Shrimp

Honey Garlic Shrimp

Name: Honey Garlic Shrimp
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp (30g) honey; 1 tbsp (15g) soy sauce; 1 tbsp (15g) olive oil; 1 tsp (5g) grated ginger; 1/4 cup (60g) chicken broth; 2 tbsp (30g) cornstarch; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 green onions, chopped

By Sofia Marlowe · June 18, 2026 · Shrimp

Prep15 min

Cook10 min

Total25 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I made Honey Garlic Shrimp for my family. It was a weeknight, and I was looking for something quick and easy to make, but also impressive enough for a special occasion. This recipe exceeded all my expectations, and it's been a staple in our household ever since.

The combination of sweet honey, savory garlic, and succulent shrimp is a match made in heaven. And the best part? It's incredibly easy to make, even for a beginner. With just a few ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a dish that's sure to impress your friends and family.

One of the things I love about this recipe is its versatility. You can serve it as a main course, or as an appetizer or side dish. It's also a great option for a quick and easy weeknight meal, or for a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary.

In this article, I'll guide you through the process of making Honey Garlic Shrimp, from preparation to serving. I'll share my tips and tricks for getting the perfect golden brown color on the shrimp, and for creating a sauce that's both sweet and savory. So let's get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
It's perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or for a special occasion
The combination of honey and garlic creates a sweet and savory flavor combination that's hard to resist
The dish is versatile and can be served as a main course, appetizer, or side dish
It's a great option for a crowd, as it can be easily scaled up or down
The sauce is rich and sticky, making it perfect for serving with rice or noodles

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great Honey Garlic Shrimp is to cook the shrimp correctly. You want to get a nice golden brown color on the outside, while keeping the inside tender and juicy. To achieve this, it's essential to pat the shrimp dry before cooking, and to cook them at the right temperature.

Another important factor is the sauce. The honey and garlic create a sweet and savory flavor combination that complements the shrimp perfectly. By cooking the sauce slowly and reducing it to the right consistency, you can create a rich and sticky glaze that coats the shrimp beautifully.

Finally, it's all about balance. You want to balance the sweetness of the honey with the savory flavor of the garlic, and the richness of the sauce with the lightness of the shrimp. By getting this balance right, you can create a dish that's both delicious and visually appealing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Honey Garlic Shrimp, you'll need a few basic ingredients, including shrimp, honey, garlic, and soy sauce. You'll also need some oil for cooking, and some green onions for garnish. The key is to use high-quality ingredients, especially the shrimp, as this will make a big difference in the final dish.

1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveinedLook for fresh and sustainable shrimp, and make sure to pat them dry before cooking to get a nice golden brown color
2 cloves garlic, mincedUse high-quality garlic that's fresh and flavorful, and mince it finely to release its oils and flavor
2 tbsp (30g) honeyChoose a high-quality honey that's pure and flavorful, and use it sparingly to balance the sweetness of the dish
1 tbsp (15g) soy sauceUse a low-sodium soy sauce to avoid over-salting the dish, and adjust to taste
1 tbsp (15g) olive oilChoose a high-quality olive oil that's fresh and flavorful, and use it for cooking the shrimp and making the sauce
1 tsp (5g) grated gingerUse fresh ginger for the best flavor, and grate it finely to release its oils and flavor
1/4 cup (60g) chicken brothUse low-sodium chicken broth to avoid over-salting the dish, and adjust to taste
2 tbsp (30g) cornstarchUse cornstarch to thicken the sauce, and mix it with a little water before adding it to the sauce to avoid lumps
Salt and pepper to tasteUse salt and pepper to season the dish, and adjust to taste
2 green onions, choppedUse green onions for garnish, and chop them finely to add a fresh and flavorful touch to the dish

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or wokSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsWhiskSpatula

How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp

1
Rinse the shrimp under cold water, and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture
2
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger until well combined
3
Heat the olive oil in a large heavy skillet or wok over medium-high heat, until it reaches 375°F (190°C)
4
Add the shrimp to the skillet, and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until they're pink and cooked through
5
Remove the shrimp from the skillet, and set them aside on a plate
6
In the same skillet, add the chicken broth, and bring it to a simmer
7
Whisk the cornstarch with a little water, and add it to the skillet, stirring constantly to avoid lumps
8
Bring the sauce to a boil, and cook for 1-2 minutes, until it thickens and turns into a rich and sticky glaze
9
Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet, and toss them in the sauce to coat
10
Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with chopped green onions
11
Serve the Honey Garlic Shrimp hot, over rice or noodles, and enjoy

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, especially the shrimp, to make a big difference in the final dish
Pat the shrimp dry before cooking to get a nice golden brown color
Don't overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery
Use a low-sodium soy sauce to avoid over-salting the dish
Adjust the amount of garlic and ginger to your taste
Add the cornstarch mixture slowly, whisking constantly, to avoid lumps
Don't over-thicken the sauce, as it can become too sticky and heavy

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the shrimp, which can make them tough and rubbery
Using low-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish
Not patting the shrimp dry before cooking, which can prevent them from getting a nice golden brown color
Adding too much soy sauce, which can make the dish too salty
Not whisking the cornstarch mixture well, which can create lumps in the sauce
Over-thickening the sauce, which can make it too sticky and heavy

Variations and Substitutions

Add some red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick
Use different types of protein, such as chicken or tofu, for a variation
Add some vegetables, such as bell peppers or carrots, to the skillet with the shrimp
Use different types of noodles or rice, such as soba or jasmine rice, to serve with the dish
Add some fresh herbs, such as cilantro or basil, to the sauce for extra flavor
Use a different type of oil, such as avocado oil, for a unique flavor

What to Serve With Honey Garlic Shrimp

Some other options for serving the dish include:

Serve with steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or green beansServe with soba noodles or jasmine riceAdd some sliced green onions or sesame seeds for garnishServe with a side of stir-fried vegetables, such as bell peppers or carrots

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

The Honey Garlic Shrimp can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply cook it in a skillet over medium heat, until the sauce is hot and the shrimp are cooked through.

To freeze the dish, simply place it in an airtight container or freezer bag, and store it in the freezer. When you're ready to reheat, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, and cook it in a skillet over medium heat.

It's also possible to make the sauce ahead of time, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Simply reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, and add the cooked shrimp to the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of shrimp should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of shrimp you like, but larger shrimp work best for this recipe. Look for fresh and sustainable shrimp, and make sure to pat them dry before cooking to get a nice golden brown color

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Simply thaw them according to the package instructions, and pat them dry before cooking

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

To prevent the sauce from becoming too thick, simply add a little more chicken broth or water to the skillet, and whisk constantly to avoid lumps

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Simply reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, and add the cooked shrimp to the sauce

What type of noodles or rice should I serve with this dish?

You can serve the Honey Garlic Shrimp with any type of noodles or rice you like. Some options include soba noodles, jasmine rice, or steamed vegetables

Can I use different types of protein for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of protein for this recipe, such as chicken or tofu. Simply adjust the cooking time and method according to the protein you're using

How do I store the leftovers?

Can I make this recipe for a crowd?

Yes, you can easily scale up this recipe to feed a crowd. Simply multiply the ingredients according to the number of people you're serving, and cook the shrimp in batches if necessary

The Full Recipe

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