If you’re craving something that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors with a punch of garlicky goodness, this Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe is going to be your new favorite go-to. Juicy shrimp are cooked quickly in a luscious sauce made from honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a hint of lemon—creating a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe delivers an irresistible combination of textures and tastes that’s sure to brighten up your dining table and your mood.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together in a beautifully straightforward way, combining pantry staples with fresh additions to create that unforgettable sweet and garlicky sauce. Each element adds its own special touch, whether it’s the tender shrimp, the brightness of lemon, or the glossy finish brought by the cornstarch.
- 1 pound uncooked shrimp (31-40/pound size, thawed & peeled, tails removed): The star of the dish, providing tender, succulent bites.
- 1/4 cup honey: Adds natural sweetness that balances the savory soy sauce perfectly.
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce: Provides depth and umami without overwhelming saltiness.
- 1/4 cup water: Helps to blend the sauce ingredients and prevents it from becoming too thick.
- 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice (+ more for serving): Brightens the flavor for a refreshing finish.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Packs a punch of warm, aromatic flavor that’s essential in this recipe.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce into a glossy coating that clings to every shrimp.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For a light, healthy sauté of the shrimp.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness and smoothness to the sauce.
- 1/3 cup chopped scallions (or to taste): Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and vibrant green color.
- Sesame seeds (optional, for serving): Adds a subtle nutty crunch if desired.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
Start by thawing your shrimp if they’re frozen—just run them under cool water in a colander until they’re ready. Then peel and remove the tails, setting them aside while you prep the sauce. Having fresh or well-thawed shrimp ensures they cook evenly and soak up all the delightful flavors from the sauce.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, water, lemon juice, minced garlic, and cornstarch. Whisk this mixture until the cornstarch has fully dissolved and the sauce looks smooth and glossy. This simple combo is the heart of your Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe, blending sweetness, tang, and a touch of garlicky warmth.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2 minutes, turning them gently with tongs. This quick sear locks in their juiciness and gives just a hint of color without overcooking.
Step 4: Add the Sauce and Simmer
Turn the heat down to medium and pour your sauce mixture over the shrimp. Stir everything gently and let it cook for another 2 minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked, pink, and opaque. The cornstarch will thicken the sauce nicely, creating a glossy glaze. If it becomes too thick, just add a splash of water and stir to loosen it up.
Step 5: Finish with Freshness
Remove the skillet from heat, then sprinkle chopped scallions all over the shrimp. Add an extra squeeze of lemon juice for brightness and top with sesame seeds if you like that little extra crunch. Season with salt and pepper as needed, and your delicious Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe is ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Think fresh and vibrant—scallions add a lovely fresh note and a pop of color, while sesame seeds bring a tiny textural surprise. A final squeeze of lemon juice right before serving lifts the entire dish with a zesty brightness that makes every bite sing.
Side Dishes
This shrimp pairs beautifully with simple jasmine or basmati rice to soak up that irresistible sauce. For something lighter, a crisp green salad or steamed veggies like broccoli or snap peas make a wonderful contrast. You could also serve it over noodles for a heartier option that carries the flavors wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the shrimp in lettuce cups for a finger-food vibe that’s sure to impress. You can also sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or mint for a slightly different flavor profile. And if you want to really wow your guests, present the Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe over a colorful bed of spiralized zucchini or colorful quinoa.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover honey garlic shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to 2 days. The sauce thickens as it cools, so give it a quick stir or splash of water when reheating to bring it back to life.
Freezing
While shrimp can be frozen, this dish is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you want to freeze leftovers, place them in a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month for the best quality. To thaw, leave in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if it’s become thick or sticky. Avoid the microwave if possible for best texture—gentle reheating keeps the shrimp juicy and prevents them from becoming rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp directly for this recipe?
It’s best to thaw shrimp before cooking to ensure even cooking and better absorption of the sauce. Rinsing under cold water for a few minutes works great for quick thawing.
Is there a substitute for soy sauce?
You can try tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter, soy-free alternative. Both will maintain that savory depth without compromising flavor.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add a pinch of red chili flakes or a dash of sriracha into the sauce mixture. The gentle heat pairs beautifully with the sweetness of honey and the garlicky base.
Can I use this sauce with other proteins?
Absolutely! This honey garlic sauce is fantastic on chicken, tofu, or even vegetables, making the recipe versatile for whatever you have on hand.
What can I do to make the sauce thicker if it’s too runny?
Add a little more cornstarch dissolved in water to the sauce while cooking. Stir continuously until it reaches your desired consistency but be careful not to over-thicken.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about this Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Its simplicity and incredible flavor make it a dish you’ll turn to time and again whenever you want to impress with minimal effort. So grab those ingredients, get cooking, and prepare to fall in love with every sweet, garlicky bite!
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Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe features succulent shrimp cooked in a sticky, flavorful sauce made from honey, soy sauce, garlic, and lemon juice. Quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish combines sweet, savory, and tangy flavors to create a delicious meal served with fresh scallions and optional sesame seeds.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 pound uncooked (31-40/pound size) shrimp (thawed & peeled, tails removed)
Sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice (+ more for serving)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Garnish and seasoning
- 1/3 cup chopped scallions (or to taste)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for serving)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prep your shrimp: If your shrimp are frozen, place them in a colander and run under cool water until fully thawed. Peel and remove tails if not already done.
- Make the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, water, lemon juice, minced garlic, and cornstarch until well combined and smooth.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot and the butter melted, add the shrimp. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring and flipping occasionally with tongs until shrimp start turning pink.
- Simmer with sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the shrimp. Cook for another 2 minutes or until the shrimp are fully cooked through and the sauce has thickened. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water and stir to loosen it.
- Finish and garnish: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle chopped scallions over the shrimp. Add extra fresh lemon juice to taste and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Season with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Size of shrimp is based on count per pound; 31-40 size is ideal for this recipe.
- Low sodium soy sauce keeps the salt content moderate but you can adjust seasoning to taste.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- Serve over steamed rice or alongside sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Fresh lemon juice added at the end brightens the flavors nicely.
- Make sure not to overcook shrimp to avoid toughness; they cook quickly in this recipe.
