Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe

This Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe is a true weeknight hero—sweet, savory, and richly satisfying, yet ready to serve in just about 15 minutes. Plump shrimp get a gorgeous crisp coating before getting bathed in a sticky honey garlic sauce that is downright irresistible. With minimal chopping and simple ingredients, this dish will have dinner on the table faster than takeout, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re feeding just yourself or the whole family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Lightning Fast: This shrimp is on your plate in less than 20 minutes—absolutely perfect for busy evenings or spontaneous cravings.
• Incredible Flavor: Honey brings mellow sweetness, the soy sauce delivers umami punch, and garlic provides that aromatic kick—all layered over juicy, slightly crispy shrimp.
• Satisfyingly Simple: No complicated steps, no hard-to-find ingredients. A handful of pantry basics come together to create restaurant-level flavor with almost zero fuss.
• Customizable: This is the sort of recipe just begging for experimentation. Add veggies, try a different protein, or tweak the sauce—there are endless ways to make it your own.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll want to gather before you start cooking:

• Shrimp: Look for peeled, deveined shrimp—cleaned and patted dry. The dryness is the secret to a crispy coating.
• Black Pepper and Garlic Salt: This duo seasons the shrimp from the inside out, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
• Cornstarch: Coats the shrimp, creating a super-light, crisp exterior without deep-frying. Don’t skip this step!
• Olive Oil: For frying the shrimp. Use a high-quality oil for best flavor.
• Butter: Adds richness and depth to the honey garlic sauce.
• Honey: The absolute star here—it gives the sauce that sticky, sweet gloss you want in every bite.
• Minced Garlic: Use freshly minced garlic for maximum aroma and taste. If you really love garlic, add an extra clove!
• Soy Sauce: Balances the sweetness of the honey and brings a bit of salty-savory complexity.
• Green Onion (optional): For a fresh, crunchy garnish that adds a pop of color and flavor.

Variations

Want to make it your own? Here are a few favorite ways to switch things up:

• Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp: Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a squirt of sriracha for a little heat.
• Zesty Twist: Add a splash of lime or lemon juice just before serving to brighten up the flavors.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers to the skillet for a colorful, nutritious upgrade—just add them before you make the sauce so they soften slightly.
• Protein Swap: No shrimp? Cubed chicken breast or firm tofu are both fantastic substitutes that soak up the sauce beautifully.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with what you have on hand—this sauce is delicious with just about anything!

How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp

Step 1: Season and Dredge the Shrimp

In a large bowl, mix together black pepper, garlic salt, and cornstarch. Add in the peeled, deveined shrimp and toss until every piece is well coated. This simple coating helps achieve a lightly crispy exterior after frying.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. When it’s shimmering, lay the shrimp in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook for about 1-2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and develop a hint of crispness. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it brown). Pour in the honey and soy sauce, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for a couple minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything together gently, ensuring each shrimp is beautifully coated in that sticky sauce. Allow to cook for another 1-2 minutes so the flavors meld and shrimp are heated through.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the honey garlic shrimp to your plate and finish with a sprinkle of sliced green onions if you like. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Pat the Shrimp Dry: Moisture is the enemy of crispness, so be thorough before dredging in cornstarch.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give each shrimp space—it’s tempting to pile them in, but this will prevent them from getting that perfect golden edge.
• Keep Watch on the Sauce: Honey can burn quickly, so keep the heat moderate and don’t walk away from the stove.
• Prep Ahead: You can mix the sauce ingredients in advance and store in the fridge for up to two days, making this recipe even faster on busy nights.

How to Serve

Honey Garlic Shrimp is so versatile, you can serve it a dozen delicious ways:

• Over Steamed Rice: The sauce soaks right into fluffy rice—truly the classic pairing.
• With Stir-Fried Veggies: Broccoli, green beans, or snap peas pair beautifully and make a complete meal.
• Noodles: Toss the shrimp with cooked rice noodles or soba for a quick homemade “takeout” fix.
• On a Salad: For a lighter meal, scatter the hot shrimp over a mix of greens with a drizzle of the pan sauce as dressing.
• Tacos or Lettuce Wraps: Pile the saucy shrimp into tortillas or crisp lettuce leaves for a fun twist.

Finish with a fresh squeeze of citrus or a shower of sesame seeds if you want to add a bit more flair!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Honey Garlic Shrimp keeps surprisingly well. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

This dish freezes nicely, though the texture of the shrimp may soften slightly. Use a well-sealed container or freezer bag, and store up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For best flavor and texture, gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen up the sauce. The microwave also works—just use short bursts and stir between to avoid overcooking.

Tip: Shrimp cooks quickly and can become chewy if overheated, so keep an eye on them while reheating!

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them very dry before dredging with cornstarch. Excess moisture will prevent them from crisping up.

Can this be made ahead of time?
You can! The sauce can be prepared and refrigerated up to two days ahead. When ready to serve, cook the shrimp fresh, reheat the sauce, combine, and enjoy.

What’s the best substitute for soy sauce?
If you need a soy-free version, coconut aminos work beautifully, or use tamari for a gluten-free alternative. Both will keep the flavors rich and deeply savory.

How do I prevent shrimp from overcooking?
Shrimp cook fast—watch for the color to turn from grey to pink and the tails to curl. As soon as they’re opaque and slightly firm, pull them from the pan. They only need 1-2 minutes per side.

Final Thoughts

With its quick prep, heavenly smell, and perfectly balanced sweet-salty sauce, Honey Garlic Shrimp is proof that weeknight dinners don’t have to be boring or stressful. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed how something so easy can taste so wonderfully indulgent. Don’t be afraid to swap in your favorite ingredients or experiment; this recipe is as flexible as it is delicious. Happy cooking!

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