20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp
This 20 minute honey garlic shrimp is a delightful recipe that combines simplicity with amazing flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests, this dish is quick to prepare and deliciously satisfying. With its sweet and savory profile, it can be enjoyed over brown rice, mixed with vegetables, or served atop a fresh salad. Get ready to add this reader favorite to your regular dinner rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This dish is ready in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of honey and garlic creates a mouthwatering sauce that everyone will love.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it with rice, veggies, or salads for a complete meal that suits various tastes.
- Healthy Choice: Made with fresh shrimp and wholesome ingredients, this meal fits perfectly into a healthy eating plan.
- Easy Cleanup: With minimal dishes required, you can enjoy your meal without worrying about the mess.
Tools and Preparation
To make this 20 minute honey garlic shrimp, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly. Preparing your kitchen beforehand will help streamline the cooking process.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Medium bowl
- Whisk
- Sealable container or zipped-top bag
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A good skillet provides even heat distribution for perfectly cooked shrimp.
- Medium bowl: This is essential for mixing your marinade quickly and easily.
- Whisk: Using a whisk helps blend all marinade ingredients thoroughly for maximum flavor.
- Sealable container or zipped-top bag: These are perfect for marinating shrimp without any mess.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 1/3 cup honey
– 1/4 cup soy sauce (we usually use reduced sodium)
– 2 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 teaspoon jarred minced garlic)
– optional: 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
– 1 lb medium uncooked shrimp, peeled & deveined
– 2 teaspoons olive oil
– optional for garnish: chopped green onion
How to Make 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
- Whisk together the honey, soy sauce, garlic, and optional ginger in a medium bowl.
- Set aside half of the marinade for later use when cooking the shrimp.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
- Place the shrimp in a large sealable container or zipped-top bag.
- Pour half of the marinade over the shrimp.
- Shake or stir well to coat all the shrimp evenly.
- Allow marinating in the refrigerator for 15 minutes or up to 8-12 hours if time allows.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Remove the shrimp from the marinade and discard the used marinade.
- Place marinated shrimp in the skillet.
- Cook on one side until pink (about 45 seconds), then flip them over.
- Pour in the reserved marinade and continue cooking until shrimp are fully cooked through (about 1-2 more minutes).
Step 4: Serve Your Dish
- Serve the cooked shrimp drizzled with the remaining sauce.
- Garnish with optional chopped green onion if desired.
- Enjoy your honey garlic shrimp over brown rice or alongside steamed vegetables!
How to Serve 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp
Serving 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp can elevate your meal experience. This dish is versatile and easy to pair with various sides. Whether you want a hearty meal or something light, these suggestions will enhance your dining experience.
With Brown Rice
- Brown rice offers a nutty flavor that complements the sweet and savory sauce of the shrimp. It adds fiber and makes the dish more filling.
Over a Fresh Salad
- Serve the shrimp on a bed of greens for a light option. Add cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and avocado for extra freshness.
Paired with Steamed Vegetables
- Steamed broccoli or snap peas add crunch and color. They soak up the delicious sauce while keeping the meal healthy.
In Tacos
- Use small corn tortillas to create shrimp tacos. Top with cabbage slaw and a drizzle of lime for added zest.
As an Appetizer
- Skewer the honey garlic shrimp on toothpicks for a delightful appetizer. They are perfect for parties or casual gatherings.

How to Perfect 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp
To make sure your honey garlic shrimp turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh shrimp, garlic, and ginger enhance flavor significantly compared to frozen or jarred options.
- Don’t overcook: Shrimp cooks quickly; avoid overcooking them to maintain tenderness.
- Marinate properly: Allowing shrimp to marinate for at least 15 minutes enhances flavor absorption from the marinade.
- Adjust sweetness: Feel free to modify the honey amount based on your sweetness preference; less honey gives a more savory taste.
- Experiment with spices: Adding chili flakes or black pepper can introduce a spicy kick that balances the sweetness.
- Garnish generously: Chopped green onions not only add color but also offer a fresh crunch that complements the dish.
Best Side Dishes for 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp
Pairing side dishes with your honey garlic shrimp will round out your meal beautifully. Here are some excellent options:
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds vibrant color and nutrition to your plate.
- Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with lemon vinaigrette brings brightness to the meal.
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce from the shrimp.
- Roasted Asparagus: Roasted asparagus drizzled with olive oil offers a simple yet elegant side.
- Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, serve cauliflower rice as a healthy alternative to traditional grains.
- Sweet Potato Mash: Creamy sweet potato mash adds natural sweetness that pairs well with the honey garlic flavors.
- Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad with vinegar dressing provides a refreshing contrast.
- Fried Rice: Stir-fried rice with vegetables can be made quickly and is an excellent companion for this dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Avoid these mistakes for the best results.
- Skipping the marinade time: Marinating shrimp for at least 15 minutes infuses them with flavor. Don’t rush this step.
- Using high-sodium soy sauce: Opt for reduced sodium soy sauce to keep your dish healthier. This helps balance the sweetness of the honey.
- Overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly and should only be cooked until pink. Keep an eye on them to prevent a rubbery texture.
- Not using fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger elevate the flavors of this dish. If possible, avoid jarred versions for the best taste.
- Neglecting the side dishes: Pairing your shrimp with brown rice or steamed vegetables enhances your meal’s nutrition and satisfaction.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow shrimp to cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
Freezing 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp
- Freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
- Make sure to remove excess air from bags before sealing.
Reheating 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 10 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally until warm.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp that might help you out.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them properly before marinating.
What can I serve with 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp?
This dish is great with brown rice, quinoa, or over a fresh salad. Steamed veggies also make a perfect pairing.
How can I customize the flavors of my shrimp?
You can add chili flakes for heat or lime juice for extra zest. Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs too!
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari as a substitute for traditional soy sauce.
Final Thoughts
This 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp is not only quick but full of wonderful flavors that everyone will love. It’s perfect for busy weeknights yet versatile enough for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite sides or additional spices to make it truly your own!
20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Experience the delightful flavors of 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp, a quick and easy recipe that brings together sweet honey and savory garlic for a dish that’s sure to impress. Perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests, this shrimp dish is not only delicious but also versatile. Serve it over brown rice, mixed with fresh vegetables, or atop a vibrant salad for a satisfying meal. With minimal cleanup required, you can enjoy the cooking process just as much as the final result. This reader favorite will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation!
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb medium uncooked shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Reserve half for later.
- Place shrimp in a sealable bag and add the marinade. Shake to coat and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove shrimp from marinade and discard used marinade.
- Cook shrimp in the skillet until pink (about 45 seconds per side). Pour in reserved marinade and cook until fully done (about 1-2 more minutes).
- Serve drizzled with sauce and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
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