This Glazed Honey Garlic Shrimp is a tasty dish that’s quick and easy to whip up! Sweet honey and zesty garlic combine to make shrimp burst with flavor. Yum!
I love serving this shrimp over rice or noodles. It’s like a fancy dinner without the fuss. Plus, it always impresses my friends—even if it’s just me enjoying it on a cozy night in! 🦐✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Use large shrimp for a good bite. If you can’t find fresh, frozen shrimp work great too—just thaw them beforehand. For a different protein, try chicken or tofu instead!
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and glaze. Maple syrup or agave nectar can be good substitutes if you’re avoiding honey. For a lower sugar option, you might use a sugar substitute with a similar consistency.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor, but garlic powder can work in a pinch. Adjust the amount based on your love for garlic!
Soy Sauce: Traditional soy sauce adds saltiness. If you’re gluten-free, use tamari. Coconut aminos is another tasty soy-free substitute!
Rice Vinegar: If you don’t have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar works well. Lemon or lime juice can also give a nice tang.
How Do I Get My Shrimp Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking shrimp requires just the right amount of time to keep them tender and juicy. Here’s how to nail it:
- Start with a hot skillet so they sear rightly. Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if necessary.
- Cook until the shrimp turn pink; this usually takes about 2 minutes on each side for large shrimp.
- Remove them from heat as soon as they’re just cooked through—carryover heat will finish cooking them.
This way, your shrimp won’t become rubbery. Serve them quickly after cooking for the best experience!
Glazed Honey Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Cooked rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 10-15 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick, perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you’re craving something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them sear nicely in the skillet. Season the shrimp lightly with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.
2. Heat the Skillet:
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat until it’s hot but not smoking. This is the perfect temperature to get your shrimp cooking!
3. Cook the Shrimp:
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Allow them to cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes or until they turn pink and slightly golden on one side.
4. Flip and Add Garlic:
Carefully flip the shrimp over and toss in the minced garlic. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are almost cooked through and the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
5. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger (if using), and red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat). This mixture is the star of your dish!
6. Glaze the Shrimp:
Pour the honey garlic sauce over the shrimp in the skillet. Cook while stirring frequently for about 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the shrimp beautifully.
7. Garnish:
Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the cooked shrimp with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and chopped cilantro if you like a fresh touch.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your scrumptious glazed honey garlic shrimp immediately over a bed of cooked rice. Don’t forget to spoon any extra glaze from the pan over the top for even more flavor!
Dig in and enjoy every sweet and savory bite of your delicious shrimp! 🦐💕
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes! Just ensure the frozen shrimp are completely thawed before cooking. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge in cold water for about 30 minutes. Pat them dry before cooking for the best results.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you’re looking for an alternative to honey, maple syrup or agave nectar works well. For a lower sugar option, you can use a sugar substitute that has the same consistency, keeping in mind it may slightly alter the flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or a bit more soy sauce to prevent drying out.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Absolutely! You can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha or chili sauce to the sauce mixture. Adjust the spice levels according to your preference for a little extra kick!
