The aroma of sautéed shrimp mingling with sweet honey and zesty garlic is enough to make anyone weak at the knees. Imagine a dish that brings together succulent shrimp coated in a sticky glaze, making you wonder if you’ve just stepped into a five-star restaurant.
Now, let me take you back to the first time I made this honey garlic shrimp dish. It was an ordinary Tuesday night when I decided to impress my friends with my “culinary skills.” Spoiler alert: they were impressed! The combination of flavors created a perfect harmony that had everyone asking for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This honey garlic shrimp recipe is incredibly quick to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze
- The flavor profile balances sweetness and savory notes perfectly
- Its beautiful presentation will wow your guests or family alike
- Plus, it’s versatile enough for tacos, salads, or served over rice!
The reactions from my friends were priceless when they tasted this dish for the first time—let’s just say they were not too subtle about wanting the recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Shrimp: Use large, peeled shrimp for the best texture; fresh or frozen both work well.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a robust flavor; avoid bottled versions for a fresher taste.
- Honey: Choose pure honey for sweetness; it caramelizes beautifully during cooking.
- Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness while keeping that umami flavor.
- Olive Oil: A good-quality olive oil enhances the overall richness of the dish.
- Green Onions: Chopped green onions add freshness and color as a garnish.
- Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds provide an extra crunch and visual appeal.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients so everything is within reach. This will streamline your cooking process and avoid last-minute scrambling.
Sauté the Garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned—about one minute.
Add the Shrimp: Toss in your shrimp and cook them until they turn pink and opaque—roughly 3-4 minutes on each side depending on their size.
Create the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix honey and soy sauce together before pouring it over the cooked shrimp in the skillet. Stir well to coat every piece evenly.
Carmelize: Continue cooking on medium-high heat until the sauce thickens slightly—around 2-3 minutes more—allowing those delicious flavors to meld together.
Finish with Garnish: Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for added flair before serving hot.
This honey garlic shrimp is not just simple; it’s practically foolproof! With its sweet-savory glaze coating tender shrimp that glisten like jewels on your plate, you’ll feel like a culinary rock star without breaking a sweat.
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself making this dish on repeat; it’s that addictive! Enjoy serving it over rice or tossing it into some crispy lettuce wraps for an out-of-this-world experience. Happy cooking!
You Must Know
- Honey garlic shrimp is not just delicious; it’s quick to make and impresses anyone
- The sweet and savory aroma fills your kitchen, making it an unforgettable dish
- Pair it with rice or noodles for a complete meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the shrimp while preparing the sauce. Sauté the garlic before adding the shrimp for maximum flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out shrimp for chicken or tofu. Add veggies like bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover honey garlic shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfectly cooked honey garlic shrimp, ensure they are not overcrowded in the pan
- This allows for even cooking and a lovely sear
- Always use fresh ingredients for optimal flavor, especially the garlic
- Don’t skip marinating; it’s key to infusing flavor into your shrimp!
Cooking honey garlic shrimp always brings back memories of family dinners filled with laughter and compliments. One time, my sister insisted on helping but nearly set off the smoke alarm instead!
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp for honey garlic shrimp?
Yes, just thaw them completely before marinating and cooking for best results.
What can I serve with honey garlic shrimp?
Serve over steamed rice, noodles, or a fresh salad to complement the flavors.
How spicy is honey garlic shrimp?
This recipe is mild; however, you can add red pepper flakes for extra heat if desired.
Honey Garlic Shrimp
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
A quick and delightful dish featuring succulent shrimp in a sweet and savory honey-garlic glaze, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests!
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients to streamline the cooking process.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
- In a small bowl, mix honey and soy sauce. Pour over cooked shrimp and stir to coat evenly.
- Cook on medium-high heat for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- For additional flavor, marinate shrimp in soy sauce for 15 minutes before cooking.
- Substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for variations. Add vegetables like bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 150mg