Honey Garlic Shrimp

Fast, flavorful, and full of sweet and savory goodness—this Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe is a weeknight dream. Juicy shrimp are tossed in a sticky honey garlic sauce and cooked to perfection in just minutes. It’s simple to prepare, yet tastes like something you’d get at your favorite Asian-inspired restaurant.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy – Ready in just 15 minutes from start to finish.
Deliciously Sweet & Savory – A perfect balance of honey, garlic, and umami flavor.
Better Than Takeout – Fresher, healthier, and made at home in one skillet.
Versatile – Serve it over rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps.
Family-Friendly – A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, helps sauce cling better)

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

• ¼ cup honey
• 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (or rice vinegar)
• 1 tsp sesame oil (optional but recommended)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

For Garnish & Serving:

• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
• Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice
• Stir-fried vegetables or steamed broccoli

Tools You’ll Need

• Large nonstick skillet or wok
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Tongs or spatula
• Grater or microplane for ginger

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
Set aside so the flavors can meld while you prepare the shrimp.

Step 2: Season and Prep the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
Lightly season with salt and pepper, and if desired, toss with 1 tsp cornstarch to help the sauce thicken and coat the shrimp better.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque.
Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Sauce
In the same skillet, pour in the honey garlic sauce mixture.
Bring it to a simmer, stirring frequently. Let it bubble for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Return Shrimp to the Pan
Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
Cook for 1–2 more minutes, stirring gently to ensure all the shrimp are glazed and sticky.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve immediately over a bed of rice with steamed veggies on the side.

Tips for the Best Honey Garlic Shrimp
Use Fresh or Thawed Shrimp – Frozen shrimp work great, just thaw and pat dry.
Don’t Overcook – Shrimp cook fast! Once they turn pink and curl, they’re done.
Adjust Sauce to Taste – Add more honey for sweetness or more soy sauce for saltiness.
Spice It Up – Increase red pepper flakes or add a bit of sriracha for heat lovers.
Let the Sauce Thicken – Simmer until it’s sticky enough to cling to the shrimp.

Serving Suggestions
Jasmine or Brown Rice – Classic and simple to soak up the sauce.
Fried Rice – Turn it into a full takeout-style meal.
Lettuce Wraps – A low-carb, crunchy option for serving.
Asian Slaw – Adds a refreshing, tangy crunch on the side.
Stir-Fried Noodles – Toss the shrimp and sauce with lo mein or rice noodles.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Do not leave shrimp out at room temperature for long periods.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat until heated through.
Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to avoid overcooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
   Yes, but add them at the very end just to warm through—don’t overcook.
2. Can I make it ahead?
   You can prep the sauce and peel the shrimp ahead of time, but cook it fresh for the best texture.
3. What’s a good substitute for soy sauce?
   Use coconut aminos or low-sodium tamari for a gluten-free option.
4. Can I add vegetables to the dish?
   Definitely! Bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli are great choices—just stir-fry them before adding the shrimp.
5. Can I double the recipe?
   Absolutely. Just make sure not to overcrowd the pan when cooking the shrimp—cook in batches if needed.

Final Thoughts
This Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe is a must-have in your quick meal rotation. It’s sticky, garlicky, and sweet in the best way possible—with a little kick if you like. Perfect for busy weeknights, but tasty enough for special occasions, this dish is as versatile as it is delicious.

Try it out and let the flavors do the talking! Don’t forget to leave a comment or share your dish—I’d love to see how you serve it up.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Cuisine: Asian-American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 280 | Protein: 25g | Carbohydrates: 19g | Fat: 12g | Fiber: 0g | Sodium: 630mg

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