Honey Garlic Shrimp is a fast and flavorful meal that brings together sweet honey and savory garlic in a perfect glaze. This succulent seafood dish works because the high heat sears the protein quickly while the sauce coats every inch of the tender shellfish. You will love how this simple preparation turns basic pantry staples into a restaurant quality dinner in under fifteen minutes.
Why This Honey Garlic Shrimp Is A Must-Make
This specific version is the best because it creates a thick glaze that actually sticks to the shellfish rather than pooling at the bottom of the pan. By using a high heat sear, the Honey Garlic Shrimp develops a beautiful golden exterior while the inside stays juicy and tender. It takes less time to cook than a pot of rice, making it a reliable solution for those busy weeknights when you need a win in the kitchen.
Jump to:
- Why This Honey Garlic Shrimp Is A Must-Make
- Ingredients To Make Honey Garlic Shrimp
- How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp
- Top Tip
- Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
- Storage and Reuse Instructions
- What to Serve With Honey Garlic Shrimp
- My Honey Garlic Shrimp Journey
- FAQ
- More Recipes You'll Love
- Honey Garlic Shrimp
- Related
- Pairing
Ingredients To Make Honey Garlic Shrimp
The success of this dish relies on the balance between the floral sweetness of the honey and the sharp aromatic bite of fresh garlic. Using fresh seafood ensures the best texture as the sauce caramelizes.
Main Ingredients
- Shrimp: Large, peeled and deveined shellfish provide the best meaty texture for the glaze.
- Honey: Raw or clover honey adds the necessary sweetness and creates a sticky consistency.
- Garlic: Freshly minced cloves offer a pungent depth that bottled versions cannot match.
- Soy Sauce: This provides the salty base and deep amber color to the pan sauce.
- Lemon Juice: A splash of acidity cuts through the sugar to brighten the overall flavor profile.
- Olive Oil: A high quality oil helps sear the protein without burning the delicate honey.
Optional Ingredients
- Red Pepper Flakes: These add a gentle heat for those who prefer a spicy kick.
- Green Onions: Sliced thin, these provide a fresh crunch and a pop of color.
- Sesame Seeds: Toasted seeds offer a nutty finish and a professional look.
"See Recipe Card Below This Post For Ingredient Quantities"
How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp
This Honey Garlic Shrimp comes together in about 15 minutes. The technique is simple.
Whisk the Sauce
Whisk the honey, soy sauce, garlic, and lemon juice in a small bowl until the mixture is completely smooth. Ensure the honey is fully incorporated so the flavor remains consistent throughout the cooking process.
Sear the Protein
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until it shimmers. Place the shellfish in a single layer and cook until they turn pink on the bottom.
Add the Glaze
Pour the prepared sauce mixture directly into the hot pan over the seafood. Flip each piece to ensure the second side begins to cook in the bubbling liquid.
Reduce and Coat
Simmer the liquid for two minutes until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze. Toss the pieces continuously so every surface is covered in the sticky honey mixture.
I hope you enjoy this fast and flavorful meal as much as my family does. It truly is the perfect solution for a healthy and impressive dinner.
Top Tip
- Pat the shrimp dry: Use a paper towel to remove all surface moisture before cooking.
- Avoid steaming: Moisture on the surface prevents a proper sear and results in a rubbery texture.
- Get the pan hot: Wait for the oil to ripple before adding the seafood to the skillet.
- Prevent sticking: A hot surface creates an immediate sear that releases the protein easily.
- Do not overcrowd: Cook in batches if necessary to maintain a high pan temperature.
- Ensure even browning: Too many pieces in the pan will drop the heat and cause the sauce to become watery.
- Watch the clock: Remove the pan from heat the moment the sauce reaches a syrupy consistency.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
The base Honey Garlic Shrimp is perfect but you can customize for different flavors.
Spicy Sriracha Version Add a tablespoon of hot sauce to the honey mixture for a sweet and spicy kick. This variation pairs beautifully with steamed broccoli.
Ginger Garlic Twist Grate fresh ginger into the sauce for a zesty, aromatic flavor profile. It adds a warm depth that complements the soy sauce.
Brown Sugar Alternative Substitute the honey for brown sugar if you prefer a deeper molasses flavor. This creates a darker, more caramelized coating.
Storage and Reuse Instructions
Honey Garlic Shrimp stores well if handled correctly.
Refrigerator Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days. Reheat gently in a skillet to maintain the texture.
Freezing I do not recommend freezing the cooked dish as the texture of the seafood can become mushy upon thawing.
Make-Ahead You can whisk the sauce components together up to twenty four hours in advance. Store the sauce in a jar in the fridge until you are ready to sear.
What to Serve With Honey Garlic Shrimp
Serve this dish with simple sides that can soak up the extra delicious glaze.
Fluffy White Rice A bed of jasmine or basmati rice is the classic choice for absorbing the sweet sauce.
Garlic Butter Noodles Toss thin pasta in a little butter to create a comforting and filling base.
Roasted Snap Peas Crispy green vegetables provide a fresh contrast to the rich honey glaze.
My Honey Garlic Shrimp Journey
I started testing this Honey Garlic Shrimp because I needed a meal that felt fancy but didn't require an hour of prep work. After several trials, I realized that the secret was in the heat of the pan and the ratio of garlic to honey.
The first time I served this to my family, the plates were cleared in record time. Now, it is a weekly request because it satisfies the craving for takeout while staying much healthier.
Similar Easy Seafood Recipes Worth Making
- Lemon Butter Scallops: Seared scallops in a bright citrus sauce for a light dinner.
- Garlic Herb Salmon: Flaky oven baked fillets with a buttery crust.
- Cajun Shrimp Skillet: A spicy one pan meal with peppers and onions.
Enjoy exploring these simple ways to bring fresh seafood to your dinner table.
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shellfish as long as they are completely thawed and patted dry before cooking. Thawing them in a bowl of cold water is the fastest method that preserves the integrity of the meat.
Why is my honey garlic sauce too thin?
If the glaze hasn't thickened, you likely need to simmer it for another minute over medium heat. The sugars in the honey need heat to reduce and create that signature sticky coating.
Can I use chicken instead of seafood?
You can certainly use bite sized chicken breast pieces with this exact sauce recipe. Just be sure to cook the chicken thoroughly for about six minutes before adding the glaze to the pan.
Is this recipe gluten free?
To make this Honey Garlic Shrimp gluten free, simply swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. All other ingredients are naturally free of gluten products.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you enjoyed this quick meal, you might also like our Easy Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Recipe for a comforting pasta night. For dessert, try the Cinnamon Roll Cake Recipe or the Air Fryer Churro Bites Recipe which are always a hit. These dishes are designed to be simple, effective, and delicious for any home cook.
Honey Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk the honey, soy sauce, garlic, and lemon juice in a small bowl until the glaze is smooth.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat and sear the shrimp until the edges turn pink.
- Pour the honey mixture into the skillet so the liquid bubbles and surrounds the seafood.
- Toss the shrimp in the sauce for two minutes until the liquid reduces into a thick sticky coating.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
- Easy Creamy Italian Sausage Rigatoni Recipe
- Beef and Cheese Chimichangas
- Crispy Black Bean Tacos
- Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with honey garlic shrimp:
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