This Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe is a quick and delicious weeknight dinner that’s perfect for any occasion. With its savory-sweet sauce, garlicky flavor, and tender shrimp, it’s a guaranteed hit at the dinner table. Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish is simple enough for a busy weekday but tasty enough to impress guests. The honey garlic sauce makes it irresistible!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 lb large jumbo shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed (if desired)

• 1/3 cup honey

• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce

• 1 tsp fresh grated ginger (optional)

• 3 tbsp minced garlic

• 1/4 tsp red chili pepper flakes

• 1 tbsp cilantro, finely chopped

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 tbsp chopped green onion (for garnish, optional)

• 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the Sauce:
   In a small bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, ginger, cilantro, garlic, and red chili pepper flakes until combined.

2. Marinate the Shrimp:
   Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a shallow bowl or plate and add 1/3 of the sauce. Toss to coat and marinate for 20-30 minutes.

3. Cook the Shrimp:
   Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil and butter. Add the shrimp (discarding the marinade) and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink.

4. Finish the Sauce:
   Add the reserved sauce to the pan and bring to a simmer. Toss the shrimp to coat with the sauce, then serve immediately with rice or pasta. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~250-300 kcal

• Protein: ~25g

• Carbohydrates: ~20g

• Fat: ~12g

• Saturated Fat: ~3g

• Cholesterol: ~150mg

• Sodium: ~800mg

• Potassium: ~200mg

The Secret to the Sauce: Sweet and Savory Perfection

The star of this recipe is the irresistible honey garlic sauce. The combination of honey and soy sauce creates a perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness that coats the shrimp in a rich, glossy layer. The honey provides a natural sweetness, while the low-sodium soy sauce adds a deep umami flavor that enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness.

Adding fresh ginger to the sauce is optional, but it brings a wonderful aromatic quality that complements the garlic. Ginger’s slight spiciness adds a subtle complexity to the sauce, elevating the flavor profile. The red chili pepper flakes contribute just a hint of heat, balancing out the sweetness and making the dish more dynamic.

Marinating the Shrimp

While you can certainly cook the shrimp immediately, marinating them for 20-30 minutes in a portion of the sauce allows the shrimp to absorb the flavors before cooking. This marinating step is crucial for ensuring the shrimp are evenly coated with the sauce’s sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. The shrimp marinate in the sauce while you prep the rest of the ingredients, making it a simple and efficient process.

The marinade also helps keep the shrimp tender and juicy during cooking. As the shrimp sit in the sauce, they soak up the flavors, ensuring that each bite is bursting with that sweet, garlicky goodness.

Cooking the Shrimp: Quick and Easy

Cooking the shrimp is a straightforward process that only takes about 4-5 minutes. The shrimp are seared in a hot skillet with olive oil and butter, which adds richness and helps develop a slight caramelization on the shrimp’s exterior. Cooking the shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side is perfect to get them just pink and tender without overcooking.

The key to perfect shrimp is to not overcrowd the skillet. If you’re working with a large batch, consider cooking the shrimp in two separate batches to ensure they cook evenly. Once the shrimp are cooked, the reserved sauce is added to the pan and simmered for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and coat the shrimp in a luscious glaze.

Finishing Touches: Garnishes and Serving

Once the shrimp are coated in the sauce, it’s time to serve! Honey Garlic Shrimp is often paired with rice or pasta, which helps absorb the delicious sauce. A side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad can round out the meal and make it even more satisfying.

To give the dish a pop of color and freshness, garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. The green onions add a crisp, mild onion flavor that contrasts nicely with the sweet and savory shrimp, while the sesame seeds add a subtle nuttiness and crunch.

Why Honey Garlic Shrimp is Perfect for Any Occasion

Honey Garlic Shrimp is a versatile dish that can easily be adapted for different occasions. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner, but it’s also special enough to serve for a dinner party or when hosting guests. The balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors is universally appealing, making it a great choice for families, friends, or picky eaters.

Additionally, this dish is highly customizable. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can add more honey, or if you enjoy more heat, you can increase the amount of red chili pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce. The shrimp can also be substituted with other seafood, like scallops or even chicken, depending on your preference.

Nutritional Benefits

This dish is a great source of protein, with each serving providing around 25 grams of protein, making it a filling and satisfying meal. The shrimp is low in fat, and the olive oil and butter used for cooking add healthy fats that are essential for good health. While the dish contains a moderate amount of carbohydrates from the sauce, it’s still a great option for a balanced meal.

The garlic and ginger in the sauce provide additional health benefits, including antioxidant properties, and the addition of cilantro not only boosts the flavor but also provides some nutritional value, including vitamins A and K.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Honey Garlic Shrimp is a flavorful, quick, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender shrimp, a savory-sweet sauce, and a hint of heat from the red chili flakes makes for a truly irresistible meal. Whether served over rice, pasta, or on its own, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your cooking repertoire. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a go-to weeknight dinner that’s special enough to impress guests. With its perfect balance of flavors and easy preparation, Honey Garlic Shrimp is a meal you’ll love to make again and again.