This Honey Garlic Shrimp is a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner that comes together in just 15 minutes. With juicy shrimp coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze, this dish pairs perfectly with rice and broccoli for a satisfying, better-than-takeout meal. Made in one skillet and packed with bold flavor, it’s a go-to recipe for busy nights when you need something fast and delicious.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

2 tablespoons salted butter
2 teaspoons sesame oil
2 teaspoons grated or minced garlic (about 2 large cloves)
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
¼ cup honey
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
¼ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
Ground black pepper, to taste
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Optional toppings and sides:

Lemon or lime wedges
Sliced green onions
Toasted sesame seeds
Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
Crushed red pepper flakes
Cooked rice
Steamed broccoli
Hot sauce

Directions

In a large skillet, melt the butter and sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger; cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Let the mixture cook until thick and foamy, about 1–1½ minutes. Stir in salt and pepper, then transfer sauce to a bowl (do not wipe out skillet).
Add shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1 minute per side, or until they just turn pink and opaque.
Pour the sauce back into the skillet and toss with shrimp. Cook for about 1 more minute to coat evenly.
Serve immediately with desired toppings and side dishes.

Nutrients (Per Serving – ¼ of recipe)

Calories: 138 kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
Monounsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 463mg
Potassium: 29mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 18g
Vitamin A: 175 IU
Vitamin C: 1mg
Calcium: 5mg
Iron: 1mg

Prep and Cook Time

Speed is one of the greatest benefits of this recipe. From start to finish, the entire meal takes about 15 minutes, making it one of the fastest ways to get a home-cooked dish on the table without sacrificing flavor. There’s minimal prep—just peeling the shrimp and whisking together the sauce. Once the skillet is hot, the shrimp cook in just a couple of minutes, and the honey garlic glaze comes together even faster. It’s the kind of recipe you can turn to when you walk through the door with no plan and still have dinner on the table before anyone gets hangry.

Yield and Serving Suggestions

This recipe yields about four servings, making it ideal for a small family dinner or meal prep for the week. Honey Garlic Shrimp is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. For a classic combination, serve it over steamed white or brown rice with a side of broccoli or snap peas. You can also spoon the shrimp over noodles, cauliflower rice, or even quinoa for a wholesome twist. For something lighter, serve the shrimp atop a crisp green salad or tucked into lettuce cups. Add a drizzle of sriracha or a squeeze of citrus for a burst of brightness that elevates every bite.

Inspiration Behind the Recipe

This recipe takes inspiration from the sweet and savory flavor combinations often found in Asian-inspired cuisine. The honey and soy sauce duo mimics the balance of sticky-sweet and salty you’d find in traditional stir-fry dishes or teriyaki-style marinades. The addition of garlic and ginger gives the sauce a fragrant depth that makes it taste far more complex than it actually is. This dish channels the essence of your favorite takeout meals but in a fresher, lighter, and healthier form. It’s a comforting and familiar flavor profile that never goes out of style and is beloved by both kids and adults.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are endless reasons to love Honey Garlic Shrimp. It’s quick and easy, but still feels special. It uses a short list of pantry staples to create a sauce that’s bold, sticky, and addictive. The shrimp are tender and juicy, soaking up every drop of the glaze. It’s the kind of recipe that feels elevated enough for date night but is simple enough for a Tuesday. Plus, it’s cooked all in one skillet, which means fewer dishes and faster cleanup. Whether you’re a shrimp lover or just need a foolproof, last-minute dinner idea, this one is bound to become a new favorite in your rotation.

Perfect for Busy Weeknights

When you’ve had a long day and just want something delicious without the fuss, Honey Garlic Shrimp is the perfect solution. It comes together so quickly that you can prepare your sides while the shrimp cooks. It’s an ideal option for meal planning—buy a bag of frozen shrimp, keep the other ingredients stocked in your pantry, and you’ve got a lightning-fast dinner ready to go at a moment’s notice. Because it’s made with simple, wholesome ingredients, it also works well for feeding a crowd or adapting to various dietary preferences.

Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing

This dish is a win for families with kids or selective eaters. The honey gives the sauce a natural sweetness that balances the savory flavors, making it more approachable than spicy or heavily seasoned dishes. You can keep the heat mild or customize it with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those who like a little kick. The shrimp cook quickly and have a pleasing texture that pairs well with soft rice or noodles, making them easy for kids to eat. It’s a recipe that works just as well for a quiet family meal as it does for a dinner party with friends.

Healthy and Wholesome

Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein and cooks so quickly that it retains its natural tenderness without the need for heavy oils or sauces. The sauce is made with just a small amount of butter and sesame oil, balanced by honey, low-sodium soy sauce, and rice vinegar. You can easily adapt the recipe to make it gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Serve it with steamed vegetables and brown rice for a nutrient-packed dinner, or opt for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to keep it low-carb. It’s a clean, flavorful meal that won’t weigh you down.

Customizable to Suit Your Taste

One of the best features of this recipe is how easily it can be customized. You can add a splash of orange juice or pineapple juice for a fruity twist, stir in chili garlic sauce for heat, or finish with a pat of butter for extra richness. Try swapping in other proteins like chicken, scallops, or tofu if shrimp isn’t your favorite. The sauce also pairs beautifully with stir-fried veggies, making it a great base for rice bowls or noodle dishes. If you love bold flavors but want a meal you can tweak to suit your mood, Honey Garlic Shrimp is a must-try.

Tips for Best Results

For the most flavorful and evenly cooked shrimp, make sure they’re peeled and deveined before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to help them sear instead of steam. Use a large skillet to give the shrimp enough room to cook in a single layer—this helps them develop a slight char that contrasts nicely with the sweet glaze. Don’t overcook the shrimp; they only need a minute or so per side. Once they turn pink and curl into a C-shape, they’re done. Toss them quickly in the sauce to coat, and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

What Makes This Recipe Special

What sets Honey Garlic Shrimp apart is its unbeatable combination of speed, simplicity, and bold flavor. It tastes like something you’d order from your favorite Asian-fusion restaurant but takes less time to make than waiting for delivery. The sticky glaze, the juicy shrimp, the quick cleanup—it’s all designed to make your life easier without compromising on taste. It’s the kind of recipe you can memorize and return to again and again because it always delivers. Whether you serve it as a main course, a meal prep staple, or an impressive dish for guests, it never fails to impress.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Shrimp is everything you want in a go-to dinner recipe—fast, flavorful, and foolproof. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up a dish that tastes gourmet with a handful of simple ingredients and one skillet. It’s sweet, savory, and versatile enough to work with a variety of sides and garnishes. From quick family meals to elegant date nights, this recipe fits the bill and leaves everyone satisfied. If you’re looking for a reliable, better-than-takeout option that you can pull off any day of the week, Honey Garlic Shrimp is your new kitchen hero.

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