Honey Garlic Shrimp has become my weeknight lifesaver. The sweet glaze paired with tender, juicy shrimp creates a restaurant-quality meal in just 25 minutes, and my family requests it at least twice a week.
I still remember the first time I made this dish on a particularly hectic Tuesday evening. My kids were hungry, I was exhausted, and takeout felt like the only option. Then I spotted shrimp in my freezer and some honey in my pantry. What started as a desperate dinner experiment turned into our family’s most-requested protein-packed meal. The sweet honey and savory garlic create an irresistible glaze. Each shrimp gets perfectly coated. With 24 grams of protein per serving, it keeps everyone satisfied without the heavy feeling. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or looking for a nutritious option that doesn’t compromise on flavor, this recipe delivers every single time.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Honey Garlic Shrimp
I always keep these simple ingredients stocked because this recipe has saved countless dinners in my house. Fresh shrimp and real honey make all the difference in flavor.
- 1 pound large shrimp (16-20 count, peeled and deveined)
- 1/4 cup honey – I prefer clover honey for its mild, balanced sweetness
- 4 cloves garlic (minced) – Fresh garlic beats jarred every time
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce – I use low-sodium to control the salt level
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening) – This creates a glossy, restaurant-style coating
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions (sliced for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Work quickly once the shrimp hits the pan to avoid overcooking, which keeps them tender and juicy.
Step 1: Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat completely dry with paper towels. This ensures proper browning and prevents a watery sauce.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and olive oil. If using cornstarch for a thicker sauce, mix it in now until smooth.
Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. No additional oil is needed as the shrimp will release moisture and the sauce contains oil. Once the pan is hot and shimmering, add the shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding.
Step 4: Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottoms turn pink and slightly golden. Flip and cook another minute.
Step 5: Pour the honey garlic mixture over the shrimp and toss gently to coat every piece. The sauce will bubble and start to caramelize beautifully.
Step 6: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer the shrimp for 2-3 minutes maximum, stirring occasionally. The shrimp are perfectly done when they turn opaque throughout and form a loose C-shape. If they curl into tight O-shapes, they’re overcooked. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but remain pourable.
Step 7: Remove from heat immediately and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve while hot for the best texture and flavor.
Perfect Pairings for Honey Garlic Shrimp
This sweet and savory dish pairs beautifully with sides that balance its rich glaze and provide textural contrast.
Fluffy Jasmine Rice: The mild, slightly floral rice absorbs the honey garlic sauce perfectly and creates a satisfying base that lets the shrimp shine. Try this coconut lime chicken and rice technique for extra flavor.
Steamed Broccoli: Crisp-tender broccoli adds a fresh, slightly bitter contrast that cuts through the sweetness while boosting the meal’s nutritional value. The garlic butter chicken with broccoli method works great here too.
Quinoa Pilaf: For extra protein and a nutty flavor, quinoa complements the shrimp while adding fiber and a pleasant chewy texture.
Stir-Fried Snap Peas: These add a sweet crunch that echoes the honey notes while providing vibrant color and fresh vegetable goodness. Check out our chicken with mixed vegetable stir fry for inspiration.
Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with citrus vinaigrette provides a light, refreshing counterpoint to the rich glaz
Storing and Reheating Your Shrimp
Store leftover Honey Garlic Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers just as delicious as the original meal.
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes rather than using the microwave. This preserves the shrimp’s tender texture and prevents them from becoming rubbery. Add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
This dish works wonderfully served cold over salad greens the next day, or tossed with chilled noodles for a quick lunch, much like our sticky garlic chicken noodles. The versatility makes meal prep even easier.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp work perfectly. Just make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat them very dry before cooking to prevent excess water in your sauce.
How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?
Shrimp are done when they turn opaque pink throughout and form a loose C-shape. Avoid overcooking past this point, as they’ll become tough and rubbery.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or fresh chili peppers to the sauce for a spicy kick that pairs wonderfully with the sweet honey glaze.
High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a bowl, combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and olive oil. If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in cornstarch.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer.
- Sprinkle the shrimp with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they start turning pink and opaque.
- Pour the honey garlic mixture over the shrimp. Toss to ensure all pieces are coated evenly.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and let the shrimp simmer in the sauce for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve immediately while warm over rice, quinoa, or greens.
