Okay, let’s talk about the absolute quickest way to get a seriously delicious dinner on the table: my Irresistible Honey Garlic Shrimp! Seriously, this recipe is a lifesaver on those nights when you’re starving and staring into the fridge wondering what on EARTH you’re going to make. It comes together in literally no time, and that sweet-and-savory honey garlic sauce? Pure magic. I first whipped this up ages ago when I was trying to impress some friends and didn’t have much besides basic pantry staples. It was an instant hit, and now it’s my go-to when I need something fantastic but super fast.
Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Seriously, what’s not to love? This recipe is a winner for so many reasons:
- Lightning Fast: We’re talking dinner on the table in about 20 minutes, start to finish. Perfect for busy weeknights!
- Super Easy: Minimal chopping and simple steps mean even a beginner can nail this. No fancy techniques here!
- That Sauce! The balance of sweet honey and savory garlic is just incredible. It coats the shrimp perfectly and is addictive.
- So Versatile: Serve it over rice, noodles, with veggies… it pairs with pretty much anything!
Ingredients for Your Irresistible Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Okay, to make this amazing honey garlic shrimp magic happen, you’ll need just a few things you probably already have lurking in your kitchen. Trust me, these simple ingredients are key to that incredible flavor!
- 1 pound of shrimp – I like to get mine peeled and deveined already, saves me a little prep time! If yours aren’t, don’t worry, it’s an easy fix.
- 2 tablespoons of good ol’ olive oil.
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced. Don’t skimp on the garlic; it’s crucial!
- 1/4 cup of honey. Use a nice liquid honey for the best results; it mixes in so smoothly.
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. This is where that savory depth comes from.
- 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. It adds a little brightness that cuts through the sweetness.
- A pinch (about 1/4 teaspoon) of red pepper flakes, if you like a little warmth! Totally optional, but I love it.
- And finally, 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped up for a nice pop of green and freshness at the end.
See? Super straightforward. You can totally swap out the olive oil for avocado oil if you have that on hand, but olive oil works like a charm.
Equipment Needed for the Best Honey Garlic Shrimp
You don’t need a lot of fancy gadgets for this one, thankfully! All you really need is a good-sized skillet – a large one works best so the shrimp don’t get crowded. Then, grab your measuring spoons and cups for getting those sauce ingredients just right. A whisk is helpful for mixing the sauce, and of course, a cutting board and a sharp knife for mincing that garlic and chopping the parsley. Easy peasy!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Irresistible Honey Garlic Shrimp
Alright, time to get cooking! This is where the magic really happens. Don’t worry, it’s super simple and we’ll walk through it. Just follow these steps and you’ll have amazing honey garlic shrimp on your plate before you know it. If you’re ever looking for other quick seafood wins, you should definitely check out my air fryer cod – it’s another lifesaver!
Preparing the Shrimp
First things first, grab your shrimp. The absolute key to getting a nice little sear on them and avoiding any rubbery texture? Pat them totally dry with paper towels! Seriously, get them as dry as you can. This makes a huge difference, trust me. It helps them get that nice slight crisp instead of just steaming in the pan.
Cooking the Shrimp
Now, get your skillet nice and hot over medium-high heat. Add your olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, carefully lay the shrimp in a single layer. Don’t crowd the pan – if you have too many, cook them in batches so they can actually sear properly. We’re talking just 1 to 2 minutes per side, max! They’ll turn pink and opaque. As soon as they’re done, scoop them out and set them aside. We don’t want to overcook them one bit. You can check out how I do shrimp with asparagus here for more tips on getting seafood just right.
Making the Honey Garlic Sauce
Lower the heat a tiny bit if your pan is super hot. Toss in your minced garlic and cook it for just about 30 seconds until you can really smell that beautiful garlicky aroma. Be careful not to burn it! Then, whisk in your honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, and those optional red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for just a minute or two until it thickens up a little. It should coat the back of a spoon nicely. If it gets too thick, just add a tiny splash of water or more lemon juice.
Combining and Finishing
Now for the best part! Gently toss those perfectly cooked shrimp back into the skillet with that glorious honey garlic sauce. Give everything a good toss to coat every single shrimp. Let it warm through for just another 30 seconds or so. Finally, sprinkle with your chopped fresh parsley. It adds such a pretty color and a burst of freshness. Serve it up right away!
Tips for the Most Irresistible Honey Garlic Shrimp
You know, even though this recipe is super simple, there are a few little tricks I’ve picked up over the years that really make it sing. They’re not complicated, but they totally elevate your honey garlic shrimp from “good” to “OMG, I need more!”
First off, don’t skimp on patting those shrimp dry. I know, I know, I said it in the steps, but it’s THAT important! It’s the secret to getting them to actually sear instead of just steam. Want to know another secret? For anything crispy, whether it’s cookies or shrimp, dry is your friend! You can read about my crispy cookie secret and see how the water issue affects things. It’s about water evaporation!
Also, taste your sauce as you go! That’s it. Seriously. Adjust that sweetness, saltiness, and tang until it’s just perfect for *you*. A little more honey? A touch more lemon? Go for it! This recipe is super forgiving.
And don’t be afraid to play with add-ins! A few broccoli florets tossed in with the garlic, or some sliced bell peppers, can make it a full meal right in the pan. You won’t regret it!
Serving Suggestions for Your Honey Garlic Shrimp
So you’ve got this glorious, glistening honey garlic shrimp – what do you do with it now? Oh, the possibilities! This dish is just begging to be paired with something to soak up all that amazing sauce. My absolute favorite is serving it right over fluffy steamed white rice. It’s classic for a reason! Another super easy option is to toss it with some noodles – think lo mein or even just spaghetti. For a lighter meal, just pile it high on a bed of steamed or stir-fried veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers. You could even add some of my Mexican chicken and rice or some creamy penne pasta on the side for a heartier meal!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This honey garlic shrimp tastes great the next day, too. Just pop any extra into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should stay good for about 2-3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, try not to blast it on high heat, or the shrimp can get a bit tough. A gentle warm-up in a skillet over low heat or even a quick zap in the microwave should do the trick. Honestly, it’s so easy to make more, you might just decide to make a double batch next time!
Frequently Asked Questions about Honey Garlic Shrimp
Got questions about whipping up this amazing honey garlic shrimp? I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the things folks often ask:
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely first. Pat them extra dry after thawing to get that nice sear. It works just as well as fresh, honestly!
How can I make the honey garlic sauce thicker?
If your sauce is too thin, no worries! You can make a slurry by mixing about 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of cold water. Whisk that into the simmering sauce and let it cook for another minute until it thickens up. Easy fix!
Is this recipe spicy?
Not inherently! The red pepper flakes are totally optional. If you like a little kick, add them in. If you prefer it mild, just leave them out. You can also add more if you’re feeling brave!
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
Just a heads-up, the nutrition info for this amazing honey garlic shrimp is an estimate, okay? It can totally change depending on the brands you use and how much of everything you add. But, generally, a serving comes in around 250 calories, with about 20g of protein and 10g of fat. It’s a pretty balanced little dish perfect for a weeknight!
Print
Irresistible Honey Garlic Shrimp
- Total Time: 20 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and flavorful shrimp dish with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Serve immediately over rice or pasta.
- For a spicier sauce, add more red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: honey garlic shrimp, easy shrimp recipe, quick dinner, seafood, garlic shrimp, sweet and savory