Name: Honey Garlic Shrimp: 1 Irresistible Feast
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: For the Coconut Rice:; 1 cup jasmine rice; 1 cup full-fat coconut milk, shaken; 1/2 cup water; 1/2 teaspoon salt; crispy shallots, for garnish; For the Honey Garlic Shrimp + Broccoli:; 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 1/3 cup water; 3 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sesame seed oil; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely minced or grated; 6 cloves garlic, finely minced; 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional); 1 tablespoon neutral oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails on, pat dry; 3 cups small broccoli florets; Garnish: thinly sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, lime wedges

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Honey Garlic Shrimp has become my go-to weeknight dinner when I need something incredibly flavorful and fast. I remember the first time I made it for friends; the aroma of garlic and sweet honey filling my kitchen was intoxicating, and the glossy, sticky sauce coating the plump shrimp was just divine. It’s a dish that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to whip up, proving that delicious meals don’t need to take hours. This easy honey garlic shrimp recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy evenings. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Shrimp

This recipe is a winner for so many reasons. Get ready to fall in love with this flavorful dish:

Incredible Flavor: The perfect balance of sweet honey and savory garlic creates a truly irresistible taste that coats every bite.
Super Fast: This quick honey garlic shrimp comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Healthy Choice: Packed with lean protein from the shrimp and healthy fats, it’s a satisfying meal you can feel good about.
Budget-Friendly: Shrimp is often more affordable than other proteins, and the pantry staples for the sauce keep costs down.
Family Approved: Even picky eaters will devour this delicious shrimp, especially when served with fluffy coconut rice.
Versatile Meal: This easy honey garlic shrimp works wonderfully as a main course or even as a delicious appetizer.
Minimal Cleanup: Most of the magic happens in just one skillet, meaning less time scrubbing pots and pans.

Ingredients for Honey Garlic Shrimp

Gathering these honey garlic shrimp ingredients is the first step to a fantastic meal. The magic happens with a few pantry staples that create the signature simple garlic shrimp sauce.

1 cup jasmine rice – rinsed thoroughly for fluffiness
1 cup full-fat coconut milk, shaken – adds richness to the rice
1/2 cup water – for the coconut rice base
1/2 teaspoon salt – for seasoning the rice
crispy shallots, for garnish – adds a delightful crunch
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce – the savory foundation of our sauce
1/3 cup water – to balance the sauce consistency
3 tablespoons honey – for that essential sweet glaze
1 tablespoon cornstarch – thickens the sauce beautifully
2 tablespoons rice vinegar – provides a subtle tang
1 tablespoon sesame seed oil – for that unmistakable nutty aroma
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely minced or grated – adds a warm, zesty kick
6 cloves garlic, finely minced – the star of the show!
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional) – for a touch of heat
1 tablespoon neutral oil – like avocado or canola, for searing
Salt and pepper to taste – for seasoning the shrimp
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails on, pat dry – essential for a quick cook
3 cups small broccoli florets – for a crisp-tender veggie component
Garnish: thinly sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, lime wedges – for freshness and flair

Honey Garlic Shrimp: 1 Irresistible Feast - Honey Garlic Shrimp - main visual representation

How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp

Follow these simple steps to create this amazing how to make honey garlic shrimp dish. It’s a straightforward process that yields incredibly delicious results, perfect for any night of the week.

Cooking the Coconut Rice

First, we make the fluffy coconut rice. Rinse your jasmine rice until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Combine the rinsed rice, shaken coconut milk, water, and salt in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Let it rest, covered, off the heat for another 5-10 minutes. Fluff gently with a fork and set aside, ready for garnishing with crispy shallots.

Preparing the Honey Garlic Sauce

Next, let’s whip up that irresistible sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, rice vinegar, and sesame seed oil. Stir in the minced ginger, garlic, and optional chili flakes until well combined. This mixture will thicken beautifully when heated, creating that signature sticky glaze for your shrimp.

Cooking the Shrimp and Broccoli

Now for the star of the show! Heat a tablespoon of neutral oil in a large skillet over high heat. While the pan heats up, lightly season your large shrimp with salt and pepper. Once the oil is shimmering hot, carefully add the shrimp in a single layer. Sear them for about 1 minute per side until they get a nice char but aren’t fully cooked – this is key for that perfect pan-seared honey garlic shrimp texture. Remove the shrimp and set them aside. Give the sauce a quick whisk and pour it into the hot skillet. Immediately add the broccoli florets, tossing to coat them in the thickening sauce. Cook for a minute or two until they’re just starting to soften. Finally, add the seared shrimp back into the skillet, tossing everything together until the shrimp are cooked through and beautifully coated in the glossy sauce. The broccoli should be crisp-tender.

Pro Tips for the Best Honey Garlic Shrimp

Want to elevate your honey garlic shrimp game from good to absolutely amazing? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make all the difference. These simple tips will ensure your shrimp are perfectly cooked and the sauce is just right, every single time.

Pat your shrimp super dry before searing. This is crucial for getting that beautiful golden-brown crust instead of steaming them.
Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the shrimp. Cook them in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and achieve that perfect sear.
Have all your sauce ingredients pre-mixed and ready to go before you start cooking the shrimp. This dish moves fast!
Use fresh ginger and garlic for the most vibrant flavor. Bottled pastes just don’t offer the same punch.

What’s the secret to perfect Honey Garlic Shrimp?

The secret to truly perfect best honey garlic shrimp lies in high heat searing and not overcooking. Searing the shrimp quickly locks in their juices and creates a wonderful texture, while adding them back at the very end ensures they remain tender and succulent. For more information on proper searing techniques, consult resources on how to properly sear seafood.

Can I make Honey Garlic Shrimp ahead of time?

While the shrimp are best cooked fresh, you can prep the sauce and chop all your aromatics in advance. Store the pre-mixed sauce and prepared shrimp separately in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Cook as directed, adding the shrimp at the end.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Honey Garlic Shrimp?

The most common pitfalls are rubbery shrimp and a watery sauce. To avoid rubbery shrimp, don’t cook them for too long – just until pink and opaque. For a thick, glossy sauce, ensure your cornstarch is fully whisked into the liquid ingredients before heating. Understanding how to thicken sauces is a key culinary skill.

Best Ways to Serve Honey Garlic Shrimp

This vibrant honey garlic shrimp dish is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for any occasion. Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve it:

Honey Garlic Shrimp with Rice: This is my absolute favorite way to enjoy it! The fluffy coconut rice is the perfect vehicle for soaking up all that delicious, sticky garlic honey shrimp stir fry sauce. Serve the shrimp and broccoli right over a bed of the rice.
Shrimp Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter, low-carb option, spoon the honey garlic shrimp mixture into crisp lettuce cups. Add some shredded carrots or cucumber for extra crunch.
As a Stir-Fry Base: Toss the finished shrimp and sauce with your favorite stir-fry vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or snow peas, and serve over noodles or quinoa for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts for Honey Garlic Shrimp

This honey garlic shrimp recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional information per serving:

Calories: 521 kcal
Fat: 21 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Protein: 24 g
Carbohydrates: 62 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 14 g
Sodium: 1547 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

How to Store and Reheat Honey Garlic Shrimp

Even though this honey garlic shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, I know life gets busy! Luckily, leftovers store beautifully for a few days. Once your delicious shrimp dish has cooled down completely, transfer it to an airtight container. It should keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. While freezing isn’t ideal because it can affect the texture of the shrimp and broccoli, if you must, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat, I find the best method is gently on the stovetop in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking the shrimp. This method works great for enjoying your quick honey garlic shrimp leftovers throughout the week!

Variations of Honey Garlic Shrimp You Can Try

Looking to switch things up or cater to different dietary needs? This versatile honey garlic shrimp recipe is a fantastic base for all sorts of delicious twists. Here are a few ideas to inspire your next meal:

Spicy Kick: For an extra kick, add a teaspoon of Thai red curry paste or a few more chili flakes to the sauce mixture. This transforms it into a more fiery Asian honey garlic shrimp experience.
Vegetarian Delight: Swap the shrimp for extra-firm tofu or large chunks of hearty mushrooms like shiitake or king oyster. Follow the same stir-fry process for a fantastic vegetarian meal.
Baked Version: If you prefer a hands-off approach, try baked honey garlic shrimp. Marinate the shrimp in the sauce for 30 minutes, then spread on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, until cooked through.
Extra Veggie Power: Elevate your garlic honey shrimp stir fry by adding other crisp-tender vegetables such as bell peppers, snow peas, carrots, or zucchini. Toss them in with the broccoli for a more colorful and nutrient-packed dish.

Frequently Asked Questions About Honey Garlic Shrimp

What is honey garlic shrimp?

Honey garlic shrimp is a popular Asian-inspired dish featuring plump shrimp coated in a sweet and savory glaze made from honey, soy sauce, and garlic. It’s known for its sticky, glossy sauce that beautifully clings to the tender seafood. This dish is a favorite because it’s quick to prepare and delivers a fantastic flavor punch.

Can I use different types of shrimp?

Absolutely! While large shrimp are ideal for this recipe, you can certainly use medium or jumbo shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time slightly; smaller shrimp will cook faster, so be careful not to overcook them. Always aim for that perfect pink, opaque finish.

What is the best way to serve honey garlic shrimp?

My favorite way to serve honey garlic shrimp is over fluffy coconut rice, as detailed in the recipe! The rice is the perfect canvas for soaking up all that delicious sauce. You can also serve it with steamed white or brown rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. It’s also fantastic in lettuce wraps!

What makes shrimp with honey and garlic so appealing?

The appeal of shrimp with honey and garlic lies in its incredible flavor combination. The sweetness from the honey perfectly balances the pungent garlic and salty soy sauce, creating a complex yet harmonious glaze. It’s a “sweet and savory” profile that most people find incredibly satisfying and addictive.