Name: 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1/3 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce (reduced sodium); 2 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 tsp jarred minced garlic); 1 tsp minced fresh ginger (optional); 1 lb medium uncooked shrimp, peeled & deveined; 2 tsp olive oil; Chopped green onion for garnish

Get ready to fall in love with a meal that’s as speedy as it is satisfying! The 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp is genuinely a lifesaver for busy nights, packing a punch of flavor into a ridiculously simple process. Just a handful of pantry staples and fresh shrimp come together in a sticky, garlicky-savory sauce that glazes every bite. Whether you pile it on brown rice, toss it over salads, or sneak bites straight from the pan (no judgment!), this recipe is guaranteed to dazzle your palate without demanding hours in the kitchen.

20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a few trusty ingredients, the 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp transforms into a sweet, salty, and aromatic sensation. Each item in this lineup brings something special—whether it’s a hit of fresh flavor, gloss for the glaze, or an irresistible color on your plate.

Honey: The core of the sticky-sweet sauce; use your favorite mild honey for a luscious finish.
Soy Sauce (reduced sodium preferred): Brings a deep umami base and balances that honey sweetness perfectly.
Fresh Garlic, Minced: Don’t skimp here—garlic infuses bold aroma and a gentle kick.
Fresh Ginger, Minced (optional): Adds a zingy warmth that brightens up the whole dish; highly recommended!
Raw Shrimp (peeled & deveined): Look for medium size; thaw thoroughly if using frozen for best results.
Olive Oil: Just a splash ensures your shrimp get that perfect sear and don’t stick to the pan.
Green Onion (optional garnish): The pop of color and crisp bite at the end is a real treat.

How to Make 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp

Step 1: Whisk Together the Marinade

Kick things off by grabbing a mixing bowl and whisking up the magic: honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and the fresh ginger if you like a little lift. You’ll be dividing this sauce, so make sure it’s well-mixed and fragrant—it sets the stage for everything delicious to come.

Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp

Pour half your marinade over the shrimp, then toss or gently shake things up in a sealed container so all those flavors soak in. Let it rest in the fridge for at least 15 minutes (or up to 8 hours if you like to plan ahead). This step is where the shrimp become truly irresistible, and it’s the perfect window to prep your sides.

Step 3: Sear the Shrimp

Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Pull the shrimp from the marinade and let them sizzle in the pan—discard the used marinade here. Cook on one side for about 45 seconds, just until you see that signature pink color show up.

Step 4: Add the Reserved Sauce & Finish Cooking

Flip the shrimp, then pour in the other half of your sauce. Let everything simmer for another 1 to 2 minutes, turning the shrimp as needed until cooked through and the sauce coats everything in a glossy finish. If you want a thicker glaze, whisk a teaspoon of cornstarch with warm water and stir it in during this step.

Step 5: Serve and Savor!

Sprinkle on chopped green onions for freshness and extra pop. Plate your 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp over rice, salads, or veggies and dig right in—the sauce is so good you’ll want to spoon every last drop.

How to Serve 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp

Garnishes

A shower of chopped green onions is my go-to—it adds both eye-catching color and a clean, peppery bite. If you’re feeling fancy, try a pinch of toasted sesame seeds or a bit of chopped fresh cilantro on top for even more depth.

Side Dishes

This dish is a natural over fluffy brown rice or quinoa, soaking up all that sweet-savory sauce. Steamed broccoli or snap peas alongside bring crunch and color (and secretly make the meal extra balanced). For an even lighter option, spoon the shrimp over a crisp green salad.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring some fun by threading cooked shrimp onto skewers for a party-ready appetizer, or pile them into lettuce wraps for a fresh take. Leftover 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp also makes a killer stir-fry or a power-packed protein bowl with your favorite roasted vegetables.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover shrimp and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop even more overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch a treat you’ll look forward to!

Freezing

If you want to freeze, let the cooked shrimp cool completely first. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight—it’s best to freeze without garnishes for freshest results after reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over medium-low, adding a splash of water if the sauce seems too thick. The microwave works in a pinch, but for best texture, stick to the stovetop.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp to make 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp?

Absolutely—just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely, pat them dry, and proceed with marinating. You’ll get the same flavorful, juicy results!

Do I have to marinate the shrimp for the full 15 minutes?

A quick 15-minute rest works wonders, but if you’re in a rush, even 5 minutes will add flavor. For extra depth, let the shrimp marinate longer (up to overnight) in the fridge.

What can I substitute for honey if I want a sugar-free version?

You can try a sugar-free syrup or a spoonful of agave nectar instead of honey. Just note that the sauce flavor and texture will shift a bit, but it’s still delicious.

Is it safe to reuse the marinade?

Always discard the marinade used for raw shrimp. Thankfully, this recipe has you reserve half of it just for cooking, so you’ll have a safe, fresh sauce in your finished dish.

Can I double this recipe?

Definitely! The 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp is easily scalable—just use a large skillet or cook in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even searing.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving dinner on the fly that never skimps on flavor, 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp is about to become your new staple. You’ll adore how easy it is to pull off, and everyone at your table will be begging for seconds. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised when it lands in heavy rotation on your weekly menu!