Honey Garlic Shrimp is a simple, yet irresistible dish that combines succulent shrimp with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. The shrimp are quickly seared to perfection, then tossed in a rich sauce made with honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a hint of lemon, resulting in a dish that’s both flavorful and easy to make. Whether you’re preparing it for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, Honey Garlic Shrimp is sure to impress with its bold flavors and satisfying textures.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Honey Garlic Shrimp is the perfect combination of sweet and savory, with a nice balance of flavors from the honey, garlic, and soy sauce. The shrimp cook up quickly and are coated in a glossy, delicious sauce that’s full of depth. The dish is incredibly easy to make, requiring only a handful of ingredients, making it a go-to recipe for busy nights or when you want something flavorful but quick. Serve it with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup honey
3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh or bottled)
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prep the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season them lightly with salt and pepper on both sides.
Cook the Shrimp: Heat the olive oil (or butter) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp and cook for about 1-2 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the Honey Garlic Sauce: Pour in the honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice, stirring well to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes syrupy. If you like a little spice, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Toss the Shrimp in the Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing them in the sauce to coat evenly. Let the shrimp cook for an additional 1-2 minutes in the sauce to absorb the flavors.
Serve: Once the shrimp are fully coated in the honey garlic sauce and heated through, remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 (as a main dish, or 6 as a side)
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
Total Time: 10-12 minutes

Variations

Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp: For a spicy kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a bit of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the sauce mixture.
Add Vegetables: Toss in some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or spinach to make the dish more hearty and colorful.
Make it Sweet and Tangy: Add a splash of rice vinegar or a little orange juice to the sauce for a sweet and tangy twist.
Grilled Honey Garlic Shrimp: For a smoky flavor, marinate the shrimp in the honey garlic sauce and then grill them until cooked through.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover Honey Garlic Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat the shrimp in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep them moist. You can also microwave them for 30-45 seconds, but be careful not to overcook the shrimp.

Honey Garlic Shrimp

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While the shrimp are best served fresh, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply cook the shrimp when you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I substitute the honey with something else?

Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave syrup for a different flavor. However, honey adds a unique richness to the sauce, so the taste will be slightly different.

4. How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?

Shrimp cook quickly—about 1-2 minutes per side. They’re done when they turn pink and opaque, and they should curl into a “C” shape when properly cooked.

5. Can I make this recipe with other types of seafood?

Yes! This recipe works well with scallops, lobster, or even fish fillets. Adjust the cooking time based on the type of seafood you use.

6. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use tamari (a gluten-free soy sauce) instead of regular soy sauce to make the recipe gluten-free.

7. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe to serve more people. Just be sure to use a larger skillet or cook in batches to ensure the shrimp cook evenly.

8. Can I use butter instead of olive oil?

Yes! You can use butter for a richer flavor, or even a combination of olive oil and butter for a balance of richness and depth.

9. Can I make this dish spicier without changing the flavor too much?

Yes, adding extra red pepper flakes or a touch of sriracha will increase the heat while still maintaining the flavor profile of the dish. You can also add fresh chopped chili peppers for an added kick.

10. What can I serve with Honey Garlic Shrimp?

Honey Garlic Shrimp pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or quinoa. It also goes great with steamed vegetables, a fresh green salad, or roasted potatoes.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Shrimp is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky, making it a versatile and delicious dish for any occasion. It’s quick to make, packed with flavor, and is a fantastic way to enjoy seafood. Whether served over rice, tossed into pasta, or paired with a side of vegetables, these shrimp are sure to be a hit. Simple ingredients, easy preparation, and mouthwatering results—this dish will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection!