What does honey garlic shrimp taste like?

This honey garlic shrimp recipe delivers a sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavor. The honey provides natural sweetness, while the soy sauce and garlic add depth and umami. When cooked properly, the sauce caramelizes slightly and clings to the shrimp, giving you a sticky, bold coating in every bite.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, frozen shrimp work perfectly. Just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. Moisture will prevent the shrimp from searing properly, which is essential to the texture in this pan seared garlic shrimp approach. Whether fresh or frozen, the quality of the shrimp affects the final result, so look for wild-caught or sustainably farmed options.

How do I get the sauce to stick to the shrimp?

To get that classic sticky finish in this honey garlic shrimp recipe, lightly coat the shrimp in cornstarch before searing. This helps create a slightly crisp exterior. Then, simmer the sauce in the same pan, allowing it to reduce and cling naturally to the shrimp. Stir frequently and make sure the sauce is thick before removing from heat.

What should I serve with honey garlic shrimp?

Rice is the most popular base — white, brown, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. You can also serve the shrimp in lettuce wraps, tacos, or over noodles. Steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snow peas, or bell peppers complement the flavors well. For an indulgent side, pair it with butternut squash and sausage tortellini soup, especially during colder months.

Is honey garlic shrimp healthy?

Yes, when prepared with minimal oil and served with whole grains or vegetables, this dish is a healthy option. It’s high in protein, naturally sweetened, and low in saturated fat. To make it even healthier, reduce the honey slightly or use low-sodium soy sauce.

Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe – Quick, Sweet & Irresistible

Description

A quick and flavorful honey garlic shrimp recipe with a sticky sweet-savory sauce, ready in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup honey
3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari)
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp neutral cooking oil (like canola or avocado)
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 green onions, sliced
Sesame seeds for garnish

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Instructions

Pat shrimp dry and toss with cornstarch.
Whisk honey, soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and chili flakes in a small bowl.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear shrimp 1–2 minutes per side until pink and crisp.
Add sauce, stir, and cook 2 minutes until thickened.
Remove from heat and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve hot over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps.

Notes

For gluten-free: use tamari instead of soy sauce.

For spice: add chili garlic paste or sriracha.

Store in airtight container up to 3 days.

Reheat on stove with a splash of water.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Sauté
Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 280 kcal
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 24g
Cholesterol: 140mg