Sticky Honey Garlic Shrimp

This Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe delivers a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, making it an irresistible choice for any meal. Marinated in a delectable honey-garlic sauce, then quickly cooked to juicy perfection in a single pan, this dish is not only bursting with taste but also incredibly simple to prepare. Serve it alongside fluffy rice and vibrant steamed broccoli for a complete, satisfying, and remarkably quick dinner that your whole family will adore!

When you’re searching for an effortlessly delicious and fast meal, seafood often comes to the rescue. This Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe truly exemplifies that convenience. Much like our popular Garlic Butter Shrimp and Teriyaki Shrimp, this dish promises to be on your dinner table in just about 15 minutes of active cooking, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when unexpected cravings strike. Its straightforward approach doesn’t compromise on flavor, offering a gourmet experience with minimal effort.

Shrimp with sauce and broccoli on a white plate. A perfect quick dinner.

One of the easiest and most flavorful shrimp dinners you can master is this Honey Garlic Shrimp. It relies on a handful of pantry staples—typically just five main ingredients, plus common seasonings like salt, pepper, and olive oil—that you likely already have on hand. This means less shopping, less fuss, and more time to enjoy your meal. Raw shrimp is bathed in a luscious mixture of sweet honey and pungent garlic, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate. It’s then seared quickly until plump, tender, and beautifully pink. The marinade transforms into a glossy, irresistible sauce right in the same pan, which is then tossed with the cooked shrimp for an explosion of taste. Seriously, talk about easy and incredibly delicious!

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Honey Garlic Shrimp

There are countless reasons why this Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe deserves a permanent spot in your weekly rotation. Here are just a few:

Lightning Fast: From prep to plate, you’re looking at minimal active cooking time. Seafood cooks quickly, making this perfect for those nights when time is of the essence.
Simple Ingredients: No exotic spices or hard-to-find items here. Just common pantry staples that come together to create extraordinary flavor.
Incredible Flavor Profile: The harmonious blend of sweet honey and savory garlic, complemented by a hint of soy and sesame, creates a sauce that’s rich, balanced, and utterly addictive.
Healthy and Nutritious: Shrimp is a lean protein source, low in calories and packed with essential nutrients. Paired with vegetables and rice, it makes for a well-rounded and wholesome meal.
Versatile: While fantastic on its own, this dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, from simple rice to noodles or a vibrant salad.
Minimal Cleanup: Cooked primarily in one pan, this recipe helps keep your kitchen tidy, which is always a bonus after a long day!

Essential Ingredients for Your Honey Garlic Shrimp

Crafting the perfect Honey Garlic Shrimp begins with selecting quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the robust flavor profile of this dish.

Shrimp: The star of our show! I typically opt for jumbo-sized shrimp (16/20 count) for a more substantial bite, but medium-sized shrimp (31/40 count) work equally well and cook even faster. Ensure your shrimp are peeled and deveined. You can buy them already prepped to save time, or do it yourself. Fresh or frozen (thawed) shrimp are both excellent choices.
Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural sweetness of the shrimp and balance the overall flavor.
Olive Oil: Used for searing the shrimp, providing a lovely golden crust and preventing sticking. A good quality olive oil can also add a subtle depth of flavor.
Honey: The core of the “sweet” in honey garlic. It brings a natural sweetness and helps the sauce achieve a beautiful glazed texture. Any good quality honey will do.
Garlic: The “garlic” in honey garlic! Freshly minced garlic is highly recommended for the most potent and aromatic flavor. While jarred minced garlic can be used in a pinch, fresh offers an unparalleled zest.
Soy Sauce: I prefer using low-sodium soy sauce to have better control over the saltiness of the dish. It provides that essential umami depth and savory counterpoint to the honey.
Sesame Oil: (Optional, but highly recommended) A small amount of toasted sesame oil adds a wonderfully nutty, aromatic flavor that elevates the entire dish, giving it an authentic Asian-inspired essence. Don’t skip this if you can!
Fresh Ginger: (Optional, but a fantastic addition to the sauce) Grated fresh ginger brings a warm, zesty, and slightly spicy note that brightens the honey garlic marinade beautifully.

Ingredients in bowls on a board for honey garlic shrimp.

Mastering Your Honey Garlic Shrimp: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these simple steps to create a restaurant-quality Honey Garlic Shrimp dish right in your own kitchen:

Prepare the Shrimp: Begin by thoroughly cleaning your shrimp. If they are not already peeled and deveined, carefully remove the shells and the dark vein running along the back. Rinse them under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels. This ensures a better sear and prevents the shrimp from becoming watery.
Season the Shrimp: Once clean and dry, place the shrimp in a bowl and season them lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This initial seasoning enhances their natural flavor before marinating.
Whisk the Marinade: In a separate medium-sized bowl or a liquid measuring cup, combine all the marinade ingredients: honey, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, sesame oil (if using), and grated fresh ginger (if using). Whisk everything together until well combined and the honey is fully dissolved. This mixture will serve as both your marinade and the luscious sauce.
Marinate the Shrimp: Transfer the seasoned shrimp into a resealable plastic bag or back into a clean bowl. Pour the prepared honey garlic marinade over the shrimp, ensuring every piece is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. While you can marinate for up to an hour for deeper flavor, avoid marinating much longer than that, as the acidity in the soy sauce can start to “cook” the delicate shrimp.

Shrimp with sauce in a bag, ready for marinating.

Heat the Pan: Once the shrimp are marinated, heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Ensure the oil is shimmering but not smoking before adding the shrimp. This high heat is crucial for a quick, even sear.
Cook the Shrimp: Using cooking tongs, carefully remove the shrimp from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Reserve the remaining marinade in the bowl for later. Place the shrimp in a single layer in the hot pan, being careful not to overcrowd it. Cook for about 1.5 to 2 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn opaque and pink, curling slightly into a C-shape. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery, so watch them closely! Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a clean plate and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: Pour the reserved marinade into the same pan. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If you desire a thicker sauce, mix 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Gradually whisk this slurry into the simmering sauce. Continue to simmer and stir for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, becoming glossy and rich.
Combine and Serve: You have two delicious options here: either pour the thickened honey garlic sauce directly over the cooked shrimp on the plate, or return the cooked shrimp to the pan with the sauce and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions if desired.

Shrimp with sauce in a pan, coated and ready to serve.

Expert Tips for the Best Honey Garlic Shrimp

Don’t Over-Marinate: Shrimp are delicate. While 30 minutes is ideal for absorbing flavors, marinating for more than an hour, especially with acidic ingredients like soy sauce, can start to break down their proteins, leading to a mushy texture.
Pat Shrimp Dry: Before seasoning and cooking, ensure your shrimp are thoroughly patted dry. This helps achieve a beautiful sear and prevents them from steaming instead of browning.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the shrimp in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature, preventing a good sear and causing the shrimp to release too much moisture.
Watch Cooking Times Closely: Shrimp cook very quickly. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, they’re done. Pull them off the heat immediately to avoid a rubbery texture.
Adjust Sweetness/Saltiness: Taste your marinade and sauce! You can always add a touch more honey for sweetness or a splash more soy sauce for saltiness, depending on your preference.
Cornstarch Slurry for Thicker Sauce: If your sauce isn’t as thick as you like, a cornstarch slurry is your best friend. Always mix cornstarch with cold water before adding it to hot liquid to prevent lumps.

Frequently Asked Questions About Honey Garlic Shrimp

Can I keep the tails on the shrimp?

While keeping the tails on shrimp can certainly make for a more elegant presentation in some dishes, I almost always recommend removing the tail shell for this particular recipe. Often, the vein in the shrimp might break or leave small, gritty bits within the tail section. If consumed, this can introduce an unpleasant sandy or dirt-like taste to your otherwise perfectly flavored dish. Removing the tails ensures a clean eating experience and allows the sauce to fully coat each shrimp.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Frozen shrimp are a convenient and often high-quality option. Just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating. The best way to thaw shrimp is to place them in a colander under cold running water for 5-10 minutes, or transfer them to the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, pat them very dry before proceeding with the recipe.

How long can I store leftovers?

Honey Garlic Shrimp leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh, as shrimp can become a bit tougher upon reheating.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the marinade ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also clean and devein the shrimp a day in advance. However, I recommend only marinating the shrimp for 30-60 minutes right before cooking to ensure the best texture.

What to Serve with This Flavorful Shrimp Dish?

This versatile Honey Garlic Shrimp pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, creating a well-balanced and satisfying meal.

Classic Rice: My go-to is always fluffy white rice or brown rice. The rice soaks up all the delicious honey garlic sauce, making every bite incredibly flavorful.
Steamed or Stir-fried Vegetables: Steamed broccoli is a fantastic choice, offering a fresh, crisp contrast. Other great options include stir-fried bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or asparagus.
Noodles: For a heartier meal, serve it over thin rice noodles, lo mein, or even quick-cooking ramen noodles (without the seasoning packet).
Fresh Salad: A refreshing addition like my Thai Cucumber Salad offers a bright, tangy counterpoint to the sweet and savory shrimp. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette would also be excellent.
Quinoa or Cauliflower Rice: For a gluten-free or low-carb alternative, quinoa or cauliflower rice are excellent choices.

Shrimp and broccoli on a plate, ready to be enjoyed.

More Easy Asian-Inspired Dinners

If you loved this Honey Garlic Shrimp, you’ll definitely want to explore more quick and easy Asian-inspired recipes that bring vibrant flavors to your table with minimal effort:

Pan Fried Noodles: A comforting and customizable dish, perfect for using up leftover vegetables.
Easy Vegetable Potstickers: Delicious homemade dumplings that are simpler to make than you think.
Quick Ramen Stir Fry: Transform instant ramen into a wholesome and flavorful meal in minutes.

For even more culinary inspiration and delightful recipes like this one, feel free to browse our dedicated Asian Category. You’ll find a treasure trove of dishes that are perfect for weeknights or entertaining.

If you enjoyed preparing and tasting this recipe, we’d love to see your creation! Snap a photo and share it on INSTAGRAM! Don’t forget to tag me @crunchycreamysweet so I can admire your dish and leave a comment! Happy cooking!

Honey Garlic Shrimp

Author: Anna

This Honey Garlic Shrimp is marinated in sweet sauce, then cooked together in a pan. Serve it with steamed broccoli and rice for a quick and easy dinner!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars from 5 votes

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Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 10 mins

Total Time: 40 mins (includes marination)

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Asian

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 295 kcal per serving

Ingredients

For the shrimp:

1 lb shrimp
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the sauce:

½ cup honey
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
3 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

Instructions

Remove shells and veins from shrimp.
Season shrimp with salt and pepper.
Mix marinade/sauce ingredients (honey, low-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger) in a measuring cup or bowl.
Place shrimp in a resealable bag or bowl, add marinade, and stir to coat. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to marinate.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
Remove shrimp from the bag with tongs (reserving marinade) and cook in the pan for 2 minutes on each side or until pink. Remove shrimp to a plate.
Add the remaining reserved marinade to the pan and bring to a simmer. If a thicker sauce is desired, mix 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of water and add to the sauce. Simmer until thick.
Serve sauce over shrimp, or return shrimp to the pan and toss to coat.

Notes

I used jumbo size shrimp but medium works perfectly too.
You can use fresh or jarred ginger for the sauce.
I recommend low-sodium soy sauce to control the sodium in the recipe.
Please note that the nutrition value can vary depending on the specific products used. The information below is an estimate. Always use a calorie counter you are familiar with for precise data.

Nutrition