Name: Irresistibly Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp for Busy Weeknights
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 4 cloves minced garlic; 1 tablespoon minced ginger (optional); 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons water; 2 tablespoons chopped green onions; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

There's nothing quite like the enticing aroma of honey sizzling alongside fresh garlic to draw everyone to the kitchen. This Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe ignites joy and comfort while transforming quick weeknight dinners into something special. Picture perfectly cooked shrimp, their tender flesh coated in a glossy, caramelized sauce that balances sweetness and savory in a delightful dance on your palate.

I stumbled upon this easy dish during a particularly hectic week when I craved something flavorful yet manageable. In just 25 minutes, I created a meal that felt indulgent, showcasing the potential of simple ingredients. Whether you're entertaining guests or simply needing to shake off the fast-food fatigue, this recipe fits the bill perfectly. Plus, the best part? You can easily customize it with optional ginger, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or even a burst of colorful veggies.

So, roll up those sleeves, and let's turn your kitchen into a haven of deliciousness with this Honey Garlic Shrimp-your taste buds deserve it!

Why is Honey Garlic Shrimp a must-try?

Bold flavors: The sweet and savory combination brings a mouthwatering depth that makes this dish irresistible.
Quick prep: Ready in just 25 minutes, it's a perfect solution for busy weeknights.
Versatile options: Easily swap shrimp with chicken or tofu, and mix in colorful veggies for extra nutrition.
Family favorite: Its delightful taste appeals to all ages, ensuring everyone cleans their plates!
Gourmet feel: The glossy sauce is a showstopper, turning a simple meal into a special occasion.
Elevate your dinner tonight and discover the joys of homemade cuisine with this easy shrimp recipe.

Honey Garlic Shrimp Ingredients

Get ready for a flavor-packed delight with these essential components!

For the Shrimp

Shrimp - Use peeled and deveined shrimp for easy prep that lets you dive right into cooking.
Olive Oil - Use for cooking to achieve that perfect sear and enhance flavor.

For the Sauce

Honey - This sweet ingredient brings a luscious glaze to your Honey Garlic Shrimp.
Soy Sauce - A savory base is essential; swap with tamari for gluten-free options.
Minced Garlic - Fresh garlic adds aromatic flavor that elevates the entire dish.
Minced Ginger (optional) - Adds a warm, zesty touch to deepen the flavor profile.

For Thickening

Cornstarch - A little bit acts as a thickening agent for that glossy, sticky sauce.
Water - Combine with cornstarch to create a slurry that helps thicken the sauce beautifully.

For Garnishing

Green Onions - These bring a fresh, vibrant touch to your dish as well as a pop of color.
Sesame Seeds (optional) - Sprinkle on for crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness.

With these Honey Garlic Shrimp ingredients, you're all set to create a dish that's sure to impress and satisfy!

How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp

Whisk Together: In a bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and optional minced ginger. Be sure to reserve half of the mixture for later use; it will enhance the final dish.
Marinate Shrimp: Take your peeled shrimp and gently toss them in the remaining sauce. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes to soak up those delicious flavors.
Sear Shrimp: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Drain the shrimp and cook them in a single layer for 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
Simmer Sauce: Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet. Pour in the reserved sauce and bring it to a simmer, letting the flavors meld together.
Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Add this to the simmering sauce and stir for about 1-2 minutes until it thickens to a glossy consistency.
Coat Shrimp: Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss them gently to coat in the thickened sauce. Make sure they're fully enveloped in that sticky goodness.
Garnish & Serve: Dish out your Honey Garlic Shrimp, garnishing with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired. Serve over fluffy rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Optional: Add steamed broccoli or bell peppers for a colorful, nutritious boost!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Honey Garlic Shrimp Variations

Feel free to get creative and customize this delightful dish to suit your tastes and dietary needs!

Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free! Just ensure your soy sauce or tamari is gluten-free if needed.
Protein Swap: Use diced chicken or firm tofu to switch things up. Both options will absorb the honey garlic flavor beautifully!
Vegetable Boost: Add colorful veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for more texture and nutrition; they will complement the dish wonderfully!
Spicy Kick: For those who crave a little heat, a splash of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes can transform the dish into a fiery delight.
Citrusy Twist: Squeeze some fresh lemon or lime juice over the shrimp before serving for a bright, zesty finish that lifts the flavors.
Sweet & Savory Variety: Swap honey for maple syrup for a unique sweetness that pairs surprisingly well with the savory soy sauce.
Herb Infusion: Try adding fresh basil or cilantro just before serving for a burst of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce.
Noodle Option: Serve over a bed of rice noodles instead of rice for a delicious twist on the classic presentation, perfect for those noodle lovers!

With these variations, your Honey Garlic Shrimp will always surprise and delight!

How to Store and Freeze Honey Garlic Shrimp

Fridge: Store cooked Honey Garlic Shrimp in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze the shrimp on a baking sheet first. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month without compromising quality.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw the shrimp in the fridge overnight, then reheat gently in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.

Extra Sauce: If you have any extra sauce, store it separately in the fridge for up to 3 days; just reheat it before combining with leftover shrimp.

Make Ahead Options

These Honey Garlic Shrimp are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the shrimp in the honey-garlic mixture up to 24 hours in advance; this allows for maximum flavor absorption. Additionally, prepare the thickening slurry by mixing cornstarch with water and store it separately in the fridge for easy access. To maintain quality, refrigerate the marinated shrimp in an airtight container, ensuring they stay fresh and flavorful. When you're ready to enjoy this dish, simply sear the shrimp and follow the usual steps for simmering the sauce and thickening it. You'll have a delicious, homemade meal that comes together with minimal effort on busy weeknights!

What to Serve with Honey Garlic Shrimp?

Bring your dining experience to a whole new level by pairing this flavorful dish with complementary sides that tantalize the taste buds.

Fluffy Jasmine Rice: This fragrant rice absorbs the sticky sauce beautifully, making each bite a symphony of flavors.
Garlic Butter Noodles: Twirl your fork around buttery, garlicky noodles to create a comforting contrast to the sauciness of the shrimp.
Steamed Broccoli: Bright green florets add color and a nutritious crunch, perfectly balancing the sweetness of the dish.
Fresh Garden Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens and a zesty vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich, sticky shrimp.
Crispy Lettuce Wraps: Serve the shrimp in crunchy lettuce leaves for a fun and light alternative, especially with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Mango Salsa: The bright sweetness of mango balances the rich flavors, giving a vibrant twist that feels like a fiesta on your plate.
Chilled Sauvignon Blanc: Sip on a glass of this refreshing white wine, which complements the sweet and savory notes in the dish.
Sesame Ginger Slaw: A tangy, colorful slaw introduces a zesty crunch that harmonizes with the shrimp's bold flavors.

Feel free to mix and match these suggestions to elevate your meal and enjoy the delightful taste of homemade goodness!

Expert Tips for Honey Garlic Shrimp

Pat Dry First: Ensure shrimp are patted dry before marinating to prevent excess moisture in the sauce. This helps create that glossy finish.
Watch the Time: Adjust cooking times based on shrimp size; smaller shrimp cook faster, while larger ones may need a bit more time to become perfectly tender.
Save Extra Sauce: Store any extra sauce separately if not using immediately. This maintains texture for any leftovers you might want to enjoy later.
Add Flavor: Don't shy away from adding a splash of hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy twist-delight your taste buds with extra flavor!
Experiment with Garnishes: Try incorporating different garnishes such as chopped cilantro or crispy fried onions for added texture and visual appeal in your Honey Garlic Shrimp dish.

Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe FAQs

What kind of shrimp should I use for Honey Garlic Shrimp?
When selecting shrimp for your Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe, I recommend using peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience. Look for shrimp with a fresh, translucent appearance. Avoid any that have dark spots all over their shells, as this indicates a decline in quality.

How should I store leftover Honey Garlic Shrimp?
To keep your Honey Garlic Shrimp fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Make sure it cools down to room temperature before sealing to prevent condensation inside the container.

Can I freeze Honey Garlic Shrimp?
Absolutely! If you want to freeze your Honey Garlic Shrimp, first spread the cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag, and they can last for up to 1 month. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and gently reheat in a skillet.

What if the sauce is too thick or too thin?
If your sauce is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little bit of water or low-sodium chicken broth, stirring to combine until you reach your desired consistency. On the other hand, if it's too thin, mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry and add it gradually to the sauce, cooking until it thickens.

Is Honey Garlic Shrimp suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
Great question! This dish can be easily adapted for gluten-free diets by using tamari instead of soy sauce. Additionally, ensure your honey doesn't get cross-contaminated if someone has a bee allergy. For a diverse meal, you can substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu if you're looking for an alternative protein.

How can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Adding colorful vegetables is an excellent idea! Simply sauté sliced bell peppers, broccoli florets, or snap peas in the skillet before tossing in the shrimp after they've cooked. This adds not only nutrition but also a beautiful presentation to your Honey Garlic Shrimp!