathed in a glossy sauce of golden honey, umami-rich soy, and freshly minced garlic—flavors that come together in a matter of minutes for an irresistibly tasty meal. It’s delightfully simple, but each bite delivers a punch of vibrant, crowd-pleasing flavor that makes this dish a star whether you’re serving family, friends, or just treating yourself to something special.

Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe is how it relies on a handful of pantry staples to create something so crave-worthy. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to deliver the perfect texture, color, and pop of flavor—so don’t skip any if you want to experience the magic!

Shrimp (1 lb, large, peeled and deveined): The main star, delivering juicy bites and quick cooking—fresh or properly thawed frozen shrimp both work beautifully.
Honey (1/3 cup): This is what brings natural sweetness and helps the sauce caramelize for those gorgeous glossy shrimp.
Soy Sauce (1/4 cup): Adds salty depth that balances the honey’s sweetness, giving that unmistakably savory background.
Garlic (1 tablespoon, minced fresh): No shortcuts here—real garlic provides punchy, aromatic notes that wake up every bite.
Fresh Ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): Lends just enough warmth and zing to keep the flavors bright and lively.
Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): For searing the shrimp to a perfect golden color and tender texture.
Sesame Oil (1 teaspoon, optional): This finishing touch layers on nutty depth—totally optional, but highly recommended if you have it!
Chopped Green Onions and Sesame Seeds (optional, for garnish): Freshness and crunch that make your plate pop—don’t skip the garnish if you want restaurant vibes at home.
Cooked Rice or Steamed Vegetables (for serving): The ideal base to soak up every drop of that dreamy sauce—jasmine rice, fluffy brown rice, or crisp-tender veggies all work.

How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Up the Marinade

It all begins with a quick and punchy marinade! In a medium bowl, whisk together your honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. This is the foundation of your Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe—it’s aromatic, sweet, and salty all at once. Inhale deeply while mixing; you’ll immediately know you’re onto something good. Set a little time aside to let these flavors mingle, and the reward will be worth it.

Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp

Add your peeled and deveined shrimp right into that beautiful marinade. Toss gently until every shrimp is coated in the fragrant sauce—don’t rush, a bit of patience here pays off in juicy, flavorful shrimp. Pop the bowl in the fridge and let the flavors soak in for 15 to 20 minutes. This is just enough time for the shrimp to take on all those bold, shimmering tastes.

Step 3: Sear the Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. With your shrimp nice and marinated, use tongs or a slotted spoon to lift them (reserving that tasty marinade for later!). Lay them out in the pan—they’ll sizzle on contact and start turning pink almost instantly. Give them about 1 to 2 minutes per side; you want them opaque and just-cooked for maximum tenderness. Overcrowding slows things down, so cook in batches if needed.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

Now, pour the reserved marinade right into the skillet with those cooked shrimp. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. In just a couple of minutes, you’ll notice the sauce thickening and bubbling ever so slightly, coating the shrimp in a glossy, sticky glaze—the trademark of an exceptional Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe. If you love an extra flourish, drizzle in the sesame oil at this point for that irresistible toasted aroma.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

The finishing touches make everything pop! Transfer the shrimp to a platter or straight onto a mound of fluffy rice or tender veggies. Scatter chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top—these aren’t just pretty, they add fresh crunch and extra flavor. Serve piping hot and gather everyone around for a meal that’s as visually stunning as it is fast and easy to make.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Garnishes

When serving your Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe, don’t underestimate the power of a beautiful garnish. A scatter of toasted sesame seeds lends crunch and a gentle nuttiness, while those green onion slices bring color and sharp, fresh flavor that cuts through the richness of the sauce. Even a squeeze of lime or a dusting of chili flakes can brighten things up if you like a hint of acidity or heat.

Side Dishes

There’s no end to the delicious pairings that complement this recipe. Classic steamed jasmine rice is a no-brainer—the way it soaks up the glossy sauce is unmatched. You can also turn to nutty brown rice for a heartier option, or toss the shrimp over a bed of noodles. Stir-fried or steamed vegetables like broccoli, sugar snap peas, or baby bok choy round out the meal with color and satisfying crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive twist, try skewering the cooked shrimp and serving them as party-friendly appetizers, nestled around a small bowl of extra sauce for dipping. Or, layer the shrimp and their sauce in lettuce cups for a refreshing, hand-held dish. If you’re packing a lunch, pile the shrimp over cold rice or noodles with crisp veggies for an envy-inducing bento box that stays flavorful even when eaten chilled.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), transfer them to an airtight container as soon as possible and tuck it into the refrigerator. The honey garlic sauce will continue to infuse the shrimp, making them even tastier for next-day lunches or busy weeknights. Try to enjoy any leftovers within 2 days for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

This Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe freezes fairly well, especially if you’re prepping ahead. Let the shrimp cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe bags or containers. The sauce helps protect their moisture, but for optimal quality, enjoy within 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to prevent overcooking.

Reheating

To keep the shrimp tender and juicy, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, just until warmed through—usually about 2 to 3 minutes. Add a splash of water or a little extra soy sauce if the glaze seems too thick. Avoid microwaving whenever possible, as shrimp can turn rubbery with too much direct heat.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw your shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating. This helps the marinade stick and ensures a crisp sear in the pan. Frozen shrimp are a great time-saver and work perfectly for this dish.

Is this recipe very sweet?

The honey lends a naturally sweet note, but soy sauce and garlic balance it out beautifully. If you prefer it less sweet, start with a bit less honey and taste the sauce as it cooks—you can always add more to suit your palate. The beauty of this Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe is how customizable it is.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap regular soy sauce for a certified gluten-free variety or use tamari instead. With that one swap, you’ll have a satisfying, gluten-free option that keeps all the flavor intact.

How do I prevent overcooking the shrimp?

Keep a close eye on cooking times—the shrimp cooks quickly, often just 1 or 2 minutes per side. Once they’re pink and opaque, they’re done! Remove them from the pan, then simmer the marinade separately if needed. This keeps your shrimp juicy and tender every time.

Can I double this Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe for a crowd?

Yes, it scales up beautifully. Just cook the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding, which ensures a golden sear rather than steaming. Doubling the sauce means more of that addictive glaze to go around—no one will mind a little extra, trust me!

Final Thoughts

This Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe is more than just another quick dinner—it’s a weeknight hero, a crowd-pleaser for gatherings, and proof that a handful of simple ingredients can create bold, dazzling flavor. Don’t be surprised if this dish earns a permanent spot in your recipe rotation! Grab your skillet, get those shrimp sizzling, and treat yourself to something truly special tonight.

Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A delicious and easy recipe for Honey Garlic Shrimp that’s perfect for a quick and flavorful meal. The succulent shrimp are marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, then quickly cooked to perfection. Serve over rice or steamed vegetables for a delightful dish!

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Cooked rice or steamed vegetables for serving

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Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Add the shrimp and toss to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove shrimp from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and cook in the skillet for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2–3 more minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the shrimp.
Drizzle with sesame oil if using. Serve hot over rice or vegetables and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.