If you’re hunting for a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet quick enough to whip up on any busy night, look no further than this 10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe. It’s the perfect harmony of sweet honey, pungent garlic, and a touch of heat, all balanced by tender, juicy shrimp cooked to perfection. Whether you’re craving a speedy weeknight dinner or a simple dish to impress guests, this recipe delivers a satisfying meal that feels both fresh and indulgent. The best part? It comes together in just 10 minutes, making it an absolute lifesaver in the kitchen without compromising on taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every amazing meal starts with foundational ingredients that sing together in harmony. This recipe’s components are straightforward yet essential — each one adds its own magic, from the sweetness of honey to the savory depth of soy sauce, and the bright pop of fresh ginger and garlic. Together, they create an irresistible glaze that coats the shrimp with mouthwatering flavor and a gorgeous glossy finish.
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined): Use fresh or thawed frozen shrimp for the best texture and quick cooking time.
- 1/4 cup honey: Adds a natural sweetness that balances the savory elements and caramelizes beautifully.
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce: Brings a rich umami depth without overwhelming saltiness, keeping flavors balanced.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced): Gives that essential aromatic kick that elevates the dish instantly.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (minced): Offers a fresh, peppery zing to brighten each bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps to lightly sear the shrimp and meld the flavors without overpowering them.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Adds a subtle nuttiness that’s classic in Asian-inspired dishes.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle touch of heat that wakes up the palate.
- 2 tablespoons green onions (sliced): Fresh garnish that adds color and a mild onion bite.
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional): Provides delightful texture and nutty flavor with an attractive finish.
How to Make 10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by whisking together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. This simple mixture will be the star glaze that envelops the shrimp with sweet and savory magic. Setting this aside allows the flavors to mingle while you move on to cooking the shrimp.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat the olive oil and sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Adding both oils gives a well-rounded taste and helps achieve a beautiful sear. Place the shrimp in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Let them cook undisturbed for about 1 to 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and just start to get a light golden color — that’s when you know they’re ready for their flavorful makeover.
Step 3: Add the Sauce and Finish Cooking
Pour your honey garlic sauce into the skillet and vigorously stir to coat every shrimp piece. The sauce will thicken slightly as it heats alongside the shrimp, creating a luscious glaze that clings to each bite. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to let the shrimp absorb those bold flavors fully. Then, remove from heat to prevent overcooking and keep the shrimp tender and juicy.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the shrimp for a fresh crunch and visual appeal. These small touches truly make the dish feel complete and inviting.
How to Serve 10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions offer a crisp brightness that cuts through the richness, while sesame seeds lend a subtle nutty crunch that contrasts perfectly with the tender shrimp. Adding freshly chopped cilantro or a wedge of lime can provide an extra dimension of freshness if you love experimenting with flavors.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines beautifully over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or fluffy noodles, soaking up all that delicious sauce. Alternatively, serve it alongside sautéed or roasted veggies like broccoli or snap peas for a nutritious and colorful plate. The versatility means you can customize it to whatever you have on hand or what fits your mood.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch at your next dinner, plate the honey garlic shrimp on a platter lined with fresh lettuce leaves or atop a quinoa salad for a healthy twist. You can even skewer the shrimp after cooking for easy-to-eat appetizers that will impress your guests with minimal effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers — though they rarely last long — store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to two days, making for a quick and tasty lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal for this dish because shrimp can become rubbery when reheated from frozen. If you must, freeze the cooked shrimp separately in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag, and try to consume within a month for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat just until heated through. Avoid microwaving to keep the shrimp tender and prevent the sauce from drying out. Adding a splash of water or a little olive oil can help maintain moisture during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them fully and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture, which helps achieve a great sear and caramelization.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes. Simply swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos to keep the flavors intact without gluten.
Can I marinate the shrimp beforehand?
Definitely! Marinating for 15 to 30 minutes can boost the flavor even more, but it’s not necessary since the sauce cooks with the shrimp and infuses plenty of taste quickly.
What can I substitute for sesame oil?
If sesame oil isn’t available, you can use toasted walnut or peanut oil as a substitute, though sesame oil adds a unique flavor that’s hard to replicate exactly.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level depends on whether you include the red pepper flakes. It adds just a mild kick, which you can adjust up or down according to your palate preferences.
Final Thoughts
This 10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe is one of those fantastic dishes that feels like a warm hug from the kitchen. It manages to be quick, flavorful, and impressive all at once, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner parties. Once you try it, you’ll want to keep this recipe close — it’s magic in a pan, ready whenever you need a delicious meal in a flash.
Print
10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
A quick and flavorful 10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe that combines sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and aromatic garlic and ginger. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this dish is cooked on the stovetop and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for an authentic Asian-inspired touch.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Oils and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons green onions (sliced)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, and red pepper flakes if using. Set this sauce mixture aside.
- Heat oils: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil and sesame oil, allowing them to warm up and combine.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook the shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and develop a slight golden color.
- Add the sauce: Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce into the skillet with the shrimp. Stir well to coat all the shrimp evenly.
- Simmer to thicken: Continue cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the shrimp are fully cooked through.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the shrimp with sliced green onions and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- For best results, pat the shrimp dry before cooking to ensure a good sear.
- Marinating the shrimp in the sauce for 15–30 minutes can enhance the flavor, but it’s optional for a quicker preparation.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and enjoyed cold or gently reheated.
