If you’re looking for a dish that bursts with flavor, comes together quickly, and is sure to impress, this Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Juicy shrimp coated in a perfectly crispy layer meet a luscious honey garlic sauce that’s both sweet and savory, creating a mouthwatering combination you’ll crave again and again. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or treating guests to something special, this recipe brings comfort and elegance effortlessly to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—from the cornstarch creating that irresistible crispy coating to the honey and garlic blending into a rich, glossy sauce that ties everything together beautifully.
- Shrimp: 2 lbs peeled and deveined shrimp, the star protein offering tender, juicy bites.
- Black pepper: 1 tsp to add a gentle, warming spice.
- Garlic salt: 1 tsp to season and enhance the garlic flavor throughout.
- Cornstarch: 1/4 cup to create a delectably crispy outer crust once cooked.
- Olive oil: 2 Tbsp for a light, fruity base to cook the shrimp without overpowering.
- Butter: 2 Tbsp to add richness and help meld the sauce.
- Honey: 1/2 cup to provide natural sweetness that balances the savory notes.
- Minced garlic: 2 Tbsp for a bold, aromatic punch that’s essential to this recipe.
- Soy sauce: 1/4 cup to introduce umami depth and a subtle saltiness.
- Optional garnish – sliced green onions: Bright green slices add freshness and a lovely color contrast.
How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by mixing black pepper, garlic salt, and cornstarch in a large bowl. This simple mixture is the secret to that amazing crispy coating. Toss your cleaned shrimp in this until every piece is fully coated—this ensures each bite comes with a wonderful texture that is both crunchy and juicy.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the coated shrimp in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Cook each side for about 1 to 2 minutes, until the shrimp turns pink with slightly crispy edges. This step locks in moisture and starts building rich flavors. Once done, transfer the shrimp to a plate, keeping them warm for the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant—about 30 seconds—to avoid bitterness. Pour in honey and soy sauce and stir gently. Let it simmer for a few minutes, thickening into a glossy glaze that will coat the shrimp perfectly, delivering that irresistible balance of sweetness and savory depth.
Step 4: Combine Shrimp and Sauce
Return your crispy shrimp back to the skillet. Toss everything together so that each piece gets luxuriously coated in the honey garlic sauce. Let it cook together for another minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify, creating that signature taste that makes this Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe truly unforgettable.
Step 5: Serve
Remove from heat and transfer the shrimp onto your serving dish. This is where you can add a personal touch with garnishes and sides that complement the rich, vibrant flavors you just created.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Sliced green onions add a fresh, crisp bite and a pop of color that brightens the dish visually and texturally. You can also sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds for crunch or a hint of nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the honey garlic glaze.
Side Dishes
This Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe shines when paired with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa, soaking up all that saucy goodness. For a low-carb approach, serve it alongside sautéed greens or roasted vegetables. The shrimp’s bold flavors work well with anything subtly seasoned to keep the spotlight on your main star.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, serve the shrimp on a bed of spiralized zucchini noodles or alongside a colorful slaw for crunch and freshness. You can even skewer the shrimp with veggies for a fun, handheld appetizer that’s sure to impress at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Honey Garlic Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To preserve the sauce’s texture, try to keep the shrimp and sauce combined, ensuring that every bite remains flavorful and moist.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, freeze cooked shrimp separately from the sauce in freezer-safe bags or containers. The shrimp can last up to 3 months frozen, though for best texture, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep the shrimp tender and prevent the sauce from burning. Avoid microwaving directly to maintain the perfect sauce consistency and chewy-crisp shrimp texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before coating with the cornstarch mixture to ensure crispiness when cooked.
Is this recipe spicy?
This particular honey garlic shrimp recipe is sweet and savory but not spicy. You can easily add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you want some heat.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce to keep the dish gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
What can I substitute if I don’t have cornstarch?
You can swap cornstarch with arrowroot powder or potato starch as alternative coatings to achieve that crispy finish.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely, this recipe scales well. Just be mindful to cook the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, so each piece crisps up beautifully.
Final Thoughts
I really hope you give this Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that somehow manages to feel both special and effortless. Between the crispy, juicy shrimp and the rich, honey-kissed garlic sauce, every bite promises a little moment of pure joy. Trust me—you’re going to fall in love with it as I did!
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Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with a crispy shrimp exterior and a luscious honey garlic sauce. Ready in just 17 minutes, this dish is quick to prepare and ideal for a delicious, satisfying meal served over rice or your favorite sides.
Ingredients
Shrimp Coating
- 2 lbs peeled and deveined shrimp, cleaned and patted dry
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1/4 cup corn starch
For Cooking
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp butter
Sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
Optional Garnish
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: In a large bowl, whisk together the black pepper, garlic salt, and cornstarch until well combined. Add the cleaned shrimp and toss thoroughly to coat each shrimp evenly. This coating will help achieve a crispy texture when cooked.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding the pan. Cook each side for 1-2 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and develop a slightly crispy exterior. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the butter. Allow it to melt completely before adding minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Next, stir in honey and soy sauce, mixing well. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the thickened honey garlic sauce. Toss the shrimp well to coat evenly. Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes to thoroughly heat the shrimp and intensify the flavors.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions if using, and serve the honey garlic shrimp hot, ideally over rice or with your preferred side dishes for a fulfilling meal.
Notes
- To avoid overcooking, watch the shrimp carefully as they cook quickly and can become rubbery if left too long.
- You can substitute soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option.
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while cooking.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
