This Glazed Honey Garlic Shrimp is a quick and tasty dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Shrimp gets a sweet and savory boost from honey and garlic, making each bite hard to resist!
I love how fast it cooks, too! Just a few minutes in the pan and it’s ready to savor. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are perfect for this dish because they hold up well to cooking and have a nice texture. If you need a substitution, you can use scallops or firm fish like salmon. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and gloss, but if you want a different flavor, you can use maple syrup or agave syrup. Just remember, the taste will slightly change but still deliver a great result!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is essential here for that bold flavor. If you’re short on time, garlic powder can work as a substitute—use about 1/2 teaspoon, but it’s best to use fresh if possible.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce brings umami to the dish, but if you’re avoiding gluten, try tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
Vinegar: Rice vinegar adds a mild tang, but you can use apple cider vinegar or even white vinegar if needed. Each brings a slightly different taste, but they’ll all work well.
How Do I Cook Shrimp Perfectly Without Overcooking?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky, as they cook quickly! To avoid overcooking, follow these tips:
- Always start with shrimp that are pat dry, which helps them sear instead of steam.
- Cook shrimp over medium-high heat. This ensures they get that lovely color and flavor within a few minutes.
- Look for the shrimp to turn pink and curl slightly; they should still be tender, not rubbery. Aim for about 2 minutes on one side and 1 minute on the other.
- If you’re unsure, take one out to check—the flesh should be opaque and firm.
By keeping an eye on the shrimp and avoiding prolonged cooking, you’ll achieve the perfect bite every time!
How to Make Glazed Honey Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off as preferred)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
- Cooked white rice or steamed rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s super quick, so you can have dinner on the table in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Begin by patting the shrimp dry using paper towels. This helps them get that lovely sear in the pan. Once dry, season them lightly with salt and black pepper to enhance their flavor.
2. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. You want it hot but not smoking, ready to cook those shrimp perfectly!
3. Cook the Shrimp:
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Let them cook for about 2 minutes on one side until they turn pink and start curling up. Then, carefully flip them over and cook for another minute until they are just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside for now.
4. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant but not browned, as you want to keep that fresh garlic flavor. Next, stir in the honey, soy sauce, and vinegar. If you like a bit of heat, add the crushed red pepper flakes here. Let this sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes until it thickens slightly, turning into a lovely glaze.
5. Combine Everything:
Now it’s time to return the shrimp to the skillet! Toss them in the thickened glaze until they’re well coated, heating everything together for another minute to meld those delicious flavors.
6. Serve It Up:
Remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the glazed shrimp over a bed of cooked rice. To make it pretty, garnish with some fresh chopped parsley or cilantro and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you like!
Enjoy your flavorful, sticky, and delicious Glazed Honey Garlic Shrimp!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. The best way is to leave them in the refrigerator overnight, or you can quickly thaw them by placing them in a sealed plastic bag under cold running water for about 15-20 minutes.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Absolutely! If you want more heat, you can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce to the glaze. Adjust to your taste preferences!
Can I Prep This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the shrimp and make the glaze separately in advance. Just store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, quickly reheat everything together in a skillet, and it’ll taste freshly made!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm them gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Keep in mind that the shrimp may become slightly less firm, but they’ll still be tasty!
