Quick Honey Garlic Soy Shrimp – Ready in 15 Minutes
If you’re looking for a quick and flavorful dish that packs a punch, this Quick Honey Garlic Soy Shrimp – Ready in 15 minutes, is a must-try! These shrimp are tossed in a sweet, savory glaze that blends honey, garlic, and soy for an irresistible combination. The shrimp cook up juicy and tender with a perfectly caramelized coating that’s both satisfying and healthy. Whether you’re craving something easy for dinner or a speedy appetizer, this recipe is your new go-to. Plus, it’s simple enough for weeknights but delicious enough to impress!
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
- 2 lbs. Shrimp (raw or pre-cooked): Use either raw or pre-cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined, for this recipe. If using raw shrimp, they’ll be cooked in the sauce. Pre-cooked shrimp should be added at the end to prevent overcooking.
- ⅓ Cup Soy Sauce: A savory base for the sauce, soy sauce provides the perfect blend of saltiness and umami to enhance the shrimp’s flavor.
- ⅓ Cup Honey: Adds a natural sweetness to balance the salty soy sauce and give the dish a rich, sticky texture.
- 1 Tbsp Rice Vinegar: A touch of tanginess from rice vinegar brightens the sauce and balances out the sweetness of the honey.
- 1 Tsp Ginger (minced): Fresh minced ginger adds warmth and a slight zest to the sauce, giving it that classic Asian-inspired flavor.
- 3 Cloves Garlic (minced): Garlic provides a deep, aromatic base that infuses the sauce with a warm, savory flavor.
- 1 Tsp Sesame Oil: Sesame oil brings a hint of nuttiness that elevates the sauce and adds depth to the shrimp.
- ½ Tsp Red Chili Flakes (optional): For those who enjoy a bit of heat, red chili flakes add a subtle spice to the dish, enhancing the flavors without overpowering them.
Cornstarch Slurry:
- 1 Tsp Cornstarch: Mixed with water, cornstarch thickens the sauce, giving it a smooth, glossy finish.
- ¼ Cup Water: Combines with the cornstarch to create the slurry that thickens the sauce, making it cling beautifully to the shrimp.
Asian-Inspired Honey Soy Shrimp WILL BE ON THE DINNER ROTATION:
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
- Bold, Flavorful Sauce: The sweet and savory honey garlic soy sauce is a crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with shrimp.
- Versatile: Great as a main dish or served over rice, noodles, or vegetables, making it adaptable to various meal preferences.
HOW TO PREPARE GARLIC HONEY SOY SHRIMP?
Time needed: 25 minutes
- Prep the Shrimp:
If using frozen raw shrimp, thaw completely, then peel and devein if needed. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. If using precooked shrimp, skip to Step 5 and add the shrimp after the sauce is prepared. - Mix the Sauce:
In a bowl, combine ⅓ cup soy sauce, ⅓ cup honey, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon minced ginger, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (if desired). Stir until honey dissolves. - Make the Cornstarch Slurry:
In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with ¼ cup water until smooth. Set aside; you’ll add it at the end to thicken the sauce. - Cook the Raw Shrimp (Skip if Using Precooked):
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil. Add the shrimp in a single layer, cooking for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and slightly browned. Remove the shrimp and set aside. - Prepare the Sauce:
In the same skillet, pour in the honey-soy sauce mixture. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Thicken the Sauce:
Stir the cornstarch slurry, then slowly pour it into the skillet with the sauce, stirring constantly. Let cook for another 1-2 minutes until thickened. - Add the Shrimp:
If using precooked shrimp, add them to the skillet now and toss in the sauce until heated through. If using previously cooked raw shrimp, return them to the skillet and toss until coated, cooking for 1 more minute. - Serve:
Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired, and serve hot over rice or noodles!
FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Yes, you can use pre-cooked shrimp. If using pre-cooked shrimp, add it after the sauce is prepared, just enough to heat it through to avoid overcooking.
Shrimp cooks quickly, so avoid overcooking by cooking raw shrimp only until they turn pink and opaque (about 2-3 minutes per side). If using pre-cooked shrimp, only heat until warmed.
Yes, you can omit sesame oil, though it does add a nice flavor. For a similar nutty taste, use a small amount of toasted sesame seeds as a garnish instead.
Absolutely! Try adding bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for color and crunch. Sauté the veggies first until tender-crisp, then add the shrimp.
HONEY GARLIC SAUTEED SHRIMP RECIPE ADD-INS AND VARIATIONS:
- Swap Shrimp for Chicken or Tofu: If you prefer a different protein, substitute shrimp with bite-sized chicken pieces or tofu cubes. Adjust cooking time as needed for chicken, and press tofu to remove excess water before cooking.
- Use Coconut Aminos Instead of Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free and slightly sweeter alternative, use coconut aminos in place of soy sauce. It’s lower in sodium and adds a unique flavor.
- Replace Honey with Maple Syrup or Brown Sugar: For a different sweetness profile, swap honey with maple syrup for a milder sweetness or brown sugar for a richer flavor.
- Add Fresh Vegetables: Stir in sliced bell peppers, snap peas, broccoli, or mushrooms for extra texture and nutrients. Sauté the vegetables first before adding the shrimp.
- Add Fresh Citrus: For a burst of flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lime or orange juice just before serving. It brightens the dish and pairs well with the honey and soy.
- Turn Up the Heat: If you enjoy spice, add extra red chili flakes, a splash of sriracha, or even chopped fresh chili peppers to bring more heat to the sauce.
WHAT DO YOU SERVE WITH Sticky Honey Garlic Shrimp?
Honey Garlic Soy Shrimp goes with many different sides to make a complete meal. For a light, healthy option, serve it over steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce. Vegetables like stir-fried broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy add freshness and color. For a heartier option, garlic noodles or fried rice create a comforting base. A garnish of chopped green onions or sesame seeds completes the dish, giving it a touch of brightness and a bit of crunch.
HOW DO YOU STORE AND REHEAT LEFTOVER HONEY SHRIMP SAUTEED?
To store leftover Honey Garlic Soy Shrimp, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat to warm it through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep the shrimp moist. If you prefer, you can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating. Just be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as it can become tough.
CAN LEFTOVER SWEET AND SAVORY HONEY GARLIC SHRIMP BE FROZEN FOR LATER?
Yes, you can freeze leftover Honey Garlic Soy Shrimp for later. To freeze, place the shrimp in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Keep in mind the shrimp texture may change after freezing and reheating.
LOOKING FOR MORE SHRIMP RECIPES? TRY THESE!
Easy Shrimp Curry in Creamy Coconut Sauce: It’s a quick, one-pan recipe that combines tender shrimp with a velvety coconut sauce, infused with aromatic spices that will make your taste buds dance.
Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Linguine: This dish combines succulent raw shrimp, luscious heavy cream, and fresh baby spinach to create a decadent pasta that’s perfect for any occasion.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta: This dish marries succulent shrimp, sautéed in a fragrant blend of garlic and zesty lemon, with al dente pasta for a symphony of taste and texture.
Quick Honey Garlic Soy Shrimp – Ready in 15 Minutes
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. Shrimp (raw or pre-cooked)
- ⅓ Cup Soy Sauce
- ⅓ Cup Honey
- 1 Tbsp Rice Vinegar
- 1 Tsp Ginger (minced)
- 3 Cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 Tsp Sesame Oil
- ½ Tsp Red Chili Flakes (optional)
Cornstarch Slurry:
- 1 Tsp Cornstarch
- ¼ Cup Water
Instructions
- Prep the Shrimp: If using frozen raw shrimp, thaw completely, then peel and devein if needed. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. If using precooked shrimp, skip to Step 5 and add the shrimp after the sauce is prepared.
- Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine ⅓ cup soy sauce, ⅓ cup honey, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon minced ginger, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (if desired). Stir until honey dissolves.
- Make the Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with ¼ cup water until smooth. Set aside; you’ll add it at the end to thicken the sauce.
- Cook the Raw Shrimp (Skip if Using Precooked): Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil. Add the shrimp in a single layer, cooking for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and slightly browned. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the honey-soy sauce mixture. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir the cornstarch slurry, then slowly pour it into the skillet with the sauce, stirring constantly. Let cook for another 1-2 minutes until thickened.
- Add the Shrimp: If using precooked shrimp, add them to the skillet now and toss in the sauce until heated through. If using previously cooked raw shrimp, return them to the skillet and toss until coated, cooking for 1 more minute.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired, and serve hot over rice or noodles!