Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp
The aroma of Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe fills the kitchen, wrapping you in a warm embrace of sweet and savory. Picture succulent shrimp glistening as they sauté in a glossy, amber-hued sauce, the vibrant colors promising a delicious meal that’s just moments away. It’s a dish that carries memories of weeknight dinners spent with family, laughter filling the air as people gather around the table, eagerly awaiting the first bite. In just about 22 minutes, you can whisk together this delightful dish and enjoy it on a breezy summer evening, or whenever the craving strikes. There’s something special about shrimp swimming in a honey garlic glaze — it entices the senses and fills the heart with comfort. So gather your ingredients, unleash your inner chef, and get ready for a quick yet unforgettable culinary adventure!
Table of Contents
When you bring this recipe to the table, you’re not just preparing a meal; you’re creating moments — each bite bursting with flavor while holding the promise of serene evenings spent in good company. This Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe is about to become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s dive right in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in about 22 minutes, this dish is perfect for when you’re short on time but big on flavor.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet honey and savory garlic creates a mouthwatering sauce that clings to each shrimp.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The glossy shrimp and colorful scallions make for a stunning presentation that impresses family and guests alike.
- Flexible Serving: Enjoy it as a main course over rice, or serve it as an appetizer during gatherings — you really can’t go wrong!
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable to suit various dietary needs, just swap out the soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 ½ pounds large shrimp: Peeled and deveined to let the sauce shine. Choose fresh if possible, but frozen works too; just thaw it beforehand.
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil: This helps in sautéing without altering the flavors. Canola or vegetable oil are good choices.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances overall flavor; feel free to adjust according to taste.
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a subtle heat that enhances the shrimp’s sweetness.
- 3 tablespoons honey: The star that sweetens the dish. Opt for wildflower or clover honey for robust flavor.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds umami notes; tamari is a great gluten-free substitute.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Balances sweetness with its tangy bite. Apple cider vinegar can be a suitable alternative.
- 3 garlic cloves (finely grated): Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with delightful pungency and depth.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (finely grated): Provides warmth and spice; use it fresh for the best flavor.
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil: Adds a rich, nutty depth. Drizzle it on at the end for subtle flavor enhancement.
- 2 scallions (thinly sliced): Freshness and color make this dish pop; chives can be a nice alternative.
- Toasted sesame seeds: For garnish, they add a pleasant crunch and visual appeal. Lightly toast them for maximum flavor.
How to Make Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Whisk the Sauce: Begin by combining honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated garlic, ginger, and sesame oil in a bowl. Use a whisk to ensure all ingredients are fully blended, creating a beautiful, glossy sauce. Set it aside for now — the aroma will leave you eager to cook!
Pat and Season the Shrimp: Take your shrimp and gently pat them dry with paper towels. This ensures they sear nicely. Sprinkle the kosher salt and black pepper generously over them; this adds essential flavor. The shrimp are ready to hit the skillet!
Heat the Oil: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, pour in the neutral oil and let it heat until shimmering but not smoking. This is the perfect temperature for the shrimp to sear beautifully without stewing. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer.
Cook the Shrimp: Let the shrimp cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side. You’re looking for that irresistible pink hue and a slight curl, indicating they’re done perfectly. Avoid overcrowding the pan; if you have a lot, cook them in batches to achieve that gorgeous sear.
Add the Sauce: Remove the shrimp from the pan, setting them aside. Now, take the bowl of sauce you prepared earlier and pour it into the same skillet, scraping the bottom to capture all those tasty bits. Let it bubble for around three minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes sticky.
Coat the Shrimp: Return the shrimp to the pan, allowing them to soak up that fragrant sauce. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, stirring gently to coat every piece. Your kitchen should smell heavenly by now, beckoning everyone to the table!
Garnish and Serve: Take your skillet off the heat. Top the glossy shrimp with freshly sliced scallions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately for optimal texture; the shrimp will be juicy and full of flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Leftover Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp can be stored at room temperature for up to two hours, but for longer freshness, keep it in the refrigerator in an airtight container where it’ll stay good for 2-3 days. If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing it; just place it in a freezer-safe bag and store it for up to three months. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, or microwave it for about a minute, stirring halfway. Keep in mind that shrimp texture may change slightly during storage, but adding a splash of fresh soy sauce or a drizzle of sesame oil can help reinvigorate the flavor and moisture.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking shrimp, which can turn them rubbery; they should only be cooked until pink and slightly curled.
- Ensure your oil is hot before adding the shrimp to achieve that perfect sear.
- Add fresh vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas to the skillet at the same time as the sauce for an extra nutritious boost and colorful display.
- If the sauce is too thick upon reheating, add a touch of water or more soy sauce to achieve your desired consistency.
- Planning a gathering? You can prep the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge; just toss it with freshly cooked shrimp right before serving.
The Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe is an incredible option for anyone looking to prepare a rapid, inviting meal that packs a flavor punch. This dish invites creativity and adaptation; feel free to play with different proteins or vegetables, tailoring it to your preference. With its quick preparation and unforgettable taste, this delightful meal is sure to keep you coming back for more. Enjoy crafting this scrumptious dish and savoring the moments that follow!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen shrimp! Just be sure to thaw them fully before cooking. To do this, place them in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes or leave them in the fridge overnight. This helps ensure even cooking and great texture.
What can I serve with honey garlic shrimp?
Honey garlic shrimp pairs beautifully with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. You can also serve it over a bed of fresh greens for a light meal, or alongside roasted veggies for a heartier dish. The options are delicious and endless!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While shrimp are best fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just cook the shrimp and combine right before serving for the best taste and texture.
What’s a good substitute for honey to make it vegan?
If you want to make this dish vegan, you can substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave syrup. Both alternatives provide a sweet note that complements the garlic beautifully while keeping the richness of the dish intact.
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📖 Recipe Card
Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sauté
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Enjoy this Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp featuring a flavorful honey garlic glaze that comes together in no time. Perfect for quick dinners or gatherings, it’s a dish full of irresistible flavor and eye-catching appeal.
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 for garnish
Instructions
- Whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil in a bowl.
- Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; add shrimp in a single layer.
- Cook shrimp for 1-2 minutes on each side until pink and curled.
- Remove shrimp and add whisked sauce to the skillet; simmer for 3 minutes until thickened.
- Return shrimp to the skillet, coating them with the sauce and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds; serve immediately.
Notes
Shrimp can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or frozen for up to three months.
Add vegetables like bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
Use gluten-free soy sauce if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
