If you’re craving a dish that combines the sweetness of honey with the savory punch of garlic, then Honey Garlic Shrimp is the perfect recipe for you. This dish is simple to prepare, full of flavor, and guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting friends for a special meal, this honey garlic shrimp is sure to impress.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: One of the best things about this recipe is how fast it comes together. In just 20-25 minutes, you’ll have a delicious and flavorful meal ready to serve.

Minimal Ingredients: You only need a handful of ingredients to make this recipe, including shrimp, honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a few other kitchen staples.

Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The sweetness of honey beautifully complements the savory garlic and soy sauce, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.

Versatile: You can enjoy this dish as an appetizer, serve it with rice, or pair it with veggies for a complete meal. It’s versatile enough to be paired with just about anything.

Healthy and Light: Shrimp are naturally low in calories and high in protein, making this dish both nutritious and light. You can enjoy it without feeling guilty!

Great for Meal Prep: This recipe is easy to prepare in advance and works wonderfully for meal prep. You can store leftovers in the fridge for a couple of days and enjoy it throughout the week.

Ingredients

To make this delicious honey garlic shrimp, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic (minced)

1/4 cup honey
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar)

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Lemon wedges (for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp: Start by prepping your shrimp. If you haven’t already, peel and devein the shrimp. You can leave the tails on for presentation or remove them depending on your preference. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help them sear more effectively when cooking.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Set aside.

Cook the Shrimp: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp cook quickly.
Add the Garlic: When the shrimp are cooked through, add the minced garlic to the pan. Stir and cook for about 1 minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant and slightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter if overcooked.
Add the Honey Sauce: Pour the honey soy sauce mixture into the pan with the shrimp. Stir well to coat the shrimp in the sauce. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes, letting it thicken slightly. The shrimp will soak up the flavors of the sauce, making them even more delicious.

Garnish and Serve: Once the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer the shrimp to a serving dish and drizzle the remaining sauce over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a citrusy touch.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Shrimp

Honey garlic shrimp is incredibly versatile and can be served in several ways. Here are a few suggestions:

With Rice: Serve the shrimp over a bed of steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. The rice will soak up the flavorful sauce, making each bite even more delicious.

As an Appetizer: Serve the shrimp on a platter with toothpicks as an appetizer for your next gathering. This is a great dish for parties or a casual family dinner.

With Vegetables: Pair the shrimp with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli for a complete meal. The honey garlic sauce complements the veggies, creating a well-rounded dish.

In Wraps: Wrap the shrimp in lettuce leaves or tortillas for a fun and light alternative. Add some fresh vegetables and a drizzle of the sauce for extra flavor.

Variations to Try

Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp: If you like a bit of heat, add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce to the honey garlic sauce. This will give the dish a spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the honey.
Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry: For a more substantial meal, stir-fry the shrimp with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and snap peas. Toss everything in the honey garlic sauce and serve over rice or noodles.
Garlic Butter Honey Shrimp: For an even richer flavor, melt some butter in the pan along with the olive oil before cooking the shrimp. The butter will add a creamy richness to the dish, making it even more indulgent.