Savor the flavors of succulent jumbo shrimp drenched in a sticky honey garlic sauce, featuring hints of ginger and soy. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for both dinner parties and cozy evenings at home.
I remember the first time I made Honey Garlic Shrimp—it was a culinary experiment that turned into a family favorite overnight! It started one lazy Sunday afternoon; the kitchen was my playground, and I was determined to whip up something quick yet spectacular. With a few jumbo shrimp left in the fridge and a craving for something sweet and garlicky, inspiration struck. As I mixed the honey with garlic and ginger, the aroma filled the kitchen, and I knew something magical was about to happen. The dish was a hit, and now, it’s our go-to recipe for both impromptu gatherings and special occasions. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a reminder of that perfect Sunday when a simple experiment became a delightful tradition.
Why You’ll Love Honey Garlic Shrimp
Our Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe isn’t just another seafood dish; it’s a revelation in the kitchen! It combines simplicity with gourmet flavors that can transform any dinner into a special event. Here are a few reasons why this recipe is a standout:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, this recipe is perfect for last-minute meals without compromising on flavor.
- Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: With just a handful of ingredients, each component—like the savory soy sauce and sweet honey—plays a pivotal role in creating a deeply flavorful experience.
- Versatile Serving Options: Whether it’s served over a bed of steamed rice, tossed with some soba noodles, or presented as a chic appetizer, this shrimp dish is as flexible as it is delicious.
- Healthier Choice: Opting for low-sodium soy sauce and using minimal oil makes this a healthier alternative to traditional fried appetizers.
Ingredients Notes
To make our Honey Garlic Shrimp truly spectacular, each ingredient must be chosen with care. Here are some tips to help you select the best:
- Shrimp: Opt for fresh, jumbo shrimp for that perfect bite—21-25 or 26-30 size are ideal. Ensure they are peeled, deveined, and thoroughly thawed before use.
- Vegetable Oil: A small amount goes a long way; just two teaspoons are needed to help brown the shrimp without overpowering their natural flavors.
- Honey Garlic Sauce Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will enhance the flavor of the sauce significantly compared to their powdered counterparts. Also, using low-sodium soy sauce helps control the saltiness, allowing the sweet and garlicky flavors to shine through.
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How To Make Honey Garlic Shrimp
Creating this Honey Garlic Shrimp is a breeze! Here’s how to bring this delightful dish to life in your kitchen, with step-by-step guidance:
- Preparation: Start by thawing your shrimp under cold running water if they’re frozen, and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. This ensures the marinade adheres well and the shrimp cook evenly.
- Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine minced garlic, minced ginger, soy sauce, and honey. Whisk these together until well blended. This concoction will infuse the shrimp with all its glorious flavors.
- Marinating the Shrimp: Place your shrimp in a resealable plastic bag or bowl, pour half of the marinade over them, and let them marinate. If marinating for more than 10 minutes, pop them in the fridge to keep them fresh.
- Cooking: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Add the oil, then the marinated shrimp in a single layer—this helps them get a nice sear. Pour the remaining marinade over the top.
- Final Touches: Cook the shrimp for about 1-2 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. If the sauce isn’t thickening, remove the shrimp and let the sauce reduce further before re-adding the shrimp for a final glaze.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with optional minced green onions for an added burst of flavor and color, then serve immediately for the best taste.
Storage Options
This Honey Garlic Shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. Place them in an airtight container to maintain the best flavor and texture. For reheating, simply warm them gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent the shrimp from becoming too rubbery.
Variations and Substitutions
Whether you’re accommodating dietary needs or just like to mix things up, there are plenty of ways to customize the Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe. Here’s how:
- Shrimp Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of shrimp or have allergies, feel free to substitute it with chicken pieces or firm tofu cubes for a delightful twist.
- Soy Sauce Substitutes: For a gluten-free option, replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Sweetener Variations: If honey isn’t your style or you’re looking to reduce sugar, try maple syrup or a sugar-free sweetener like stevia blended specifically for cooking.
- Additional Flavors: Feel free to add a splash of lime juice for a zesty flavor or include a dash of chili flakes to spice things up a bit.
Honey Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 pound of raw shrimp sizes 21-25 or 26-30, peeled, deveined, and thawed
- 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon of minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon of minced ginger
- 1/4 cup of low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup of honey
- 1 green onion minced (optional)
Instructions
- Preparation of Shrimp: If the shrimp are frozen, thaw them under cold running water. Once thawed, use paper towels to pat them dry, removing any excess moisture to ensure proper cooking and marinade adherence.
- Marinade Preparation: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, minced ginger, soy sauce, and honey. Whisk these ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined, creating a homogeneous marinade.
- Marinating the Shrimp: Transfer the shrimp into a resealable plastic bag or return them to the medium-sized bowl. Pour half of the prepared marinade over the shrimp, ensuring they are well-coated. Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 10 minutes, or up to one hour. If marinating for longer than 10 minutes, place the shrimp in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
- Cooking Process: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the vegetable oil. Carefully place the marinated shrimp in the skillet in a single layer, which facilitates even cooking and proper searing. Add the remaining marinade over the shrimp.
- Sautéing the Shrimp: Allow the shrimp to cook for approximately 1-2 minutes on each side. The shrimp should turn pink on the exterior and the flesh should appear opaque, indicating they are fully cooked. Monitor the sauce as it simmers; it should begin to thicken slightly. If the sauce has not thickened after the shrimp are cooked, remove the shrimp to a plate and allow the sauce to reduce further in the skillet.
- Finishing Touches: Once the sauce has reduced to a thick consistency and begins to glaze the shrimp, remove the skillet from the heat. If using, garnish the dish with minced green onions for additional flavor and visual appeal.
- Serving: Serve the honey garlic shrimp immediately, ensuring they are coated with the thickened sauce for maximum flavor. This dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
