10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe

There’s something magical about a recipe that’s ready in just 10 minutes yet tastes like it came from your favorite takeout spot. This honey garlic shrimp recipe is exactly that: fast, flavorful, and incredibly easy. The balance of sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and a gentle kick of garlic and ginger creates a sauce so irresistible you’ll be tempted to drizzle it on everything. Plus, shrimp cooks in a flash, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without much effort.

The first time I made this dish, I was in a rush to pull together dinner for my family after a hectic day. I had shrimp in the freezer, a few pantry staples, and about 15 minutes to spare. With a little trial and error, I whipped up this sweet-and-savory shrimp that had everyone going back for seconds—and asking if I could make it again the next day!

this RECIPE

The story behind honey garlic shrimp

Honey garlic shrimp is a dish with roots in the fusion of Asian-inspired flavors and Western quick-cooking techniques. The velveting process, which involves lightly coating shrimp in cornstarch and soy sauce before cooking, is a classic Chinese cooking method that locks in moisture and creates a silky texture. Combining this technique with honey’s natural sweetness and the robust flavors of garlic and ginger brings a beautiful balance to the dish. Over time, this recipe has become a staple in many households worldwide, loved for its simplicity and universally appealing flavor.

Let’s talk ingredients: fresh, simple, and flexible

The beauty of this recipe lies in its short and versatile ingredient list. Here’s a closer look:

• Shrimp: They’re the star of the show! Opt for fresh or frozen shrimp that’s already peeled and deveined to save time. If you can’t find shrimp, you can substitute scallops or even chicken chunks (adjusting the cooking time accordingly). Shrimp are naturally high in protein and low in fat, making them a healthy choice.
• Soy sauce: This adds savory umami to the dish. If you’re avoiding soy, you can swap it with coconut aminos or a tamari-based alternative for a gluten-free twist.
• Cornstarch: It’s the secret to velvety, tender shrimp. You could also use arrowroot powder or potato starch if cornstarch isn’t available.
• Garlic and ginger: These are essential for the dish’s bold flavor. Fresh garlic and grated ginger are ideal, but in a pinch, garlic powder and ground ginger can work.
• Honey: Sweet, sticky, and the perfect balance to the garlic and ginger. Maple syrup or agave nectar can work if you’re out of honey.
• Chilli flakes: Optional but worth adding if you like a touch of heat. Feel free to leave them out for a milder flavor.
• Green onions: For garnish, they bring a pop of color and freshness. You can swap them for chopped cilantro or parsley if you prefer.

Kitchen gear: what you’ll need to make this a breeze

You don’t need fancy equipment for this recipe, but a few tools will make your life easier:

• Non-stick frying pan: This ensures the shrimp don’t stick and allows for easy cleanup. If you don’t have one, a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet works too.
• Mixing bowls: For marinating the shrimp. Any medium-sized bowl will do the job.
• Tongs or a spatula: Use these to flip the shrimp quickly and easily without breaking them.
• Grater or microplane: Perfect for grating fresh ginger (and even garlic) directly into the pan.

No fancy gadgets here—just basic tools for stress-free cooking.

Step-by-step: my foolproof method (and a few tips!)

Cooking honey garlic shrimp couldn’t be simpler, but let’s break it down together:

1. Velvet the shrimp: In a medium bowl, mix the soy sauce and cornstarch until smooth. Toss in the shrimp, ensuring each one is evenly coated. This step not only adds flavor but also helps the shrimp stay tender and moist when cooked. (Pro tip: Don’t skip the velveting—it’s worth the extra minute!)
2. Sauté aromatics: Heat the oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for no longer than 30 seconds. This is when your kitchen will start smelling incredible! Be careful not to let the garlic burn—it should just turn fragrant.
3. Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side, depending on their size. They’re done when they turn pink and opaque—don’t overcook, or they’ll get rubbery.
4. Add the sauce: Pour in the honey and sprinkle in the chilli flakes, if using. Toss the shrimp in the sauce to coat them evenly. The heat from the pan will help the sauce thicken and glaze the shrimp beautifully.
5. Garnish and serve: Remove the pan from the heat, sprinkle the shrimp with sliced green onions, and serve immediately. That’s it!

Variations to make this recipe your own

• Vegetarian swap: Replace shrimp with tofu cubes or even mushrooms. Both options work wonderfully with the honey garlic sauce and absorb the flavors beautifully.
• Low-carb option: Serve the shrimp over cauliflower rice or steamed zucchini noodles for a light, keto-friendly meal.
• Spicy twist: Add a teaspoon of Uni-Eagle Sriracha or a splash of hot sauce to the honey garlic mixture for an extra kick of heat.
• Seasonal flair: Toss in some seasonal vegetables like asparagus, snap peas, or bell peppers. They’ll add color, crunch, and nutrition.
• Regional spin: For a Southeast Asian vibe, add a splash of fish sauce and a squeeze of lime juice. Or, give it a Mediterranean twist with a sprinkle of smoked paprika and fresh parsley.

Feel free to play around with these ideas and make the recipe your own!

Serving and presentation ideas

For a full meal, serve honey garlic shrimp over fluffy jasmine rice or alongside steamed veggies for a balanced plate. If you’re hosting, plate the shrimp on a large platter with sprigs of cilantro and lime wedges for garnish—it’ll look fancy without the fuss. This dish also works as an appetizer! Just thread the shrimp onto skewers and serve them with a little extra honey garlic sauce for dipping.

Drinks to pair with this dish

A refreshing drink can really elevate the meal. Here are my go-to pairings:

• Iced green tea: The earthy notes of green tea balance the sweetness of the honey garlic sauce.
• Sparkling water with lime: Simple, bubbly, and perfect for cleansing the palate.
• Ginger lemonade: The zingy ginger flavor ties in beautifully with the dish’s ginger notes.

Whatever you choose, keep it light and refreshing to complement the shrimp’s delicate flavor.

Storing and reheating tips

If you have leftovers (though that’s rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, use a non-stick pan over low heat and add a splash of water or soy sauce to keep the shrimp moist. Be careful not to overcook—shrimp can dry out quickly when reheated.

Adjusting for different serving sizes

This recipe is easy to scale! For a larger crowd, simply double or triple the ingredients. Just be sure not to overcrowd the pan when cooking the shrimp—work in batches if needed. For smaller portions, halve the ingredients, but keep an eye on the cooking time. With shrimp, timing is everything!

Common pitfalls (and how to avoid them)

• Overcooking the shrimp: Keep a close eye on them—they cook fast! As soon as they turn pink, they’re done.
• Burning the garlic: Garlic cooks quickly, so stir constantly and avoid high heat.
• Skipping the velveting step: It’s tempting to skip, but this step ensures tender, juicy shrimp.

Give this recipe a try and make it your own!

Honey garlic shrimp is a true crowd-pleaser, whether you’re whipping it up for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party. It’s versatile, simple, and bursting with flavor. Try it out, and don’t be afraid to tweak the recipe to suit your taste. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just thaw them thoroughly before cooking. You can run them under cold water for a quick thaw.

2. Is there a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce?
Yes, tamari or coconut aminos are great gluten-free substitutes.

3. Can I use pre-minced garlic and ginger?
You can, but fresh garlic and ginger will give the dish a brighter, more vibrant flavor.

4. What can I serve this with besides rice?
Try noodles, quinoa, or even a crisp green salad for a lighter option.

5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce and velvet the shrimp in advance to save time. Cook everything just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

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