Go Back
To make honey garlic shrimp, gather these items: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1/4 cup pure honey - 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 1/4 cup green onions, chopped, for garnish - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds, for garnish You can change some ingredients if needed. - Use shrimp with the shell on for more flavor. - Replace honey with maple syrup for a vegan option. - Swap olive oil with coconut oil for a hint of sweetness. - Use regular soy sauce if low-sodium is not available. - White vinegar or lemon juice can replace apple cider vinegar. Fresh ingredients really make a difference. Fresh shrimp have a better taste and texture. Fresh garlic gives a strong, nice flavor. When using fresh green onions, they add a bright touch to the dish. Always choose quality items to enhance your meal. The better the ingredients, the more you will enjoy your honey garlic shrimp. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, grab a large non-stick skillet. Pour in 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Turn the heat to medium-high. Wait until the oil shimmers but does not smoke. This step is key because it helps cook the shrimp evenly. Next, add 4 cloves of finely minced garlic. I love this part! Stir the garlic for about 30 seconds. You want it to become fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful! If the garlic burns, it will taste bitter. Now, it's time for the shrimp. Add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Spread them out in a single layer. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they are ready when they turn pink and opaque. Once done, transfer the shrimp to a plate and set them aside. To cook shrimp just right, start with fresh or thawed shrimp. I prefer large shrimp, as they cook evenly. Make sure to peel and devein them first. When you heat your skillet, let the oil shimmer but not smoke. This means it’s hot enough. Place the shrimp in a single layer. Cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side. Look for a nice pink color and opaque look. If you overcrowd the skillet, the shrimp may steam instead of cook. The honey garlic sauce is key to this dish. Use pure honey for the best sweetness. Low-sodium soy sauce adds a nice saltiness. For a tangy kick, include apple cider vinegar. If you like spice, add crushed red pepper flakes. You can adjust the amount based on your taste. Mix the sauce well and let it simmer. This helps all the flavors come together. Taste it before serving, and adjust if needed. For a beautiful plate, serve the shrimp over jasmine rice or steamed broccoli. This adds color and texture. Use a generous amount of chopped green onions on top. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds crunch. For a fresh touch, add a lime wedge on the side. The lime juice can brighten the flavors. Serve right away for the best experience! Pro Tips Prep Your Ingredients: Before starting to cook, have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. This ensures a smooth cooking process and helps prevent overcooking the shrimp. Use Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh shrimp when possible. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them properly in advance. Adjust the Sweetness: Depending on your taste preference, you can adjust the amount of honey in the sauce. If you prefer a less sweet flavor, reduce the honey by a tablespoon or two. Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to add vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots to the skillet for an extra nutritional boost and color. {{image_4}} You can add vegetables to your honey garlic shrimp skillet. Bell peppers, snap peas, and broccoli work well. Chop them into small pieces for even cooking. Add them to the skillet with the garlic. Sauté until they are tender but still crisp. This adds color and nutrients to your dish. If you want to switch things up, try different sauces. You can use teriyaki sauce for a sweet twist. Or, try a spicy chili sauce for extra heat. You can even mix honey with mustard for a tangy flavor. Each option gives a new taste to the dish. You can easily change the spice level of this dish. If you like it mild, skip the red pepper flakes. For more heat, add more red pepper or use fresh chili. You can also add some sriracha sauce for a spicy kick. Taste as you go to find what you love best. After cooking honey garlic shrimp, let it cool. Place the shrimp in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This helps keep the shrimp fresh and tasty. If you have extra sauce, store it in a separate container. This way, the shrimp won't get soggy. When you want to eat leftovers, reheat the shrimp gently. Use a skillet over medium heat. Add a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. Heat for about 5 minutes until warm. Stir often to keep the shrimp from overcooking. You can also use a microwave. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel. Heat for short bursts, about 30 seconds at a time. This helps keep the shrimp moist. If you want to save honey garlic shrimp for later, freezing is a great option. Let the shrimp cool completely. Place it in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently, as mentioned above, for the best taste. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. This method keeps them firm and tasty. After thawing, pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps the shrimp sear better in the skillet. Honey garlic shrimp is great with many sides. You can serve it over steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa. These grains soak up the sauce well. You can also pair it with steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach. They add color and nutrients to your meal. For extra crunch, try adding some crispy green beans. To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce that offers great flavor. Always check the label to ensure it’s gluten-free. This small swap keeps the taste while making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities. Enjoy your meal without worries! In this blog post, I covered the key ingredients and their fresh qualities. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparing shrimp with garlic, along with tips for cooking and serving. You learned about delicious variations and essential storage methods. Remember, using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Experiment with flavors, and adjust spice levels to suit your taste. Enjoy your cooking journey and impress others with your tasty honey garlic shrimp!

Honey Garlic Shrimp Skillet Delight

A quick and flavorful shrimp dish cooked in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1/4 cup pure honey
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped, for garnish
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large non-stick skillet, pour in the olive oil and heat it over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  • Introduce the minced garlic into the hot oil. Sauté for approximately 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden.
  • Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until the shrimp turns a lovely pink color and becomes opaque. Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Pour in the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. If you enjoy some heat, sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it slightly thickens.
  • Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, gently tossing them in the honey garlic sauce until they are well coated. Cook together for an additional minute to ensure the shrimp is warmed through and infused with flavor.
  • Remove the skillet from heat. Top the dish with generous amounts of chopped green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately for the best flavor experience.

Notes

For a stunning presentation, serve the shrimp skillet over a bed of jasmine rice or steamed broccoli. A wedge of lime on the side adds a vibrant touch.
Keyword honey garlic, quick meal, shrimp