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Craving a meal that’s both quick and full of flavor? I’ve got just the dish for you: Sticky Honey Garlic Shrimp. This recipe brings together sweet honey, savory garlic, and tender shrimp into one delicious plate. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests at dinner. Let’s dive into this easy recipe and get ready to savor every bite!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner guests.
- Flavorful Sauce: The combination of honey, garlic, and ginger creates a sticky, sweet, and savory sauce that perfectly complements the shrimp.
- Healthy Ingredients: Using shrimp as the main protein, along with fresh garlic and ginger, makes this dish a nutritious choice without sacrificing flavor.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the heat level by adding more or less red pepper flakes, or even incorporating your favorite vegetables for extra nutrition.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need for Sticky Honey Garlic Shrimp. Each item adds flavor and depth to this dish.
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/4 cup honey
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
– 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
– Sesame seeds (for garnish)
These ingredients are simple yet powerful. The shrimp gives the dish protein. Honey adds sweetness, and garlic adds a bold flavor. Soy sauce brings saltiness, while ginger adds warmth. Sesame oil and rice vinegar enhance the taste.
Use fresh shrimp for the best results. If you want a kick, add red pepper flakes. Garnish your dish with green onions and sesame seeds. They add color and crunch.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready for a fun cooking adventure!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Instructions
1. Start by whisking together the sauce. In a medium bowl, combine the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, grated ginger, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes if you like some heat. This blend gives the shrimp its sweet and savory kick.
2. Next, heat the skillet. Pour a tablespoon of olive oil into a large skillet and warm it over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil shimmers. This shows that your pan is ready.
Cooking Instructions
1. Now, it’s time to cook the shrimp. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Season them lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on one side until they start to turn pink. This is when they begin to cook through.
2. Flip the shrimp over and pour the honey garlic sauce over them. Stir gently to coat each shrimp in the sauce. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes or until the shrimp are fully cooked. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it.
Final Touches
1. Once cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Let the shrimp sit in the sauce for a minute. This step helps them absorb all those tasty flavors.
2. For serving, dish out the shrimp while hot. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This adds a nice crunch and fresh flavor, making the dish even more delightful.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
Best shrimp to use
I recommend using large shrimp for this dish. They cook evenly and stay juicy. Look for shrimp that are fresh, firm, and have a slight sea smell. If you prefer, frozen shrimp works too. Just remember to thaw it first.
Avoiding overcooking
Shrimp cook fast, so you need to watch them closely. Cook them only until they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery. To check, cut one open; it should be white inside.
Flavor Enhancements
Adjusting spice levels
If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes to the sauce. Start with half a teaspoon and taste. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out! If you prefer a milder dish, skip the flakes or use just a pinch.
Personalizing the garlic sauce
You can tweak the garlic sauce to fit your taste. Want it sweeter? Add a touch more honey. Like it tangy? Increase the rice vinegar. Feel free to play with flavors until you find your perfect mix.
Pro Tips
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh garlic and ginger for a more vibrant flavor profile. Fresh ingredients enhance the overall taste of the dish and bring out the best in the honey garlic sauce.
- Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp. They should be cooked just until they turn pink and opaque, which usually takes only 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery.
- Adjusting Sauce Thickness: If the sauce becomes too thick while cooking, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. This will help you achieve the desired consistency for coating the shrimp.
- Garnishing Tips: For added flavor and visual appeal, consider garnishing with additional toppings like crushed peanuts or cilantro along with green onions and sesame seeds.
Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
Gluten-free options
If you need a gluten-free meal, swap soy sauce for tamari. Tamari tastes great and keeps the dish flavorful. You can also use coconut aminos as a soy sauce alternative. This adds a hint of sweetness.
Alternative protein options
Don’t have shrimp? Use chicken or tofu instead. Both proteins work well with the honey garlic sauce. For chicken, cut it into bite-sized pieces. Cook until golden and fully cooked. For tofu, use firm tofu, press it, and cut it into cubes. Sauté until golden brown before adding the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serving with rice or noodles
Sticky Honey Garlic Shrimp pairs nicely with rice or noodles. Steam white or brown rice for a soft base. If you prefer noodles, try rice noodles or soba noodles. They soak up the sauce well and add texture to the dish.
Pairing with vegetables
Add colorful veggies for a complete meal. Broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas work great. Sauté them in the skillet before adding the shrimp. This adds nutrients and makes your plate look vibrant and appealing.
Storage Info
Refrigeration
To store leftovers, let the shrimp cool down. Place them in an airtight container. Make sure the container is snug to keep air out. You can store the shrimp in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat the shrimp on the stove or in the microwave. If you choose to microwave, do it in short bursts to avoid overcooking.
Freezing
If you want to freeze Sticky Honey Garlic Shrimp, follow these simple steps. First, let the shrimp cool completely. Then, pack them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out all the air to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the shrimp for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat them gently in a skillet to keep them tender.
FAQs
Common Questions
How long to cook shrimp for perfect texture?
Cook shrimp for about 4-6 minutes. Start with 2-3 minutes on one side. Flip them, then cook for another 2-3 minutes. They should turn pink and curl slightly when done.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Thaw them first in cold water. This helps to keep the texture nice.
What to serve with Sticky Honey Garlic Shrimp?
Serve this dish with rice or noodles. Steamed veggies also pair well. You can even use it in tacos for a tasty twist.
Recipe Adjustments
Can I make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! Add more red pepper flakes. You can also stir in some hot sauce to suit your taste.
How to adjust the recipe for more servings?
Simply double or triple the ingredients. Make sure to cook the shrimp in batches to avoid crowding the skillet. This keeps them juicy and flavorful.
This recipe shows how to make Sticky Honey Garlic Shrimp. You learned about key ingredients, simple steps, and helpful tips. Remember to adjust flavors to fit your taste. Serve it with rice or noodles for a full meal. This dish is easy, tasty, and sure to impress. With these guides, you can cook a great meal for friends or family. Enjoy the cooking process and make it your ow
Sticky Honey Garlic Shrimp
A delicious and easy shrimp dish coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 2 red pepper flakes (optional)
- to taste salt and pepper
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- sesame seeds (for garnish)
In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, grated ginger, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Once the skillet is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they start turning pink. Flip the shrimp over.
Pour the honey garlic sauce over the shrimp and cook, stirring frequently, for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the shrimp are fully cooked and coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of water to loosen it.
Remove the skillet from heat and let the shrimp sit in the sauce for a minute to absorb the flavors.
Serve the shrimp hot, garnished with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Serve with rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Keyword honey garlic, quick meal, shrimp
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