Quick Honey Garlic Shrimp

After a long day, the aroma of garlic and honey sizzling in a pan is simply irresistible. That’s exactly what happened in my kitchen last week when I decided to whip up this Quick Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe. Honestly, I was looking for something fast, flavorful, and satisfying, and boy, did this deliver! From prep to plate in under 30 minutes, it was a lifesaver. The sweet and savory glaze coated every succulent shrimp perfectly, and even my picky eaters devoured it without a single complaint. Served over fluffy rice with a side of steamed broccoli, it was a complete and utterly delicious meal. This recipe has officially earned a permanent spot in our weeknight dinner rotation – it’s just too good and too easy not to!

Ingredients

• Shrimp: 1 pound, large or jumbo size, peeled and deveined. Shrimp is the star of the dish, providing a lean protein and a delicate sweetness that absorbs flavors beautifully. Using larger shrimp ensures they don’t overcook quickly and remain juicy.
• Honey: 1/4 cup. Honey lends a natural sweetness and a beautiful glaze to the shrimp. It also helps to balance the savory flavors and creates a lovely caramelized texture when cooked.
• Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup, low sodium. Soy sauce adds a crucial umami depth and saltiness to the sauce, complementing the sweetness of the honey and the pungency of the garlic. Low sodium is recommended to control the overall salt level of the dish.
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Garlic is the aromatic backbone of this recipe, providing a pungent and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with honey and shrimp. Freshly minced garlic is highly recommended for the best flavor.
• Ginger: 1 teaspoon, freshly grated (optional but highly recommended). Fresh ginger adds a warm, zesty, and slightly spicy note that elevates the complexity of the honey garlic sauce. It complements both the garlic and the honey beautifully.
• Rice Vinegar: 2 tablespoons. Rice vinegar provides a gentle acidity that balances the sweetness of the honey and the richness of the soy sauce. It brightens the overall flavor profile and adds a subtle tang.
• Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon. Sesame oil brings a nutty and fragrant aroma to the dish, enhancing the Asian-inspired flavors and adding a layer of richness to the sauce. A little goes a long way, so use it sparingly but definitely don’t skip it.
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, or to taste). Red pepper flakes introduce a touch of heat, balancing the sweetness and adding a subtle kick to the honey garlic glaze. Adjust the amount to your preference, or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon. Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, helping to create a luscious and glossy glaze that coats the shrimp perfectly. It ensures the sauce is not too thin and clings beautifully to the shrimp.
• Water: 2 tablespoons. Water is used to create a slurry with the cornstarch, ensuring it dissolves smoothly into the sauce without clumping.
• Green Onions: 2 tablespoons, chopped, for garnish. Green onions add a fresh, mild oniony flavor and a pop of color as a garnish, enhancing the visual appeal and adding a final touch of freshness to the dish.
• Sesame Seeds: 1 teaspoon, for garnish (optional). Sesame seeds provide a subtle nutty flavor and a pleasant textural contrast, adding another layer of visual appeal and flavor to the finished dish.
• Cooking Oil: 2 tablespoons, vegetable or canola oil. Cooking oil is used to sauté the shrimp and garlic, preventing sticking and ensuring even cooking. Vegetable or canola oil are neutral oils that won’t interfere with the flavors of the dish.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step as removing excess moisture will help the shrimp sear properly and absorb the sauce better. Set aside.
2. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger (if using), rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Ensure all ingredients are well combined. Set the sauce aside. This flavorful sauce is the heart of the dish, so take a moment to ensure it’s well mixed.
3. Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth and no lumps remain. This cornstarch slurry is essential for thickening the sauce and creating that beautiful glaze.
4. Heat the Pan: Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Ensure the pan is hot before adding the shrimp. A hot pan will help the shrimp sear quickly and prevent them from sticking.
5. Sauté the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the hot pan in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding can lower the pan temperature and cause the shrimp to steam instead of sear. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque and are just cooked through. Shrimp cook very quickly, so watch them closely to avoid overcooking. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery.
6. Add the Sauce and Thicken: Pour the honey garlic sauce over the shrimp in the pan. Bring the sauce to a simmer and then pour in the cornstarch slurry. Stir continuously as the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, usually within 1-2 minutes. The cornstarch slurry will quickly transform the sauce into a rich and sticky glaze.
7. Simmer and Glaze: Continue to simmer for another minute, allowing the sauce to coat the shrimp evenly and become a beautiful, thick glaze. Ensure the shrimp are fully coated in the glistening honey garlic sauce.
8. Garnish and Serve: Remove the pan from the heat. Garnish the honey garlic shrimp with chopped green onions and sesame seeds (if using). Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or your favorite side dishes. Enjoy the delicious and quick honey garlic shrimp while it’s hot and the glaze is still shiny and flavorful.

Nutrition Facts

(Per Serving, approximately 4 servings)

• Calories: Approximately 250 kcal. Calories provide the energy your body needs. This dish is relatively moderate in calories, making it a satisfying yet lighter option.
• Protein: Approximately 25g. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, and shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein. This high protein content makes the dish quite filling.
• Fat: Approximately 8g. Fat is necessary for various bodily functions and provides satiety. The fat content here comes primarily from the cooking oil and sesame oil, contributing to the flavor and texture of the dish.
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 20g. Carbohydrates are the body’s primary source of energy. The carbohydrates in this dish mainly come from the honey and soy sauce, along with a small amount from the cornstarch used to thicken the sauce.
• Sodium: Approximately 500mg. Sodium is an electrolyte essential for fluid balance. The sodium content largely comes from the soy sauce, so using low-sodium soy sauce helps to keep the sodium levels moderate.

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes. This includes peeling and deveining shrimp (if necessary), mincing garlic, grating ginger (if using), and whisking together the sauce ingredients and cornstarch slurry. The quick prep time makes this recipe ideal for busy weeknights.
• Cook Time: 15 minutes. This includes heating the pan, sautéing the shrimp, and simmering the sauce until thickened. The fast cooking time ensures a quick and satisfying meal.
• Total Time: 25 minutes. From start to finish, this recipe is ready in under half an hour, making it a perfect choice for a fast and delicious meal.

How to Serve

• Over Rice: Serve the honey garlic shrimp over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or quinoa. The rice absorbs the delicious honey garlic sauce perfectly, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.
• With Noodles: Toss the shrimp with cooked noodles like spaghetti, linguine, or Asian-style noodles such as lo mein or ramen. The noodles provide a different texture and complement the flavors of the sauce beautifully.
• In Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter and low-carb option, serve the honey garlic shrimp in crisp lettuce cups. This provides a refreshing and healthy way to enjoy the dish.
• Alongside Vegetables: Pair the shrimp with steamed or roasted vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, green beans, or bell peppers. Vegetables add nutritional value and balance the richness of the dish.
• As Appetizers: Serve smaller portions of honey garlic shrimp on skewers as appetizers. This is perfect for parties or gatherings and allows guests to enjoy the delicious flavors in bite-sized portions.
• In Tacos or Bowls: Incorporate the honey garlic shrimp into tacos or grain bowls. Combine it with slaw, avocado, and other taco or bowl fillings for a creative and flavorful meal.
• With Polenta or Grits: For a creamy and comforting base, serve the honey garlic shrimp over polenta or grits. The creamy texture of the polenta or grits contrasts nicely with the glazed shrimp.
• As a Topping for Salad: Add honey garlic shrimp as a protein-packed topping for a fresh salad. This transforms a simple salad into a more substantial and flavorful meal.

Additional Tips for Perfect Honey Garlic Shrimp

1. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks very quickly. Overcooked shrimp becomes rubbery and loses its delicate texture. Cook just until they turn pink and opaque, usually 1-2 minutes per side. Err on the side of slightly undercooked, as they will continue to cook slightly in the sauce.
2. Use Fresh Garlic and Ginger: Freshly minced garlic and grated ginger provide the best flavor and aroma. Pre-minced garlic and ginger paste can be used in a pinch, but fresh ingredients will significantly enhance the dish’s taste.
3. Adjust Sweetness and Spice: Taste the sauce before adding the shrimp and adjust the honey and red pepper flakes to your preference. You can add more honey for a sweeter sauce or more red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
4. Marinate for Deeper Flavor (Optional): For a more intense flavor, marinate the shrimp in half of the honey garlic sauce for 15-30 minutes before cooking. This allows the shrimp to absorb the flavors of the marinade, resulting in a richer taste.
5. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the shrimp in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding lowers the pan temperature and causes the shrimp to steam instead of sear, resulting in less flavorful shrimp.
6. Control the Heat: Maintain medium-high heat when sautéing the shrimp to ensure they sear properly and cook quickly. Adjust the heat as needed when simmering the sauce to prevent it from burning or reducing too quickly.
7. Garnish Generously: Don’t skimp on the garnishes! Fresh green onions and sesame seeds add flavor, texture, and visual appeal to the dish. Consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice for extra brightness.
8. Make it Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Ensure all other ingredients are also certified gluten-free if you have strict dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
A: Yes, absolutely! Frozen shrimp is perfectly fine to use. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way to thaw shrimp is to place it in a colander under cool running water for a few minutes or to let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Pat the thawed shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels before cooking to ensure it sears properly.

Q2: What if I don’t have rice vinegar? Can I substitute it?
A: Yes, you can substitute rice vinegar with other types of vinegar. White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar would be the best substitutes, as they have a similar mild acidity. You can also use lemon or lime juice in a pinch, but they will impart a slightly different flavor profile.

Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: While honey garlic shrimp is best served immediately for optimal texture and flavor, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When ready to cook, simply sauté the shrimp and then add the pre-made sauce. However, cooked shrimp is best consumed fresh as it can become slightly rubbery when reheated.

Q4: I don’t like spicy food. Can I omit the red pepper flakes?
A: Yes, definitely! If you prefer a milder flavor, simply omit the red pepper flakes entirely. The dish will still be delicious with the sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. You can always add a pinch of red pepper flakes to individual servings for those who prefer a little heat.

Q5: Can I use honey substitutes like maple syrup or agave?
A: While honey is traditional in this recipe and provides a unique flavor and texture, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar as substitutes. Maple syrup will impart a slightly different, more caramel-like flavor, while agave will be sweeter. Keep in mind that these substitutes may affect the overall flavor profile slightly.

Q6: What are some good side dishes to serve with honey garlic shrimp?
A: Honey garlic shrimp pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Classic choices include white rice, brown rice, quinoa, steamed or roasted broccoli, asparagus, green beans, stir-fried vegetables, noodles, and salads. Consider adding a side of edamame or a simple Asian slaw for extra variety and nutrition.

Q7: How do I prevent the garlic from burning when cooking?
A: Garlic can burn easily if cooked over high heat for too long. To prevent burning, ensure you are using medium-high heat and add the garlic after the pan is heated but not scorching hot. Sauté the garlic briefly until fragrant, usually just for about 30 seconds to a minute, before adding the shrimp. Keep it moving in the pan to prevent it from sitting in one hot spot and burning.

Q8: Can I double or triple this recipe for a larger crowd?
A: Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to serve a larger group. Simply adjust the ingredient quantities proportionally. When cooking larger batches, make sure to use a large enough pan or wok to avoid overcrowding. You may need to cook the shrimp in batches to ensure they sear properly and don’t steam.

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