As soon as you pull together the ingredients for this easy honey garlic shrimp recipe, the kitchen fills with the irresistible scent of garlic and ginger. Picture shimmering shrimp nestled in a luscious, golden glaze, the colors vibrant and inviting. Each bite promises a delightful dance of sweetness and savory notes that scream comfort food.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Honey Garlic Shrimp

I can remember the first time I made this dish on a busy weeknight where everything felt just a bit chaotic. I had just come home from work, and after a quick scan of the fridge, this recipe popped into my head. It was one of those evenings when I longed for something delicious yet quick, and honey garlic shrimp effortlessly delivered that feeling of warmth and satisfaction.

With its sweet and tangy sauce, this dish doesn’t just satisfy your hunger; it feeds the soul, making it perfect for those cozy evenings or whenever you yearn for a little comfort. So grab your skillet, and let’s create this delightful meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 15 minutes of prep and 7 minutes of cooking, dinner is ready before you know it!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of honey, garlic, and ginger creates rich, savory flavors that will have your taste buds dancing.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Glazed shrimp topped with bright green scallions and toasted sesame seeds look beautiful on any plate.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or even as an impressive appetizer for guests.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easy to make gluten-free by substituting soy sauce with tamari, making it great for everyone!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Shrimp (1 ½ pounds large, peeled, and deveined): The star of the show, shrimp cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully. Use fresh or thawed frozen shrimp for best results.
Neutral Oil (1 tablespoon): Aids in cooking the shrimp without altering flavors. Can substitute with canola or grapeseed oil.
Kosher Salt (½ teaspoon) & Ground Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): Essential for seasoning the shrimp, allowing their natural flavor to shine.
Honey (3 tablespoons): Adds sweetness that complements the savory aspect of the dish. Look for pure honey for the best flavor.
Soy Sauce (3 tablespoons): Provides a savory, umami taste. For a gluten-free version, choose tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce.
Rice Vinegar (1 tablespoon): Adds a tangy kick, enhancing the overall flavor. Apple cider vinegar can work as a substitute if needed.
Garlic (3 cloves, finely grated): Brings an aromatic quality that pairs perfectly with shrimp. Fresh garlic works best for this recipe.
Fresh Ginger (1 teaspoon, finely grated): Brightens the dish with its zesty flavor. If you don’t have fresh ginger, powdered ginger can be used in a pinch.
Sesame Oil (2 teaspoons): Introduces a nutty depth, elevating the sauce’s complexity.
Scallions (2, thinly sliced): Not only do they add a pop of color, but their mild onion flavor complements the dish wonderfully.
Toasted Sesame Seeds: A beautiful garnish that adds a little crunch and nuttiness.

How to Make Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Whisk Together Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Whisk until well mixed and set aside. The sauce will become a rich glaze, enhancing the shrimp’s natural flavors.

Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect sear. Heat the neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then arrange them in a single layer in the skillet. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and start curling. Remove them from the pan and set aside.

Sauté the Sauce: Pour the honey garlic sauce mixture into the same skillet. Let it cook for about 3 minutes, reducing slightly until it becomes syrupy. This step intensifies the flavors, making the sauce oh-so-delicious.

Glaze the Shrimp: Return the shrimp to the skillet, tossing them in the sauce gently using tongs to coat each piece thoroughly. Let them cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until they are glossy and caramelized, soaking in that sweet and savory goodness.

Serve Warm: Remove the skillet from the heat. Top your beautiful honey garlic shrimp with thinly sliced scallions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Serve them hot for the best flavor experience!

Storing & Reheating

To store leftovers of this easy honey garlic shrimp recipe, allow them to cool completely before transferring the shrimp to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to save them for longer, consider freezing the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag, where they can last for up to 3 months. When reheating, a quick toss in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes should bring them back to life, but expect a slight change in texture. If you want to refresh them, drizzle a bit more sauce before serving.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be sure not to overcrowd the pan when cooking shrimp; this will help you achieve a nice sear and prevent steaming.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Room temperature shrimp will cook more even and quickly, so take them out of the fridge ahead of time.
If your sauce isn’t thickening, you can let it simmer a bit longer before adding the shrimp back in.
Experiment with fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for a twist in flavor.

As you savor every bite of this easy honey garlic shrimp recipe, you’ll discover why it’s such a beloved choice. Packed with flavor and ready in no time, it’s a perfect recipe to make on a whim when you crave something delightful. Feel free to play around with the ingredients to suit your taste and see what new variations you can whip up. Enjoy your culinary adventure!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! While fresh shrimp is fantastic, frozen shrimp works just as well. Just ensure they are entirely thawed and patted dry before cooking. Thawing overnight in the fridge or using a cold water method can get them ready for your quick dinner.

What can I serve with honey garlic shrimp?

This delicious dish pairs wonderfully with rice or noodles, allowing you to soak up that irresistible sauce. You can also serve it alongside steamed vegetables or over a fresh salad for a lighter option.

Can I make this dish in advance?

While shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just cook the shrimp when you’re ready for dinner!

What can I substitute for soy sauce?

If you’re looking for alternatives, try using tamari for a gluten-free option, or coconut aminos for a soy-free variation. Each will lend a unique flavor while still maintaining the dish’s essence.