Honey Garlic Shrimp is a deliciously sweet and savory dish that's sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a sticky, flavorful glaze that perfectly coats each shrimp, making every bite irresistible.
Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests, Honey Garlic Shrimp is an easy recipe that delivers big flavor. It's simple, quick to make, and pairs well with rice, noodles, or a light salad for a complete meal.
Why You'll Love Honey Garlic Shrimp
This recipe checks all the boxes for a tasty, satisfying meal. Here's why it's worth trying:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious but don't have much time.
- Sweet and Savory Flavor: The honey gives the shrimp a subtle sweetness, while the garlic and soy sauce bring depth and savoriness.
- Healthy: Shrimp is high in protein and low in fat, making this dish a lighter option that's still full of flavor.
- Versatile: Serve it over rice, with pasta, or alongside vegetables for a balanced meal.
Ingredients You'll Need
Here's what you'll need to make this flavorful Honey Garlic Shrimp:
- Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined, is the star of this dish.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds a rich, aromatic flavor that goes well with the sweetness of the honey.
- Honey: The key ingredient that gives this dish its sweet glaze.
- Soy Sauce: Adds depth of flavor and a touch of saltiness to balance out the sweetness.
- Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice brings freshness and brightens up the dish.
- Olive Oil: Used for cooking the shrimp to perfection.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, for a touch of heat to balance the sweetness.
How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp
This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare. Here's how to make it step-by-step:
- Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This ensures they cook quickly and evenly.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, and minced garlic. If you like a little spice, add red pepper flakes to taste.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
- Glaze the Shrimp: Pour the honey garlic sauce over the cooked shrimp in the skillet, tossing to coat evenly. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens and becomes a sticky glaze.
- Serve: Serve the Honey Garlic Shrimp over rice, noodles, or with your favorite side dishes. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for added flavor and color.
Tips for Perfect Honey Garlic Shrimp
To make sure your Honey Garlic Shrimp turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Don't Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so be sure to watch them closely. Overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery.
- Adjust the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the sweetness and saltiness of the sauce to your liking by adding more honey or soy sauce.
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will provide the best flavor and texture. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them properly and pat them dry before cooking.
- Add Veggies: You can add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the skillet for a more colorful and nutritious dish.
Variations and Substitutions
Looking to customize your Honey Garlic Shrimp? Here are a few variations and substitutions:
- Add Heat: For a spicier version, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Swap the Protein: Try using chicken or tofu instead of shrimp for a different twist on this dish.
- Add Pineapple: Add pineapple chunks to the sauce for a tropical twist that goes with the honey sweetness.
- Make it Paleo: Swap soy sauce for coconut aminos to make this recipe paleo-friendly.
Honey Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
- Pour the honey garlic sauce over the shrimp. Toss to coat and let the sauce simmer until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve the Honey Garlic Shrimp over rice, noodles, or with your choice of sides.
Nutrition
Notes
- For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Use chicken or tofu if you prefer a different protein.
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The Complete Weeknight Dinner Guide - your complete resource for this topic.
Browse all dinner recipes →Honey Garlic Shrimp is an excellent weeknight option - most versions come together in 30-45 minutes with minimal prep and everyday pantry ingredients.
The foundation of Honey Garlic Shrimp is a handful of core ingredients - typically a protein or main component, aromatics, and a seasoning base. The full ingredient list is straightforward and easy to shop for.
Yes - it freezes well. Cool completely before storing in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of EpicureDelight, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!
