This glazed honey garlic shrimp is a quick and yummy dish! Juicy shrimp are cooked in a sweet and tasty sauce made with honey and garlic, making every bite a little burst of goodness.
You’ll love how fast this comes together. I usually whip it up in under 15 minutes—perfect for a busy weeknight! Pair it with rice, and you’ve got a winner dinner! 🥢
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: I recommend using large shrimp for the best texture. If fresh shrimp aren’t available, frozen shrimp works great too. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for flavor, but you can also use garlic powder if you’re in a pinch—just reduce the amount to about 1 teaspoon.
Honey: This adds sweetness and gloss. If you’re looking for a substitute, maple syrup or agave syrup can work, though they might change the flavor slightly.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is a great option for a lighter salt taste. If you’re gluten-free, use tamari instead.
Vinegar: Rice vinegar adds mild acidity. If you don’t have it, apple cider vinegar can be a good stand-in for a tangy kick.
How Do You Cook Shrimp Perfectly Without Overcooking?
Cooking shrimp quickly is key to keeping them plump and juicy. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a hot skillet to get a nice sear on one side, which takes about 2 minutes.
- Flip them as soon as they turn pink and lightly golden.
- Keep an eye on the color—the shrimp will be opaque and firm when done.
- Remove them from heat as soon as they’re cooked to avoid overcooking.
These steps will help you serve perfectly cooked shrimp every time!
Glazed Honey Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off as preferred)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little spice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped for garnish
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish will take about 10-15 minutes of your time. You’ll spend a few minutes prepping the shrimp and garlic, then just a little over 5 minutes cooking everything together. It’s a quick and delicious option for dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
First, rinse your shrimp under cold water to make sure they’re clean, then pat them dry with some paper towels. Season the shrimp with a light sprinkle of salt and pepper. This enhances their flavor.
2. Heat the Skillet:
In a large skillet, heat your olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough that the shrimp will sizzle when added, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Sauté Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté it for about 30 seconds, until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can taste bitter!
4. Cook the Shrimp:
Add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Let them cook for about 2 minutes on one side until they turn pink and lightly golden. Then, flip them over and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the other side is just as lovely.
5. Create the Glaze:
Now it’s time to make that tasty glaze! Reduce the heat to medium-low and add in the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes if you like it spicy. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for another 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken into a delicious sauce.
6. Coat the Shrimp:
Toss the shrimp in the glaze to make sure each piece is beautifully coated in that savory-sweet goodness. This step is where the magic really happens!
7. Garnish:
Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the chopped parsley or cilantro over the shrimp and add a few sesame seeds for that extra touch. They add flavor and a nice crunch!
8. Serve & Enjoy!
Serve this delightful dish immediately over some fluffy steamed rice or noodles. You’ll be amazed at how quick and delicious this meal is! Enjoy your sweet, savory, and garlicky glazed shrimp!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or place them in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for about 30 minutes.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you want to add some heat, try increasing the amount of crushed red pepper flakes, or even adding a splash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the glaze for an extra kick!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can gently reheat them on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep them moist.
Can I Substitute the Honey?
Yes! If you need a different sweetener, you can use maple syrup or agave syrup. Keep in mind this might slightly change the flavor, but it will still be delicious!
