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Quick Honey Garlic Shrimp

Category: Everyday Mains Made Simple

This dish features large shrimp cooked in a sweet and fragrant honey garlic sauce, infused with garlic and soy. It starts by sautéing shrimp until just pink, then simmering them gently in a glossy honey-soy blend. The sauce can be thickened slightly with cornstarch for extra cling. Garnishes like green onions and sesame seeds add a fresh, nutty finish. Quick to prepare, this provides a balance of sweet and savory flavors with minimal prep time, making it a delightful option for any meal.

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Breanna smiling at the camera.
Created By Breanna
Last updated on Sat, 06 Dec 2025 16:43:24 GMT
A bowl of shrimp with broccoli and honey garlic sauce. Save
A bowl of shrimp with broccoli and honey garlic sauce. | foodiffy.com

This honey garlic shrimp is my easy go-to when I want something flavorful on the table fast. The sauce strikes the perfect balance of sweet and savory making it great for weeknight dinners or even as a party appetizer.

I first made this after a last minute dinner plan and it instantly became a family favorite

Ingredients

  • 1 pound large shrimp: peeled and deveined for the best texture and quick cooking
  • 1/4 cup honey: adds natural sweetness and a glossy finish choose raw honey for more floral notes
  • 4 cloves garlic: minced to release vibrant fresh flavor garlic is the backbone of the sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce: brings salty umami choose a low sodium version if you want to control saltiness
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil: for sautéing pick a good quality extra virgin for the best flavor
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch: optional helps thicken the sauce for a luscious coating
  • Salt and pepper to taste: season the shrimp before cooking to enhance their natural flavor
  • 2 green onions: sliced garnish for a fresh mild bite and color
  • Sesame seeds: optional garnish to add a little crunch and nutty aroma

Instructions

Build The Sauce:
Combine honey garlic soy sauce and olive oil in a small bowl and whisk well if you want a thicker sauce add cornstarch now mixing in completely so there are no lumps. This base will coat the shrimp later with just the right balance of sweet and savory.
Prepare The Shrimp:
Rinse the shrimp under cold water then pat very dry with paper towels this is key to get a good sear and prevents steaming. Season lightly with salt and pepper so the natural flavors shine through.
Cook The Shrimp:
Heat a large skillet over medium high heat and add some olive oil swirl to coat. Place the shrimp in a single layer so they cook evenly and do not crowd the pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they start to turn pink but are not fully cooked yet.
Add The Sauce And Simmer:
Pour the prepared honey garlic mixture over the shrimp. Toss carefully to coat every piece well using tongs or a spatula. Reduce the heat to medium low and let the shrimp gently simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until fully cooked and the sauce thickens and clings beautifully.
Garnish And Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat sprinkle the sliced green onions and optional sesame seeds over the shrimp for a pop of color and texture. Serve immediately while warm and glossy.
A bowl of shrimp with broccoli and garlic.
A bowl of shrimp with broccoli and garlic. | foodiffy.com

My favorite part is the garlic and honey sauce the way it caramelizes lightly on the shrimp always brings back memories of casual dinners spent with friends sharing dishes family style.

Storage Tips

Store cooled shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying them out. The sauce clings well so leftovers remain tasty.

Ingredient Swaps

You can swap honey for maple syrup or agave for a different sweetness profile without losing the sauce's charm. Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option. Freshly grated ginger adds a lovely brightness if you want to tweak the flavor.

Serving Ideas

Serve this shrimp over steamed jasmine rice or buttered noodles to soak up the sauce. Pair with a simple side of stir-fried vegetables or a crisp green salad for a complete meal that feels impressive but is easy to put together.

A bowl of shrimp with broccoli and spices.
A bowl of shrimp with broccoli and spices. | foodiffy.com

This honey garlic shrimp dish is a quick flavorful option perfect for any occasion. Serve it fresh for the best taste and enjoy the balance of sweet and savory in every bite.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ How do I prevent shrimp from overcooking?

Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, typically 2-3 minutes per side, then immediately remove from heat to keep them tender.

→ Can I adjust the sauce thickness?

Yes, adding a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water will help thicken the honey garlic sauce to your preferred consistency.

→ What is the best way to peel and devein shrimp?

Remove the shell starting from the legs, then use a small knife to make a shallow cut along the back to pull out the vein. Rinse under cold water afterward.

→ What sides complement honey garlic shrimp well?

Steamed rice, noodles, or sautéed vegetables make great companions, balancing the sweet and savory notes of the shrimp.

→ Can I add spice to this dish?

Yes, sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce while cooking to add a gentle heat that pairs nicely with the honey and garlic flavors.

Honey Garlic Shrimp

Tender shrimp coated with honey garlic sauce, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

Preparation Time
10 mins
Time to Cook
15 mins
Overall Time
25 mins
Created By: Breanna

Type of Recipe: Lunch & Dinner

Cooking Difficulty: Suitable for Beginners

Cultural Origin: Asian

Portion Size: 4 Number of Servings

Dietary Options: Dairy-Free

Ingredients Required

→ Seafood

01 450 grams large shrimp, peeled and deveined

→ Sauce

02 60 milliliters honey
03 4 cloves garlic, minced
04 30 milliliters soy sauce
05 15 milliliters olive oil
06 5 grams cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

→ Seasoning

07 Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Garnish

08 2 green onions, sliced
09 Sesame seeds (optional)

Guide to Cooking

Step 01

Rinse shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

Step 02

Combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and olive oil in a bowl. Stir in cornstarch if a thicker sauce is desired.

Step 03

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 04

Add shrimp in a single layer to the skillet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook 2-3 minutes until shrimp begin to turn pink.

Step 05

Pour the honey garlic mixture over shrimp and toss to coat evenly.

Step 06

Reduce heat and let shrimp simmer in sauce for 3-5 minutes until cooked through and sauce thickens.

Step 07

Remove from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if using. Serve immediately while warm.

Extra Suggestions

  1. Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy variation. Serve over rice or noodles to complete the meal.

Necessary Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Allergen Info

Always check ingredient labels for allergens, and talk to a health expert if you’re unsure.
  • Contains shellfish and soy

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Nutrition facts are for general information and shouldn’t replace professional health advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 275
  • Fats: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17.5 g
  • Protein: 27.5 g