Honey Garlic Shrimp is the perfect combination of savory, sweet, and garlicky flavors. This easy-to-make dish is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner and is sure to become a favorite in your household. With just a few ingredients and only 20 minutes of cooking time, you can enjoy succulent shrimp coated in a flavorful honey garlic sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef, this recipe is simple, delicious, and guaranteed to impress.
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Why Honey Garlic Shrimp is a Must-Try Recipe
This recipe is a standout for several reasons. First, it’s quick and easy, making it perfect for busy weeknights. In just under 30 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish on the table. Second, it’s incredibly versatile. Serve the shrimp with rice, vegetables, or in a wrap, and it’s a meal that can be enjoyed in various ways. Lastly, the balance of sweetness from honey and savory umami from tamari soy sauce creates a mouthwatering sauce that perfectly coats each shrimp.
Ingredients
Here’s a quick look at the ingredients that make this Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe so irresistible:
• Honey: Provides the sweet and sticky base for the sauce, making it perfect for glazing the shrimp.
• Tamari Soy Sauce: A gluten-free soy sauce alternative that adds depth and umami flavor. You can substitute with coconut aminos if you’re soy-free.
• Garlic: Adds a savory aroma and punch to the sauce, infusing the shrimp with flavor.
• Ginger: Freshly grated ginger gives the sauce a bit of zing and freshness.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat, balancing the sweetness of the honey.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the shrimp, giving them a golden, crisp texture.
• Shrimp: The star of the dish! Jumbo shrimp are best for this recipe as they cook quickly and absorb the sauce beautifully.
• Cilantro or Parsley: Fresh herbs used for garnish to add a pop of color and freshness.
• Green Onion: Sliced finely to garnish the dish with a mild, crisp flavor.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re missing an ingredient or need a dietary swap, here are some ideas:
• Soy-Free Option: Replace tamari soy sauce with coconut aminos for a soy-free version.
• Spicy Version: If you love heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
• Vegetarian Version: Use tofu or another plant-based protein in place of shrimp for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Honey Garlic Shrimp is easy! Follow these steps for a flavorful meal:
- Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, tamari soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Marinate the Shrimp: In a separate bowl, toss the shrimp with 1/3 of the honey garlic sauce. Let the shrimp marinate for 15-20 minutes to soak in all the delicious flavors.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp to the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are just cooked through.
- Add the Remaining Sauce: Pour the remaining 2/3 of the honey garlic sauce into the pan and bring to a simmer. Stir the sauce and shrimp together as it reduces slightly, about 1 minute.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, and stir in freshly chopped cilantro or parsley. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Tips & Tricks
• Avoid Overcooking the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, so be careful not to overcook them. They should only be in the pan for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink.
• Serve Immediately: This dish tastes best when served fresh, so make sure to plate it right after cooking.
• Don’t Skip the Sauce Reduction: Letting the sauce simmer for a minute after adding it to the shrimp allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich, flavorful coating for the shrimp.
• Store Leftovers Properly: If you have any leftovers, store the shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet or microwave.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
Honey Garlic Shrimp pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, making it a versatile meal for any occasion:
• Serve with Rice: Place the shrimp on a bed of warm rice, topped with extra sauce and a sprinkle of sliced green onions for a simple yet satisfying meal.
• Vegetable Sides: Pair the shrimp with sautéed spinach, snap peas, or roasted broccoli for a balanced, healthy dinner.
• Wrap It Up: For a low-carb option, wrap the shrimp in butter leaf lettuce with fresh bean sprouts and green onions.
• Make It a Bowl: Create a grain bowl with cauliflower rice, garlic bok choy, and roasted vegetables for a wholesome meal.
Health Benefits of Honey Garlic Shrimp
Not only is Honey Garlic Shrimp delicious, but it’s also a healthy choice for a quick dinner. Shrimp are high in protein and low in fat, making them an excellent source of lean protein. The honey in this recipe provides a natural source of energy, while the garlic and ginger offer anti-inflammatory properties and promote good digestion.
Honey Garlic Shrimp is a fantastic option for a low-calorie meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Plus, it’s easy to customize to fit your dietary needs, whether you’re gluten-free, low-carb, or looking for a vegetarian option.
By following this simple recipe, you can create a flavorful dish that’s perfect for any weeknight meal. The combination of honey, garlic, and shrimp will surely become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!
Conclusion
Honey Garlic Shrimp is the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors that can transform a simple meal into something special. In just under 30 minutes, you can enjoy this easy, delicious, and healthy dish that’s packed with flavor and high in protein. Whether you serve it with rice, vegetables, or in a wrap, this recipe offers plenty of options for customization to fit your personal taste or dietary needs. Perfect for busy nights or meal prepping, Honey Garlic Shrimp is a dish that’s sure to become a household favorite. Give it a try and enjoy the perfect balance of sweetness, umami, and a little heat in every bite!
FAQs
1. Can I make Honey Garlic Shrimp ahead of time?
Yes, you can! The shrimp can be marinated and cooked in advance. If you’re meal prepping, simply store the cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in a skillet or microwave, but be careful not to overcook the shrimp when reheating, as it can cause them to become rubbery.
2. What’s the best way to serve Honey Garlic Shrimp?
Honey Garlic Shrimp pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. You can serve it on a bed of rice, with sautéed vegetables, or in a low-carb lettuce wrap. For a complete meal, try it with a side of roasted vegetables or a grain bowl with cauliflower rice and greens.
3. Can I substitute the soy sauce in this recipe?
Yes! If you’re avoiding soy, you can substitute tamari soy sauce with coconut aminos, which gives a similar flavor without the soy. Coconut aminos are a great soy-free and gluten-free alternative that works perfectly in this dish.
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Honey Garlic Shrimp
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Honey Garlic Shrimp is a quick and delicious dish with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. This recipe coats juicy shrimp in a sticky, garlicky sauce that’s ready in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a busy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup tamari soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro or parsley
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, tamari soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- In a separate bowl, toss the shrimp with 1/3 of the honey garlic sauce. Let marinate for 15-20 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are just cooked through.
- Pour the remaining 2/3 of the sauce into the pan and bring to a simmer. Stir the shrimp and sauce together as it reduces slightly for about 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and stir in cilantro or parsley. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add hot sauce like sriracha.
- Ensure you don’t overcook the shrimp, as they cook very quickly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 245 kcal
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 940mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 286mg
