This isn’t just another quick weeknight meal; it’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like a kitchen hero. Imagine tender shrimp swimming in a rich, glossy glaze that has the perfect balance of sweet and savory. That’s the magic of this Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe.
It’s a simple stir-fry that uses a handful of pantry staples to create a flavor that rivals your favorite takeout, making it perfect for a busy night when you still want something delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of raw shrimp (sizes 21-25 or 26-30), peeled, deveined, and thawed
- 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon of minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon of minced ginger
- 1/4 cup of low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup of honey
- 1 green onion, minced (optional garnish)
How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp
This meal comes together in just a few simple steps.
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
First, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and minced ginger in a small bowl. Stir until it’s well combined and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Next, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque, then remove them from the skillet.
Step 3: Combine and Glaze
Now, pour the sauce into the hot skillet. Let it bubble for a minute or two, stirring as it thickens into a glossy glaze. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to coat every piece. Garnish with green onion and serve immediately.
My Best Honey Garlic Shrimp Tips
These few tips will help you perfect the dish every time.
Pat the Shrimp Dry
This is my number one rule. Before seasoning, pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. A dry surface is essential for getting a beautiful sear instead of just steaming the shrimp in the pan.
Don’t Burn the Garlic
My foolproof method is to mix the raw garlic and ginger directly into the sauce instead of adding them to the hot pan first. This infuses the entire dish with flavor without any risk of scorching and bitterness.
Watch for the “C” Shape
Perfectly cooked shrimp curl into a gentle “C” shape. If they tighten into an “O,” they’ve been overcooked. Watch them closely, as the window is very short!
Variations of Honey Garlic Shrimp
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to adapt. For a spicy kick, simply whisk a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes into the sauce. To brighten the flavors, add a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice over the finished dish. You can also easily turn it into a one-pan dinner by stir-frying quick-cooking vegetables like broccoli florets or sliced bell peppers before you cook the shrimp, then adding them back in at the end.
FAQs
What do you serve with Honey Garlic Shrimp?
This dish is incredibly versatile. Serve it over fluffy rice, quinoa, or noodles to soak up the sauce. For a lower-carb option, it pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw it properly first. For a quick method, place the frozen shrimp in a colander and run cold water over it. Most importantly, pat the shrimp completely dry before cooking.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm the shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat. This helps prevent them from becoming tough.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the low-sodium soy sauce with an equal amount of tamari or coconut aminos to make this dish gluten-free.
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Honey Garlic Shrimp
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Experience takeout-quality flavor right from your own kitchen with this incredibly easy Honey Garlic Shrimp! Tender, succulent shrimp are tossed in a luscious and glossy glaze that perfectly balances sweet and savory notes. Ready in under 25 minutes, this simple stir-fry uses just a handful of pantry staples, making it the ultimate quick and delicious weeknight meal that will make you feel like a kitchen hero.
Ingredients
1 lb raw shrimp (21–25 count), peeled and deveined
2 tsp vegetable oil
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp minced ginger
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
1 green onion, minced (for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and minced ginger until the honey is fully dissolved and the sauce is well combined. Set it aside.
Cook the Shrimp
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set them on a plate.
Combine and Glaze
Pour the prepared sauce into the hot skillet. Let it bubble and simmer for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally as it thickens into a beautiful, glossy glaze. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to coat every piece completely in the sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh minced green onion.
Notes
Dry Shrimp is Key
For the best sear, pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels before cooking. This prevents them from steaming and helps them brown nicely.
Don’t Overcook
Watch the shrimp closely! They are perfectly done when they curl into a gentle “C” shape. If they tighten into an “O” shape, they are overcooked and will be tough.
Gluten-Free Variation
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the low-sodium soy sauce with an equal amount of tamari or coconut aminos.
Serving Suggestion
This dish is fantastic served over fluffy white rice, quinoa, or noodles to soak up all the delicious sauce. For a low-carb option, pair it with steamed broccoli or cauliflower rice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx 1/4 of the recipe)
- Calories: 305 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 655 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg
Keywords: honey garlic shrimp, shrimp recipe, stir fry, easy shrimp recipe, weeknight dinner, quick meal, 30 minute meal, Asian shrimp
