Name: Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds large shrimp (peeled and deveined); 1 tablespoon neutral oil; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 3 tablespoons honey; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 3 garlic cloves (finely grated); 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (finely grated); 2 teaspoons sesame oil; 2 scallions (thinly sliced); Toasted sesame seeds

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The aroma of sautéed garlic mingling with the sweetness of honey wafts through your kitchen, coaxing your taste buds to awaken. As the shrimp cook, they transform from a pale gray to a vibrant pink, glistening with sauce that clings like a cozy blanket. Each bite is a delightful dance of flavors, with a hint of savory soy sauce and a punch of ginger, creating a symphony that tantalizes the senses. With this Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe, you can bring the comforts of a flavorful seafood dish to your table in mere minutes.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp

Thinking back to family dinners around the table, shrimp was a favorite. My mom would whip it up on busy weeknights after long school days – quick, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious. I remember eagerly awaiting that golden shrimp, served over a steaming bed of rice, soaking in all that savory goodness. Fast-forward to now, and I still hold onto that warmth each time I prepare this dish. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp is the perfect option that brings everyone together in joyful anticipation. Ready to make it? Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Dinner on the table in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
Irresistible Flavor: Sweet, salty, and oh-so-satisfying; you’ll savor each sticky bite.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Gorgeous golden shrimp topped with fresh scallions and sesame seeds make for a stunning presentation.
Flexible Serving: Ideal for a quick weeknight meal, impressive enough for guest dinners, or even a light lunch.
Diet-Friendly Options: Naturally gluten-free and can be adapted for low-carb diets by skipping the rice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 ½ pounds large shrimp (peeled and deveined): Fresh shrimp are the stars of the show, providing a sweet and tender texture. You can use frozen shrimp if you’re in a pinch; just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
1 tablespoon neutral oil: This is used for sautéing the shrimp. Canola or vegetable oil works well, but feel free to use extra virgin olive oil for a little extra flavor!
½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the shrimp. If you’re watching your sodium intake, you can reduce this or use a salt alternative.
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the dish. Freshly ground black pepper will give a more robust flavor.
3 tablespoons honey: The star of the sauce, honey adds sweetness and helps create that gorgeous glaze. Maple syrup can act as a substitute for a different sweetness profile.
3 tablespoons soy sauce: This gives the dish its umami element and adds savory depth. If you’re gluten-free, using tamari instead works perfectly.
1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Offers a subtle tang that balances the sweetness. If you don’t have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar can be a decent stand-in.
3 garlic cloves (finely grated): Fresh garlic lends a pungent, aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with shrimp. Minced garlic can be used, but freshly grated is best for this dish.
1 teaspoon fresh ginger (finely grated): Provides a warm, spicy note to the sauce. If you don’t have fresh ginger, ground ginger can work in a pinch, though the flavor will be milder.
2 teaspoons sesame oil: Adds a nutty fragrance, elevating the dish. You can skip this if you’re out, but it really does make a difference.
2 scallions (thinly sliced): Fresh scallions not only add color but also a crunchy texture. Chives are a nice alternative if desired.
Toasted sesame seeds: Perfect for sprinkling on top, imparting a nutty crunch. These can typically be found in the Asian foods aisle of your grocery store.

How to Make Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Whisk and Prep: Begin by whisking together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil in a bowl until well combined. This mix creates a deep, rich sauce that will cover the shrimp in flavor. While prepping, make sure to have all your ingredients ready to go because this dish comes together quickly, and you want to avoid burning the shrimp!

Season the Shrimp: Next, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels, ensuring they are nice and dry for cooking. This helps them sear beautifully. Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Season the shrimp with kosher salt and black pepper, and add them to the pan in a single layer. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and curl slightly, indicating they’re cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.

Cook the Sauce: Pour your honey-garlic sauce into the same skillet, still hot from the shrimp. Cook it over medium heat for about 3 minutes or until it reduces slightly and becomes sticky, developing an aromatic fragrance that fills the kitchen. This step is crucial, as it thickens the sauce, boosting its flavors.

Glaze the Shrimp: Return your beautiful shrimp to the pan and stir them in, ensuring they’re coated generously with the sauce. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. This allows all the flavors to mingle together, creating that glossy finish that will have everyone salivating.

Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and top the shrimp with sliced scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added crunch and flair. Serve immediately, making sure to scoop up that yummy sauce to drizzle over rice or noodles for a complete meal!

Storing & Reheating

If you have any leftovers of this tempting Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let the shrimp cool down before sealing them away to retain their texture. You can freeze the shrimp for up to 3 months, but keep in mind that the texture may change slightly. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, a gentle reheat in a skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes will work wonderful, ensuring you don’t lose that delicious glaze that makes the dish shine.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the shrimp; this allows for a proper sear, ensuring they cook evenly.
Always pat the shrimp dry before cooking – excess moisture can prevent them from browning nicely.
Warm shrimp can be sensitive; cook them until just pink to avoid a rubbery texture.
Feel free to add veggies like snap peas or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition!
For added heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes during the sauce-cooking phase.

Fresh, vibrant, and brimming with flavor, this recipe for Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp is a likely contender for your new favorite dish. It’s not just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace after a long day. Throw in some fluffy rice or crisp veggies and you’ve got a winning dinner ready to impress.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen shrimp are a convenient choice for this Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe. Just be sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator or under cold running water before cooking. Pat them dry to ensure they sear well.

How can I make this dish low-carb?

To make this honey garlic shrimp low in carbs, skip the rice or serve it over steamed vegetables instead. Zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice make fantastic substitutes, keeping the dish satisfying without the extra carbs.

What can I serve with honey garlic shrimp?

There are many delicious options! Serve the Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp over fluffy white rice, quinoa, or even pasta. You can also pair it with a refreshing salad or stir-fried vegetables for a lighter meal.

How can I enhance the flavors of the sauce?

For an extra boost of flavor, consider adding a dash of chili sauce or some fresh lime juice to the honey-garlic sauce. You can also experiment with different oils like chili oil for a spicy kick!