Zesty Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe: Sweet & Savory Seafood Joy

Seafood enthusiasts adore this mouthwatering honey garlic shrimp that brings together sweet and savory flavors in one stunning dish.

The balanced blend of golden honey and aromatic garlic creates a tantalizing marinade that perfectly coats succulent shrimp.

Each bite promises a delightful explosion of taste that dances across your palate.

Fresh ingredients elevate this simple recipe from ordinary to extraordinary.

Tender shrimp absorb the rich, glossy sauce, making every morsel irresistibly delectable.

The quick cooking time means you can whip up this restaurant-quality meal in mere minutes.

Serve it over steamed rice or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete, satisfying dinner that will impress even the most discerning palates.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s Inside Honey Garlic Shrimp

• Honey: Brings natural sweetness and helps caramelize the shrimp for a glossy finish.
• Soy Sauce: Adds deep umami flavor and provides a salty base for the marinade.
• Garlic: Provides robust, aromatic flavor that complements seafood perfectly.
• Rice Vinegar: Offers a mild acidity that balances the sweet and savory elements.
• Ginger: Adds a zesty, warm undertone and helps tenderize the shrimp.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a subtle heat that enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: Creates a smooth cooking surface and adds a subtle, fruity undertone.
• Shrimp: Select fresh, deveined shrimp for best texture and quick cooking time.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and create a glossy, restaurant-style coating.
• Water: Dilutes cornstarch to create a smooth slurry for sauce consistency.

• Sesame Seeds: Provides a nutty crunch and authentic Asian-inspired presentation.
• Green Onions: Adds fresh, mild onion flavor and bright color to the dish.
• Lemon: Optional brightness that cuts through the rich sauce and enhances seafood flavor.

Kitchen Gear For Honey Garlic Shrimp

• Large Skillet: Perfect for searing shrimp and creating a delicious sauce with even heat distribution.
• Mixing Bowl: Essential for whisking marinade ingredients and combining shrimp with sauce.
• Whisk: Helps blend marinade ingredients smoothly without lumps.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for balanced flavor.
• Cutting Board: Useful for chopping green onions and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for mincing garlic and slicing green onions.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and tossing shrimp in the skillet.

How To Cook Honey Garlic Shrimp

• Whip Up the Flavor Blast

Grab a mixing bowl and create a mouth-watering sauce by combining sweet honey, zesty soy sauce, crushed garlic, tangy rice vinegar, zingy ginger, and a sprinkle of spicy red pepper flakes. Drop the shrimp into this flavor bath and let them soak up the goodness for a quick 15-minute flavor infusion.

• Sizzle and Transform

Fire up a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the marinated shrimp and watch them dance and turn a beautiful pink. Cook each side until they’re perfectly caramelized and looking irresistible. Scoop out the shrimp and set them aside.

• Create the Magic Sauce

Pour the leftover marinade into the sizzling pan. Let it bubble and simmer, then mix in a secret thickening potion (cornstarch and water). Stir until the sauce becomes gloriously glossy and clingy.

• Bring It All Together

Return the shrimp to the pan, giving them a luxurious coating of the sticky, flavor-packed sauce. Sprinkle with nutty sesame seeds and fresh green onions. For an extra zing, squeeze some lemon juice over the top. Serve this beauty over fluffy rice or alongside crisp vegetables for a meal that’ll make taste buds dance.

Tricks And Swaps For Honey Garlic Shrimp

• Quick Marinade Hack: Boost flavor by marinating shrimp for maximum 15 minutes to prevent texture breakdown from acidic ingredients.
• Low-Carb Swap: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, keto-friendly version of the dish.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes to create mild, medium, or fiery hot variations based on personal heat preference.
• Protein Alternatives: Easily substitute shrimp with chicken, tofu, or salmon while maintaining similar cooking techniques and marinade flavors.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare marinade and shrimp ahead of time, storing separately in refrigerator for quick 10-minute cooking during busy weeknights.

Serving Ideas For Honey Garlic Shrimp

• Quick Rice Bowl Adventure: Layer fluffy white or brown rice in a bowl, top with honey garlic shrimp, and sprinkle extra green onions for a fresh crunch.
• Veggie-Packed Plate Delight: Arrange roasted broccoli, zucchini, and bell peppers around the shrimp, creating a colorful and nutritious plate that balances protein and vegetables.
• Noodle Fusion Feast: Toss the honey garlic shrimp with warm udon or rice noodles, letting the sticky sauce coat each strand for a delicious Asian-inspired meal that feels restaurant-quality at home.
• Fresh Salad Topper: Serve the shrimp over a crisp mixed green salad with cucumber and edamame, drizzling any remaining sauce as a light dressing for added flavor and freshness.

Plan And Store Honey Garlic Shrimp

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover honey garlic shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Cold temperatures help maintain the dish's texture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water to restore moisture. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent rubbery texture and maintain original flavor profile.
• Meal Prep Bonus: Prepare marinade and chop garnishes in advance. Keep raw shrimp separately until cooking time to maximize freshness and reduce total preparation time.
• Freezing Recommendation: Freeze uncooked marinated shrimp in sealed freezer bags for up to 3 weeks. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before cooking to maintain optimal taste and texture.

Incredible Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent honey garlic shrimp delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors from Asian cuisine. Home cooks can quickly prepare this delightful dish with simple ingredients for a restaurant-quality meal in minutes.

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Ingredients

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• 500 g (1 lb) shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail on or off)
• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium)
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsps water (for thickening)
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Lemon wedges (optional)

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Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Whisk honey, soy sauce, crushed garlic, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl to create a vibrant, aromatic liquid.
2. Marinating Process: Immerse shrimp in the prepared marinade, allowing flavors to meld for 10-15 minutes while heating a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil.
3. Shrimp Searing: Carefully transfer marinated shrimp to the sizzling skillet, cooking 2-3 minutes per side until pink and caramelized, then set aside on a separate plate.
4. Sauce Development: Pour reserved marinade into the same skillet, bringing to a gentle simmer and whisking in a cornstarch slurry to create a glossy, thickened sauce.
5. Final Assembly: Return seared shrimp to the skillet, gently coating each piece in the sticky sauce, then garnish with toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions.
6. Serving Suggestion: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish and plate alongside steamed rice, noodles, or crisp vegetables for a complete, restaurant-quality meal.

Notes

• Marinate Mindfully: Allow shrimp to soak in marinade for exactly 10-15 minutes to prevent over-tenderizing and maintain protein texture integrity.
• Quick Heat Control: Use medium-high heat to achieve perfect caramelization without burning garlic or scorching shrimp, ensuring golden-brown exterior with tender interior.
• Cornstarch Technique: Whisk cornstarch slurry thoroughly to eliminate lumps, creating a smooth, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to shrimp without becoming overly thick.
• Dietary Adaptation: Swap soy sauce for coconut aminos to make the recipe gluten-free and reduce sodium, maintaining the dish’s rich umami flavor profile while accommodating different dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg