There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of honey and garlic. Imagine succulent shrimp, glistening with a sweet, sticky glaze that dances on your taste buds, while the rich aroma fills your kitchen—pure bliss! In just 20 minutes, you can whip up this delightful dish known as 20-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp, making it perfect for those days when you want gourmet flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. For more inspiration, check out this sticky honey chicken recipe recipe.
Now, picture this: it’s a busy weeknight, and your family is starving. As you whip up this quick and delicious meal, you’ll hear gasps of delight as they catch a whiff of that heavenly aroma. With each bite, they will be convinced you’ve been slaving away for hours in the kitchen. It’s a win-win situation that declares you a culinary hero without breaking a sweat.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This quick honey garlic shrimp recipe is a flavor explosion that takes only 20 minutes to prepare
- The vibrant colors and enticing aromas make it visually appealing on any dinner table
- Perfect for busy weeknights or surprise guests, it’s versatile enough to serve over rice or pasta
- Enjoy a delightful blend of sweetness from honey and savory garlic in every bite!
Sharing this dish with friends brought some enthusiastic thumbs-up and delighted smiles at our last dinner party!

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp works well; just ensure they’re cleaned and deveined for easy cooking.
-
Honey: Opt for pure honey for the best sweetness; local varieties can add unique flavors.
-
Garlic: Use fresh cloves if possible; minced garlic gives the best punch of flavor.
-
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness while enhancing the shrimp’s umami flavor.
-
Olive Oil: A splash of olive oil helps sauté the shrimp perfectly without burning them.
-
Green Onions: Chopped green onions add a fresh crunch and beautiful color to the finished dish.
-
Sesame Seeds: Optional but highly recommended for added texture and visual appeal.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them under cold running water to speed things up. This makes cooking seamless!
Heat the Pan: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Wait until it shimmers before adding the shrimp—this indicates it’s hot enough for perfect searing.
Add Shrimp to Skillet: Once ready, place your shrimp in the heated skillet in a single layer. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
Create the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, and soy sauce until combined. Pour this delightful mixture over your perfectly cooked shrimp.
Stir and Coat Well: Gently stir to coat all shrimp with the sauce. As it heats through, enjoy the intoxicating aroma that fills your kitchen!
Garnish and Serve!: Once everything is nicely combined and heated through (about 2-3 more minutes), remove from heat. Garnish with chopped green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving!
With these simple steps, you’ve transformed basic ingredients into an extraordinary dish that leaves everyone asking for seconds! Enjoy your 20-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp served over steamed rice or alongside crisp vegetables for a balanced meal. honey butter cornbread poppers as a side.
Now go forth and impress everyone with your newfound culinary prowess—no one has to know how easy it was!
You Must Know
- This delightful 20-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp not only bursts with flavor but also makes weeknight dinners a breeze
- The sweetness of honey paired with garlic creates a mouthwatering glaze
- Plus, it’s quick enough to impress unexpected guests without breaking a sweat
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the shrimp in the honey garlic sauce while you gather your ingredients. Sear the shrimp on high heat for that beautiful caramelization, ensuring the glaze coats them evenly.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out shrimp for chicken or tofu for a different protein twist. Cajun chicken pasta for a spicy twist Adding crushed red pepper can give it an extra kick if you like things spicy! southwest chicken casserole for a hearty meal. spicy rigatoni for pasta lovers.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover honey garlic shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain tenderness and avoid overcooking.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfectly cooked shrimp, avoid overcrowding the pan; it leads to steaming instead of searing
- Always pat shrimp dry before cooking for better caramelization
- Fresh ingredients elevate flavors, so choose quality garlic and honey for this recipe
Sometimes, I whip up this dish when friends drop by unexpectedly; their reactions are priceless and always leave me smiling.

FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp for 20-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp?
Yes, just remember to thaw them properly before cooking.
What can I serve with honey garlic shrimp?
This dish pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables.
How do I know when shrimp are done cooking?
Shrimp turn pink and opaque when fully cooked; avoid overcooking them!
20-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
20-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish that brings together the sweetness of honey and the robust taste of garlic. In just 20 minutes, you can create a stunning meal that will impress your family or guests. This recipe features succulent shrimp coated in a sticky glaze, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings. Serve it over rice or pasta for a complete meal that sings with flavor!
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp (fresh or frozen, cleaned and deveined)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 green onions (chopped)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: If using frozen shrimp, thaw them under cold running water.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil until shimmering.
- Add shrimp in a single layer to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, and soy sauce; pour over the cooked shrimp.
- Stir gently to coat the shrimp with the sauce and heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat, garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 165mg





Leave a Comment