If you’re looking for a 10-minute shrimp recipe that’s sweet, salty, and juicy, and a delicious weeknight dinner that’s ready on the table quickly, then “Honey Garlic Shrimp” is perfect for you, making it a delightful and perfect choice for everyone.
Table of Contents
Honey Garlic Shrimp: 10-Minute Shrimp
Tender garlic shrimp are cooked in a vibrant homemade sauce made with honey, soy sauce, garlic, lemon juice, and a few simple spices, which is incredibly delicious and delivers a sweet, salty, garlicky, and slightly sour flavor to every bite—a delicious combination.
This easy shrimp recipe is ideal for busy weeknights because it requires very little preparation and is quick to prepare. Serve it with steamed rice, quinoa, noodles, or roasted vegetables.
It’s a very satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Why love Honey Garlic Shrimp?
- There are so many reasons to keep this recipe in your regular dinner rotation.
- It uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
- It’s ready in as little as 10 minute
- Perfect for weeknight dinners
- Perfectly tender shrimp with a delicious sticky glaze
- Salt, sweet, and garlicky flavor
- Perfect for cooking and using leftovers for lunch
- Perfect to serve with noodles, rice, or vegetables
- Prepared in one skillet
All the ingredients you need for Honey Garlic Shrimp in 10 minutes:
Ingredients for Shrimp:
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Ingredients for Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger, optional
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Ingredients for Garnish:
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or green onio
- Lemon wedge, optional
How to Choose Shrimp?
- Large or extra-large shrimp work especially well for making 10-minute honey garlic shrimp, as they stay succulent while cooking thoroughly.
- You can use either fresh or frozen shrimp.
- If you use frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and dry them thoroughly on a paper towel before cooking.
- Shrimp are best cooked rather than steamed to remove excess moisture. For ease, peeled and deveined shrimp are a great option for a quick dinner.
How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp: Complete Instructions
1. Preparing the Shrimp
- If your shrimp are frozen, thaw them first and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess water.
- Sprinkle salt, pepper, and paprika over the shrimp.
- Gently mix them together to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Avoid adding too much seasoning, as the soy sauce in the honey garlic sauce already has a rich flavor.
2. Mixing the Honey Garlic Sauce
- Use a small bowl.
- Add the soy sauce, honey, lemon juice, water, cornstarch, sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes, if desired.
- Mix them well.
- Keep whisking until the cornstarch is completely dissolved.
- The sauce will thicken slightly and become glossy after cooking thanks to the cornstarch.
3. Heating the Pan
- Use a large pan.
- Place over medium-high heat.
- Add olive oil and heat for a few seconds.
- The shrimp should turn light brown in the pan, while remaining soft on the inside.
4. Cooking the Shrimp
- Place the marinated shrimp in a single layer in the pan.
- Cook one side for about 2 minutes, then flip the shrimp over and cook for another 2 minutes.
- The shrimp should be pink and opaque and curl into a loose ‘C’ shape.
- Avoid overcooking the shrimp, as overcooking can make them rubbery.
5. Adding Garlic
- Now reduce the heat slightly and add the finely chopped garlic.
- Stir constantly and cook for 20 to 30 seconds.
- The garlic cooks very quickly, so watch it carefully to ensure it doesn’t burn.
6. Adding the Honey Garlic Sauce
- Pour the prepared sauce into the pan.
- Gently mix it well to coat the shrimp evenly.
- Continue cooking the sauce over low heat for about 2 minutes.
- As it softens, the cornstarch thickens and makes the sauce thicker, so it adheres better to the shrimp.
7. Preparation and Garnish
- When the sauce thickens and the shrimp are completely coated, remove the pan from the heat.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions or parsley on top
- You can squeeze in fresh lemon juice for an added kick.
- Now your quick “Honey Garlic Shrimp in 10 Minutes” is ready to serve and you can enjoy it.
What can I serve with Honey Garlic Shrimp?
- This 10-minute Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe goes great with a variety of side dishes.
- Steamed rice
- Noodles
- Roasted vegetables
- Quinoa
- Salad
Tips for perfect Honey Garlic Shrimp:
- Pat the Honey Garlic Shrimp thoroughly and dry them.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Be careful with the garlic.
- Avoid overcooking the shrimp.
- Adjust the sweetness.
- Be sure to use fresh lime juice.
Some easy variation suggestions:
For more delicious ways to make Honey Garlic Shrimp, check out these.
Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp:
Add 1/2 teaspoon or more of red pepper flakes to the sauce and a dash of Sriracha for added spiciness.
Honey Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli:
Before serving, add steamed or lightly sautéed broccoli to the pan.
Mix everything together so the sauce coats the vegetables.
Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp:
If you like the taste of honey, substitute butter for olive oil for a richer flavor.
Ginger Honey Garlic Shrimp:
If you prefer a spicier flavor, add freshly grated ginger.
Lemon Honey Garlic Shrimp:
For a more intense citrus flavor, add more fresh lemon juice and lemon zest.
Storage Tips:
- Let the leftover Honey Garlic Shrimp cool thoroughly at room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator and use within a few days.
- To reheat, gently heat the shrimp in a pan over low heat
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little water.
- Reheating for extended periods should be avoided, as repeated high heat can toughen the shrimp.
Q. Can I freeze Honey Garlic Shrimp?
Absolutely! The texture of Honey Garlic Shrimp, made in 10 minutes, is usually excellent for serving fresh.
If you do freeze, thoroughly cool the cooked shrimp and place them in a freezer-safe container. It should be frozen with a little sauce to prevent them from drying out.
Let them thaw in the refrigerator before gently reheating them in a pan.
FAQ
Answers to Questions About Honey Garlic Shrimp
Q. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp works great, but I recommend thawing them completely and patting them dry before seasoning and cooking.
Q. How long does it take to cook Honey Garlic Shrimp?
Shrimp take just a few minutes to cook. A quick sauce can make the entire recipe ready in about 10 minutes.
Q. What size shrimp should I use?
Large or extra-large shrimp are ideal. Small shrimp also work, but they cook faster, so you need to watch them carefully.
Q. Can I make Honey Garlic Shrimp without soy sauce?
Absolutely! Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. If you use another option, be sure to adjust the amount to suit the saltiness.
Q. How do I know if the shrimp are fully cooked?
Cooked shrimp should be opaque and firm, with a pink exterior. They should be in a loose “C” shape rather than a tightly curled circle.
Q. Can I spice up the honey garlic shrimp?
You can add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, chili sauce, or Sriracha to your liking.
Q. What vegetables go well with honey garlic shrimp?
Broccoli, snap peas, bell peppers, asparagus, green beans, carrots, and zucchini all pair well with this sweet-savory sauce.
Q. Can I make the recipe ahead?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and season the shrimp in advance, then cook them just before serving. Shrimp cooks very quickly, so freshly cooked shrimp gives the best texture.
Final Thoughts
Honey Garlic Shrimp proves that even a quick dinner can be full of flavor. Succulent shrimp are coated in a homemade honey garlic glaze, which combines sweet honey, salty soy sauce, fresh garlic, and tangy lemon juice.
These 10-minute honey garlic shrimp are perfect served with rice or your favorite vegetables for an easy weeknight meal, or turn them into a noodle bowl for something more satisfying.
If you want to make a great dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen, this honey garlic shrimp recipe is perfect for those busy evenings, making it quick, delicious, and family-friendly.