If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet comes together in a flash, this Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe is exactly what you need. It perfectly balances the sweetness of honey, the savory depth of soy sauce, and the zing of garlic and ginger, all clinging beautifully to tender, juicy shrimp. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or whipping up a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers an irresistible combination of taste and simplicity that will soon become a household favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe starts with simple, accessible ingredients that work harmoniously to create a dish that’s lively in flavor and vibrant in appearance. Each component plays an important role—from the honey’s natural sweetness to the garlic’s punch and the shrimp’s tender bite, making every mouthful a delight.
- Honey (⅓ cup): Provides that perfect, natural sweetness that balances the other savory elements.
- Tamari soy sauce or coconut aminos (¼ cup): Adds an umami depth and a salty note, giving the shrimp a rich, robust flavor.
- Garlic cloves, minced (4 cloves): Brings a fragrant warmth and unmistakable zest that makes this dish memorable.
- Freshly grated ginger (1 teaspoon): Adds a fresh, slightly spicy kick that cleanses the palate.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon): Just the right touch of heat to awaken your taste buds without overpowering.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Essential for a light, healthy sear that locks in the shrimp’s juiciness.
- Raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (1 pound): The star of the show—succulent, quick-cooking, and perfectly paired with the sauce.
- Chopped cilantro or parsley (1 tablespoon): Fresh herbaceous brightness to finish the dish with a pop of color and flavor.
- Green onion, thinly sliced (1): Offers a subtle oniony crunch that complements the garlic beautifully.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Stir Together the Sauce
Begin by combining honey, tamari soy sauce, minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes in a small bowl. This mixture is going to be your flavor powerhouse, perfectly blending sweet, savory, and spicy notes that coat every bite of shrimp.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a separate bowl and pour about one-third of the sauce over them. Toss well to ensure every shrimp is evenly coated, then let it marinate for 15-20 minutes. This step infuses the shrimp with those lovely flavors, elevating each piece before cooking.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp to the pan, discarding any leftover marinade used for coating. Cook each side for 1 to 2 minutes until the shrimp turns a pretty pink and is just cooked through—be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can quickly become rubbery.
Step 4: Simmer with Sauce
Next, pour the remaining two-thirds of the sauce into the pan. Bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently so the sauce thickens slightly and clings lovingly to each shrimp. This process takes about a minute and really intensifies the overall taste and appearance, giving the shrimp a glossy, irresistible finish.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat, then toss in the finely chopped cilantro or parsley for a fresh touch. Sprinkle thinly sliced green onions on top just before serving to add a mild crunch and a punch of color. Now you’re ready to enjoy a simple yet stunning dish!
How to Serve Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley and sliced green onions not only provides a vibrant color contrast but also gives a fresh flavor boost that complements the rich honey garlic sauce beautifully. Don’t skip these—they make the dish feel restaurant-quality.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy steamed rice, silky coconut jasmine rice, or even a bed of lightly sautéed greens like bok choy or spinach. For a low-carb option, try serving it alongside cauliflower rice or zoodles for a lighter, yet satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your plate pop by serving the shrimp over a nest of spiralized vegetables, drizzling extra sauce over the top, and sprinkling toasted sesame seeds for crunch. You can even serve it on crispy lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held twist that’s perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra honey garlic shrimp, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The shrimp will soak up even more of the sauce’s flavor as it rests, making for a tasty next-day meal.
Freezing
Freezing shrimp with this delicate sauce is not ideal as the texture might change upon thawing. However, you can freeze cooked plain shrimp separately and make fresh honey garlic sauce to mix in after reheating to preserve the best flavor and texture.
Reheating
When reheating leftovers, warm the shrimp gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave on low power to prevent overcooking. Add a splash of water or extra sauce to keep things moist and avoid drying out the shrimp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating and cooking to ensure the best texture and flavor.
Is tamari soy sauce necessary, or can I use regular soy sauce?
You can use regular soy sauce if that’s what you have on hand. Tamari is simply a gluten-free alternative with a slightly richer taste, but both work well in this recipe.
How spicy is this dish?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle hint of heat without overwhelming the sweet and garlicky flavors. Adjust the amount to match your heat preference, or omit it if you prefer a milder dish.
Can I make this recipe paleo or keto-friendly?
Absolutely! Using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce keeps it paleo-friendly, and since shrimp is naturally low in carbs, this recipe fits perfectly into keto diets as well.
What’s the best way to peel and devein shrimp?
Remove the shell starting at the legs, then use a small paring knife or shrimp deveiner to make a shallow cut along the back, pulling out the dark vein for a cleaner taste and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe is one of those dishes that never fails to impress with its quick prep, irresistible flavors, and beautiful presentation. It’s truly a joy to make and even better to eat, whether you’re new to cooking shrimp or a seasoned pro. Give it a try and watch it become your go-to recipe for an effortlessly delicious meal anytime you want to treat yourself and your loved ones.
PrintHoney Garlic Shrimp Recipe
This Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe features succulent shrimp cooked in a flavorful blend of honey, tamari soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Marinated briefly and cooked quickly in a skillet, the shrimp are tender and coated with a glossy, slightly spicy sauce, garnished with fresh cilantro and green onions. Perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner ready in under 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Sauce
- 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
Shrimp
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro or parsley
- 1 green onion (thinly sliced)
Instructions
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the honey, tamari soy sauce, minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Marinate the shrimp: Place the peeled and deveined raw shrimp into a separate bowl. Pour one-third of the prepared sauce over the shrimp and toss to coat thoroughly. Let the shrimp marinate for 15 to 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated shrimp to the pan, discarding any leftover marinade. Cook the shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are just cooked through.
- Simmer with sauce: Pour the remaining two-thirds of the sauce into the pan with the cooked shrimp. Bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring to coat the shrimp as the sauce slightly reduces and warms through, about 1 minute.
- Finish and garnish: Turn off the heat, stir in the finely chopped cilantro or parsley, and sprinkle the thinly sliced green onions over the top. Serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- Do not overcook the shrimp as they can become tough and rubbery; shrimp cook quickly and are done when they turn pink and opaque.
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari soy sauce or coconut aminos as specified.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes according to your preferred heat level.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice, noodles, or sautéed vegetables.
- You can substitute fresh parsley if cilantro is not available or preferred.
