Discover the magic of Honey Garlic Shrimp, a remarkably simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe offers a delightful sweet and savory balance, transforming humble shrimp into a restaurant-quality meal you can whip up in under 30 minutes. If you’re searching for a quick, impressive, and utterly delicious shrimp recipe, your quest ends here.
Key Ingredients for Honey Garlic Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, fresh
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch, mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: Cooked rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables for serving
How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp
This Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe is the epitome of fast, fresh, and flavorful cooking. In just minutes, you’ll create plump, juicy shrimp bathed in a sticky, irresistible sauce that’s both sweet from the honey and savory from the soy sauce. The subtle tang of lemon and the optional kick of red pepper flakes elevate this dish beyond the ordinary, making it incredibly satisfying without any fuss. Expect to spend around 20 minutes from start to delicious finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Shrimp: Begin by ensuring your shrimp are fully peeled and deveined. Pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for achieving perfectly seared shrimp; excess moisture will steam them instead of searing, preventing that beautiful golden crust. Season the shrimp lightly with salt and black pepper.
Melt the Butter and Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is shimmering and just starting to foam, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will impart a bitter flavor to your sauce.
Add Honey, Soy Sauce, and Lemon Juice: Pour in the honey, soy sauce (or tamari), and fresh lemon juice directly into the skillet with the garlic butter. Stir everything together to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 30 seconds to allow the flavors to meld. If you desire a touch of heat, stir in the red pepper flakes now.
Thicken the Sauce: Whisk the cornstarch and water together in a small bowl to create a smooth slurry. Gradually pour this slurry into the simmering sauce while continuously stirring. The sauce will begin to thicken almost immediately, coating the back of a spoon. Continue to simmer and stir for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Cook the Shrimp: Add the prepared shrimp to the skillet with the thickened honey garlic sauce. Toss to ensure each shrimp is generously coated. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque and are cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them, as this will make them tough.
Serve and Garnish: Once the shrimp are perfectly cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in most of the chopped fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch more salt or pepper if needed. Serve the Honey Garlic Shrimp immediately over a bed of fluffy rice, your favorite pasta, or alongside steamed vegetables. Garnish with the remaining fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Shrimp
Prepare to be amazed by the irresistible allure of this Honey Garlic Shrimp! Its primary draw is the luxuriously glossy, sticky glaze that coats every succulent shrimp, offering a perfect harmony of sweet honey and savory soy sauce. Making this dish at home is wonderfully cost-effective, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet-style meal without the restaurant markup, proving that delicious doesn’t have to be expensive. The quick cooking time and minimal ingredients make it an ideal solution for those moments when hunger strikes fast.
Unlike a simple baked shrimp, this dish delivers an explosion of flavor and an addictive texture that will have you reaching for seconds. It’s a fantastic alternative to bland chicken or a time-consuming stew, offering a bright and zesty experience that’s both comforting and exciting. So, why wait? Dive into this delightful recipe and treat your taste buds to an unforgettable culinary adventure – you can make this incredible Honey Garlic Shrimp tonight!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing Leftovers:
Allow the Honey Garlic Shrimp to cool completely before storing. Transfer the cooled shrimp and any remaining sauce to an airtight container. For optimal freshness, store in the refrigerator. The dish will stay fresh for up to 2-3 days. Avoid leaving it at room temperature for more than two hours.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: The best method for reheating is on the stovetop. Gently warm a little oil or butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the shrimp and sauce, stirring gently until heated through. Try not to overcook, as this can make the shrimp rubbery.
- Microwave: For a quicker reheat, place the shrimp in a microwave-safe dish. Cover loosely with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring gently in between, until evenly warmed.
- Freezing for Future Meals:
If you wish to freeze the Honey Garlic Shrimp for longer storage, ensure it has cooled completely. Place the shrimp and sauce in a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Frozen Honey Garlic Shrimp will maintain good quality for up to 1-2 months. To thaw, transfer to the refrigerator overnight and then reheat as per the stovetop or microwave instructions.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe is a true weeknight savior, proving that incredible flavor can come from a simple preparation. Give it a try for a quick, satisfying, and utterly delicious meal that everyone will adore. We can’t wait for you to experience its sweet, savory, and undeniably moreish charm!
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Honey Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by ensuring your shrimp are fully peeled and deveined. Pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for achieving perfectly seared shrimp; excess moisture will steam them instead of searing, preventing that beautiful golden crust. Season the shrimp lightly with salt and black pepper.1 pound large shrimp, Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is shimmering and just starting to foam, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will impart a bitter flavor to your sauce.2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 3 cloves garlic
- Pour in the honey, soy sauce (or tamari), and fresh lemon juice directly into the skillet with the garlic butter. Stir everything together to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 30 seconds to allow the flavors to meld. If you desire a touch of heat, stir in the red pepper flakes now.1/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Whisk the cornstarch and water together in a small bowl to create a smooth slurry. Gradually pour this slurry into the simmering sauce while continuously stirring. The sauce will begin to thicken almost immediately, coating the back of a spoon. Continue to simmer and stir for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.1 teaspoon cornstarch
- Add the prepared shrimp to the skillet with the thickened honey garlic sauce. Toss to ensure each shrimp is generously coated. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque and are cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them, as this will make them tough.1 pound large shrimp
- Once the shrimp are perfectly cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in most of the chopped fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch more salt or pepper if needed. Serve the Honey Garlic Shrimp immediately over a bed of fluffy rice, your favorite pasta, or alongside steamed vegetables. Garnish with the remaining fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.2 tablespoons fresh parsley, Salt and freshly ground black pepper, Cooked rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables