If you are craving a dish that is both irresistibly flavorful and surprisingly simple to make, you’re going to love this Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe. It’s a delightful combination of juicy shrimp coated in a light, crispy exterior and tossed in a luscious, sticky sauce that perfectly balances sweet honey with bold garlic and savory soy notes. Every bite brings a mouthwatering medley of texture and flavor, guaranteed to impress whether you’re fixing a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe just right starts with a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play an essential role. From seasoning to the sauce components, every item contributes to the overall harmony of flavor, color, and texture that makes this dish a standout.
- Shrimp (2 lbs peeled and deveined): Fresh or thawed shrimp provide that tender, juicy base packed with protein and seafood flavor.
- Black pepper (1 tsp): Adds a gentle layer of spiciness and depth to the shrimp coating.
- Garlic salt (1 tsp): Offers a convenient way to infuse savory garlic and seasoning directly into the shrimp.
- Cornstarch (1/4 cup): Creates a light, crispy crust by coating the shrimp before cooking.
- Olive oil (2 Tbsp): Essential for a flavorful, golden sear on the shrimp.
- Butter (2 Tbsp): Brings richness and helps to mellow the garlic’s edge in the sauce.
- Honey (1/2 cup): The star sweetener that gives the sauce a glossy, sticky finish and beautiful balance.
- Minced garlic (2 Tbsp): Delivers that irresistible punch of fragrant, fresh garlic flavor.
- Soy sauce (1/4 cup): Adds salty umami goodness to elevate the overall savory profile.
- Optional sliced green onions: A vibrant, fresh garnish that adds color and subtle oniony crunch.
How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
First things first, we want to make sure our shrimp are perfectly prepped. Toss peeled and deveined shrimp in a mixture of black pepper, garlic salt, and cornstarch. This coating is key because it ensures that each shrimp develops a delicate, crispy texture when cooked, which pairs beautifully with the sticky sauce you’ll add later.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Then, carefully lay your shrimp down in a single layer—crowding will steam rather than sear. Cook each side just 1 to 2 minutes until they turn that perfect shade of pink with a slight crisp on the outside. Remove and set aside to keep those delightful crispy bites intact.
Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
Using the same skillet keeps all the flavor in one place. Melt butter over medium heat, then quickly sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until it releases its gorgeous aroma without burning. Stir in honey and soy sauce, allowing everything to blend and bubble lightly so the sauce thickens into a sticky, luscious glaze.
Step 4: Combine Shrimp and Sauce
Return the shrimp to your skillet, tossing them gently to coat every piece in that rich honey garlic sauce. Let them cook together for an additional minute or two, so each bite is infused with layers of sweet, savory goodness, and the sauce clings just right.
Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Once your shrimp are glazed and glistening, take the pan off the heat and prepare to plate your masterpiece. If you like, sprinkle some fresh sliced green onions on top for an extra pop of brightness and texture before serving it up hot with your favorite bases.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches make food feel special, and sliced green onions are ideal here—they add a crisp, fresh contrast that complements the rich sauce beautifully. You could also sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds for an added nutty flair and crunch.
Side Dishes
This Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe shines when served alongside fluffy steamed rice or fragrant jasmine rice, which soaks up every last drop of the delicious sauce. For a veggie fix, try quick sautéed greens like bok choy or snap peas, or a simple mixed green salad for brightness and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Try serving the shrimp in lettuce cups for a fun handheld appetizer or pile it over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a nutritious twist. You could also arrange it atop noodles tossed in a mild sesame oil dressing, giving your taste buds a playful, textured adventure.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, store your shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days, though trust me, it’s rare they last that long!
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing can change the shrimp’s texture and the sauce’s consistency. If you need to freeze, keep shrimp and sauce separate where possible, and freeze shrimp raw for better results, cooking them fresh when you’re ready.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent drying out the shrimp. Adding a splash of water or extra honey garlic sauce can restore moisture and intensity, bringing the dish back to life.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before coating; excess moisture can prevent the shrimp from crisping up properly.
Is it possible to substitute the soy sauce?
Yes, you can use tamari or coconut aminos to make the dish gluten-free while still maintaining that savory depth of flavor.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Definitely! Adding red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce provides a wonderful kick that pairs beautifully with the honey and garlic.
How long does it take to make the Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe?
You’ll be amazed how quickly this comes together — it only takes about 15 to 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Can I double the recipe for more servings?
Yes, just double all ingredients accordingly and cook the shrimp in batches to ensure they crisp up perfectly without overcrowding the pan.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe has a special way of turning simple ingredients into something absolutely memorable. It’s fast, fun, and bursting with flavor—a definite go-to dish you’ll want to make again and again. So grab your skillet, invite your favorite people over, and get ready to enjoy one of the tastiest shrimp dishes that never fails to impress!
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Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Succulent shrimp are coated in a spiced cornstarch mixture, pan-fried to a crispy finish, and then tossed in a luscious honey garlic soy sauce. Garnished with fresh green onions, this dish pairs perfectly with rice or steamed vegetables for a satisfying meal ready in just 17 minutes.
Ingredients
Shrimp Coating
- 2 lbs peeled and deveined shrimp, cleaned and patted dry
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1/4 cup corn starch
For Cooking
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp butter
Sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
Optional Garnish
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: In a large bowl, whisk together the black pepper, garlic salt, and cornstarch until well combined. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp, tossing thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated. This coating helps develop a crispy exterior when cooked.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the shrimp in a single layer, cooking in batches if needed to prevent overcrowding. Cook each side for 1-2 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and slightly crispy. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: Using the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Allow it to melt, then stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the honey and soy sauce, stirring to blend the flavors. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the thickened honey garlic sauce. Toss everything together to coat the shrimp evenly. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the shrimp to heat through and absorb the sauce’s rich flavors.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired, and serve the honey garlic shrimp hot over steamed rice or alongside your favorite side dishes for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For best texture, avoid overcrowding the skillet when cooking shrimp to ensure they crisp up nicely.
- Use fresh garlic for the most vibrant flavor in the sauce.
- Adjust the honey quantity to taste if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet sauce.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or sautéed vegetables.
- You can substitute soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option.
