ULTIMATE HONEY GARLIC SHRIMP

Imagine plump, juicy shrimp glistening in a sticky, savory-sweet glaze that’s begging to be drizzled over rice or piled high on pasta – that’s exactly what you’re about to create with this incredible Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe. The aroma alone will have everyone rushing to the kitchen, and the taste… well, let’s just say you might want to double the batch! Get ready to make restaurant-quality Honey Garlic Shrimp in your own home, and I promise, it’s easier than you think!

What You’ll Need: The Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, your preference!)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated (or 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Garnish (Optional):

• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Shrimp:

1. Pat the Shrimp Dry: This is KEY! Use paper towels to thoroughly dry the shrimp. This helps them get a nice sear and prevents them from steaming in the pan. Trust me, don’t skip this step!
2. Season Simply: In a bowl, toss the dried shrimp with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure each shrimp is lightly coated.

Making the Honey Garlic Sauce:

1. Whisk it Up: In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, water, minced garlic, grated ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), and cornstarch until smooth. The cornstarch is crucial for thickening the sauce, so ensure it’s fully dissolved.

Cooking the Shrimp and Combining the Sauce:

1. Sear the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer (you may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan). Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Don’t overcook them, or they’ll become rubbery.
2. Add the Sauce: Pour the honey garlic sauce over the cooked shrimp. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the shrimp beautifully (about 1-2 minutes).
3. Coat and Garnish: Make sure every shrimp is evenly coated in that glorious sauce! Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.

Pro Tips for Shrimp Perfection

Alright, let’s talk about some insider secrets to take your Honey Garlic Shrimp from good to absolutely phenomenal. These are the little things that separate the pros from the amateurs (and trust me, you’ll be a pro after this!).

Choosing the Right Shrimp

Size matters! I prefer using large or jumbo shrimp for this recipe. They’re easier to handle, cook evenly, and provide a satisfying bite. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp (thawed, of course!). If using frozen, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry REALLY well. Excess moisture is the enemy of a good sear.

The Secret to a Sticky Sauce

Cornstarch is your best friend for achieving that perfect, glossy honey garlic sauce. Don’t skip it! Make sure you whisk it thoroughly with the other sauce ingredients before adding it to the pan to prevent clumps. Also, be patient! The sauce needs a minute or two to thicken properly. Keep stirring, and you’ll see it transform into a beautiful, luscious glaze.

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp!

This is the cardinal sin of shrimp cooking! Overcooked shrimp are tough and rubbery – nobody wants that. The key is to cook them just until they turn pink and opaque. They should still be slightly springy to the touch. Remember, they’ll continue to cook a bit even after you remove them from the heat, so err on the side of slightly undercooked rather than overcooked.

Spice it Up (or Down!)

This recipe is easily customizable to your spice preference. If you like a little heat, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, simply omit the red pepper flakes altogether. You can also add a pinch of black pepper for an extra layer of flavor.

Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Honey Garlic Shrimp

Now that you’ve mastered the art of Honey Garlic Shrimp, let’s talk about how to serve it! The possibilities are endless, but here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy this delicious dish.

Classic Rice Bowl

Serve the Honey Garlic Shrimp over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice. Drizzle the extra sauce over the rice for an extra burst of flavor. This is a simple and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Noodle Nirvana

Toss the Honey Garlic Shrimp with your favorite noodles, such as spaghetti, linguine, or ramen. Add some stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers for a complete and healthy meal. The sauce clings beautifully to the noodles, creating a flavor explosion in every bite.

Appetizer Extravaganza

Serve the Honey Garlic Shrimp as an appetizer at your next party or gathering. Skewer the shrimp for easy handling and presentation. Your guests will be impressed by the delicious flavor and elegant presentation. You can also make Bronzed Shrimp Tacos or even some Spicy Shrimp Tacos using this shrimp recipe.

Salad Sensation

Add the Honey Garlic Shrimp to a fresh salad for a protein-packed and flavorful meal. Toss it with mixed greens, avocado, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette. The sweet and savory shrimp adds a delicious contrast to the fresh vegetables. This would also be great with a Mexican Street Corn And Shrimp Skillet for a summer themed dinner!

You could even pair it with Honey Garlic Salmon Bites for a larger dinner.

Another dinner idea is to have it with Steak And Shrimp Stir-fry if you’re feeling extra fancy!

This sauce would also taste great with Honey Garlic Chicken!

Variations to Try: Spice it Up!

Feeling adventurous? Here are a few fun variations to try with your Honey Garlic Shrimp:

Coconut Curry Shrimp

Add a can of coconut milk and a tablespoon of curry powder to the honey garlic sauce for a creamy and aromatic twist. Serve over rice with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime.

Spicy Sriracha Shrimp

Add a tablespoon of sriracha to the honey garlic sauce for an extra kick of heat. Garnish with chopped peanuts and green onions.

Lemon Herb Shrimp

Add a tablespoon of lemon juice and a teaspoon of dried herbs (such as oregano, thyme, or rosemary) to the honey garlic sauce for a bright and flavorful dish. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat until heated through. Be careful not to overcook them, or they’ll become rubbery. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but the texture may not be as good.

Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Shrimp Recipe

There you have it! My ultimate guide to making the most delicious Honey Garlic Shrimp you’ve ever tasted. I know it seems like a lot of information, but trust me, this recipe is incredibly easy to make and the results are absolutely worth it. So, grab your shrimp, gather your ingredients, and get ready to impress your family and friends with this irresistible dish. Happy cooking!

Ultimate Honey Garlic Shrimp

This Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe delivers plump, juicy shrimp coated in a sticky, savory-sweet glaze. Ready in minutes, it’s perfect served over rice or pasta for a quick and delicious meal that tastes like restaurant-quality fare.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• Sesame seeds for garnish
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Equipment

• Large skillet or wok
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Paper towels
• Spatula

Method

 

1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
2. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, water, minced garlic, grated ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), and cornstarch until smooth.
4. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
5. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
6. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the cooked shrimp.
7. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the shrimp, about 1-2 minutes.
8. Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
9. Serve immediately over rice, pasta, or as an appetizer.

Notes

For a stickier sauce, ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved before adding to the pan. Don’t overcook the shrimp to avoid a rubbery texture. Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.