Honey Garlic Shrimp

There’s something extraordinary about putting together simple ingredients and creating a dish that dances on your palate—one of those recipes for me is Honey Garlic Shrimp. This humble, quick-cooking meal has stolen my heart (and my taste buds) many times over.

Why? Well, imagining the shrimp sizzling in a garlicky, sweet embrace sends warm shivers down my spine. I remember the first time I prepared this dish for friends; we were gathered around my tiny kitchen table, laughter echoing off the walls as we dug into plates brimming with vibrant, succulent shrimp. Each bite is an experience—crisp, tender, sweet, and savory all at once.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Let me tell you why you should cook this dish tonight. The flavors are bold yet comforting—sweet honey and savory soy sauce meld into a harmonious glaze that clings to the shrimp like an old friend. You’re not just whipping up a meal; you’re creating a moment, a culinary magic that takes you straight to your favorite Asian bistro without leaving your home.

And diving into this recipe is remarkably quick—perfect for those nights when the last thing you want to do is slave away over a hot stove. In about 15 minutes, you can have a gastronomic delight on your table. Plus, shrimp is packed with protein that energizes you without weighing you down, making this a guilt-free pleasure. It’s quick, it’s tasty, and it’s bound to impress your family or that special someone!

Gather these ingredients

Let’s talk about what you need to bring this beauty to life.

• Shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): The star of the show! You can use fresh or frozen shrimp—just make sure they’re well-thawed before cooking. They’re tender and juicy, and will soak up that delightful sauce like a sponge.

• Honey (2 tablespoons): This golden nectar adds sweetness that balances out the saltiness of the soy sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using maple syrup for a different twist!

• Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons): A taste of umami that deepens the flavor profile. If you’re watching your sodium intake, you can opt for low-sodium soy sauce or even coconut aminos—equally delicious!

• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): The aromatic backbone of the dish. Fresh is best for that punchy flavor, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch—around 1 teaspoon should do.

• Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Perfect for pan-searing the shrimp and preventing sticking. If you prefer, you could use sesame oil for a nutty flavor explosion!

• Salt and Pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing all those delicious flavors.

• Chopped green onions for garnish: Not only do they add a pop of color, but their fresh bite is the finishing touch that ties it all together.

Preparing Honey Garlic Shrimp

Ready to live the culinary dream? Let’s dive into how to turn these ingredients into a feast.

1. Whisk together: In a medium bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. It’s going to smell divine! Set it aside so the flavors can mingle and deepen.

2. Heat things up: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. You want it hot, but not smoking.

3. Sizzle time!: Add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You’re looking for that perfect pink and opaque color—don’t overcook, or you’ll lose that delightful tenderness!

4. Introducing the sauce: Pour your honey garlic concoction over the shrimp. This is when the magic happens! Let it bubble fiercely for about a minute until it thickens slightly. This glaze will cling to every morsel, making it impossible to resist.

5. Season to taste: Sprinkle in a bit of salt and freshly cracked pepper. Taste a shrimp—it’s all about balance, my friend!

6. Garnish and serve: Finish it off with a sprinkle of chopped green onions. Serve it immediately and watch it disappear!

Best way to enjoy it

To fully appreciate the symphony of flavors in Honey Garlic Shrimp, serve it over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice to soak up every drop of that irresistible sauce. Alternatively, you can pair it with sautéed vegetables for a colorful and nutritious spin—think bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. A crisp green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette complements it beautifully, adding freshness.

If you’re in the mood for some crunch, crispy wonton chips on the side can take this dish to another level. And for a sipper, a chilled glass of white wine or iced green tea makes for the perfect match!

Storage and reheating tips

If you’ve got leftovers (which might be unlikely, but just in case!), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When it comes to reheating, a quick warm-up in a skillet over medium heat works best to maintain that delightful texture. You can add a splash of water or broth to keep things juicy.

If you want to freeze the leftovers, it’s best to do so before adding the sauce. Just cook the shrimp, let them cool, and then pop them in a freezer-safe bag. They should keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat—adding sauce fresh for maximum flavor!

Helpful cooking tips

Want to impress? Here are some quick tips:

• Prep your ingredients: Have everything measured and ready to go before you start cooking. This ensures a smooth cooking process!

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: If you’re making a double batch, cook the shrimp in batches to avoid steaming.

• Serve hot: This dish is best enjoyed fresh right off the stove when the shrimp is still warm and the glaze is sticky!

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Spicy kick: Add a dash of red pepper flake or sriracha to the sauce for a delightful heat that complements the sweetness.

• Pineapple twist: Toss in some cubed pineapple during the last minute of cooking for a tropical vibe!

• Herbal infusion: Experiment with herbs like cilantro or basil instead of green onions.

• Veggie-loaded: Make this dish a complete meal by adding snap peas or bell peppers to the pan right before adding the sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Directions to follow

1. In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
3. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
4. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the shrimp; cook for an additional minute until thickened.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.

Your questions answered

1. How long does prep take? About 10 minutes, especially if you have your shrimp already cleaned.
2. Can I use frozen shrimp? Absolutely! Just thaw them beforehand for the best texture.
3. What’s the best side dish? Jasmine rice is my go-to, but feel free to serve with stir-fried veggies.
4. How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
5. Can I make this dish spicy? Yes! Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce to amp up the heat.

And there you have it! I invite you to dive in and immerse yourself in the joy of cooking this delightful dish. Feel free to make it your own and don’t hesitate to share your delicious results! The vibrant cooking community is waiting to relish in your culinary creations. Happy cooking!

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Honey Garlic Shrimp

Cooking Method: Sauteing Courses: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course Recipe Keys: D Delicious E Easy High Protein Pescetarian Quick Meals

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time Rest Time 2 mins Total Time 15 hrs 2 mins

Cooking Temp: medium-high  C Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 250

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Honey Garlic Shrimp combines the sweetness of honey and the savory depth of soy sauce for a quick, flavorful meal that can be made in just about 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined (Use fresh or frozen, well-thawed)
• 2 tablespoons honey (Can substitute with maple syrup)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (Low-sodium option available)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (Fresh is preferable)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (Can use sesame oil for extra flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped green onions for garnish (Adds freshness and color)

Instructions

1. Mix the Sauce

   In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Set aside.
   Let the flavors mingle.
   Mark as complete

2. Heat the Oil

   Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
   Make sure it’s hot but not smoking.
   Mark as complete

3. Cook the Shrimp

   Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
   Avoid overcooking for tenderness.
   Mark as complete

4. Add the Sauce

   Pour the honey garlic sauce over the shrimp and cook for an additional minute until thickened.
   The glaze should cling to the shrimp.
   Mark as complete

5. Season and Serve

   Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.
   Enjoy while it's hot!
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 250kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 9g14%

Saturated Fat 1g5%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 220mg74%

Sodium 800mg34%

Potassium 220mg7%

Total Carbohydrate 20g7%

Dietary Fiber 0g

Sugars 16g

Protein 22g44%

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Vitamin A 500 IU

Vitamin C 2 mg

Calcium 60 mg

Iron 2 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1 IU

Vitamin K 2 mcg

Thiamin 0.1 mg

Riboflavin 0.1 mg

Niacin 4 mg

Vitamin B6 0.3 mg

Folate 5 mcg

Vitamin B12 2 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg

Phosphorus 200 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 20 mg

Zinc 1 mg

Selenium 40 mcg

Copper 0.2 mg

Manganese 0.5 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: shrimp, honey garlic, quick meal, Asian dish, savory, sweet