If you’re craving something that’s quick to whip up but absolutely packed with flavor, you’re going to love this Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe. Juicy shrimp bathed in a luscious, sticky sauce made with honey, garlic, and a kick of soy sauce make every bite irresistible. Whether you’re new to cooking shrimp or a seasoned foodie, this dish delivers comfort and sophistication with minimal fuss, perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh components is key to achieving the bright and balanced flavor in this Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe. Each ingredient plays a crucial role—from the sweet honey that caramelizes beautifully, to the punch of garlic that makes this dish sing.
- Large shrimp (1 pound): Peeled and deveined, these provide a tender protein base that cooks quickly and soaks up the sauce perfectly.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances natural flavors without overpowering the shrimp.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a subtle heat to complement the sweetness of the sauce.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): The aromatic heart of the dish, giving a gorgeous depth of flavor.
- Low sodium soy sauce (¼ cup): Brings umami richness and saltiness in balance with the honey.
- Honey (¼ cup): The star sweetener that creates that irresistible glossy glaze.
- Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Brightens the sauce with a refreshing citrus tang.
- Cornstarch (1 teaspoon): Thickens the sauce perfectly for clinging to the shrimp.
- Red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): For those who love a little gentle heat and complexity.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Provides the perfect cooking medium with a light fruity note.
- Butter (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps create a silky sauce finish.
- Sliced green onion: For a fresh, crisp garnish and a splash of color.
- Lemon wedges (optional): Serve on the side for an extra citrus burst.
How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Shrimp
Start by patting your shrimp dry with paper towels—this helps them sear up nicely without steaming. Then sprinkle with salt and black pepper to season evenly. This simple step lays the foundation for flavor that carries through every bite.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
Whisk together minced garlic, soy sauce, honey, fresh lemon juice, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them in a small bowl. This sauce mixture brings a beautiful balance of savory, sweet, tangy, and spicy in a perfectly thickened glaze that clings to your shrimp.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet, then arrange your shrimp in a single layer. Cook each side for 1 to 2 minutes until they turn pink and curl up—this quick technique ensures juicy shrimp with just the right bite. Transfer them to a plate and set aside while you finish the sauce.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet you cooked the shrimp in. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. After 2 to 3 minutes, the sauce will thicken noticeably, becoming glossy and rich—the kind of texture that makes this Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe so addicting.
Step 5: Finish with Butter and Combine
Stir in butter until it melts into the sauce smoothly, enriching every spoonful with a velvety finish. Return the shrimp to the skillet, tossing gently so each piece is coated in that luscious sauce. Let them warm through for another 1 to 2 minutes, and you’re ready to serve.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Adding sliced green onions over the top adds a fresh crunch and vibrant color, creating a beautiful contrast against the shiny sauce. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice from wedges on the side elevates the dish with a lively citrus pop that balances the sweetness and saltiness.
Side Dishes
This shrimp shines with simple sides—think fluffy jasmine rice, garlic butter noodles, or even a crisp green salad. These companions absorb the sauce perfectly or provide a light counterpoint to the rich flavors, making your meal feel complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, serve the shrimp over a bed of spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. Or create individual lettuce cups, spooning the saucy shrimp inside for a fun and fresh handheld appetizer that showcases this Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe in a new light.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover honey garlic shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The shrimp will soak up more of the sauce overnight, making the flavors even more intense, though the texture might soften slightly.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the shrimp and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers or bags. Shrimp can become a bit rubbery when frozen, so it’s best to consume it within one month for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave at medium power. Avoid overheating to keep the shrimp tender and prevent the sauce from breaking. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much upon reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to get the best sear and flavor.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes an optional ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes, so you can control the heat. Leave them out for a mild, family-friendly meal.
What can I substitute for soy sauce if I’m gluten-free?
You can use tamari or a coconut aminos sauce as a great gluten-free alternative with similar umami notes.
How long does it take to make this dish?
This is a speedy recipe that takes about 15 minutes total, perfect for busy nights when you want a fresh homemade meal fast.
Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Yes! Just double all ingredients and use a large enough skillet or cook in batches to ensure the shrimp sears properly.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe is one of those gems that feels like a treat but comes together in no time. It’s perfect for any occasion when you want something impressive but stress-free in the kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with that gorgeous balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors!
Print
Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe features succulent shrimp cooked in a luscious, tangy sauce made with honey, garlic, soy sauce, and fresh lemon juice. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a quick and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or a light meal. The stir-fried shrimp are coated in a savory-sweet glaze with a hint of heat from optional red pepper flakes, garnished with fresh green onions and lemon wedges for a refreshing finish.
Ingredients
Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For Cooking:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
For Serving:
- Sliced green onion (optional)
- Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Season Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, then season evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance the natural flavors.
- Make Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together minced garlic, low sodium soy sauce, honey, fresh lemon juice, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes (if using) until smooth. Set the sauce mixture aside.
- Heat Oil: Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the shrimp.
- Cook Shrimp: Place the shrimp in a single layer in the hot skillet. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the same skillet. Bring it to a simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Butter: Stir in 1 tablespoon of butter until fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and glossy.
- Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss well to coat all the shrimp in the flavorful sauce evenly.
- Heat Through: Cook the shrimp and sauce together for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, just until everything is heated through.
- Serve: Serve the honey garlic shrimp warm, garnished with sliced green onions and lemon wedges if desired for added freshness and color.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them entirely for a milder flavor.
- Serve with steamed rice or your favorite vegetables to round out the meal.
- Ensure shrimp are thoroughly dried before cooking to get a nice sear and avoid steaming.
- For extra flavor, marinate shrimp briefly in half the sauce mixture before cooking (optional).
- The recipe can be doubled easily for larger servings.
