Honey Garlic Shrimp: Tangy, Quick Protein Dinner (Print Version)
Whip up this High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe! It's flavorful, fast, and perfect for busy weeknights. A family favorite with a sweet-savory kick.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Dietary: High-Protein
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
1.5 lbs large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 -
2 tbsp olive oil
→ Flavor Boosters
03 -
1/4 cup honey
04 -
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for GF)
05 -
4-5 cloves garlic, minced (or more, honestly!)
06 -
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
07 -
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
08 -
1 tsp sesame oil
→ Thickener
09 -
1 tbsp cornstarch
10 -
1 tbsp cold water
→ Finishing Touches
11 -
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
12 -
1 tsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get those shrimp ready. If they're frozen, thaw them completely, then pat, pat, pat them dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear, honestly. Next, in a medium bowl, whisk together your honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, red pepper flakes, and sesame oil. In a separate small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water until it's completely smooth – no lumps, please! I always forget to pat the shrimp dry enough, and then I'm sad when they steam instead of sear. Don't be like me!
02 -
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of olive oil. Once it's shimmering, add your dry shrimp in a single layer. Don't overcrowd the pan! You might need to do this in two batches, and that's totally okay. Let them cook for just 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. We're looking for that lovely slight curl and a hint of golden color. Overcooked shrimp are rubbery, and nobody wants that. I once left them on too long while distracted by a phone call, and it was a tragedy, honestly. Keep an eye on them, they cook fast!
03 -
Once the shrimp are cooked, take them out of the pan and set them aside. Reduce the heat to medium. Pour your delicious honey garlic sauce mixture into the skillet. Let it simmer gently for about 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally. You'll start to smell that incredible sweet-savory aroma, it’s honestly one of my favorite kitchen smells! This is where the magic really starts to happen, creating the base for our High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp.
04 -
Now for that cornstarch slurry! Give it another quick whisk, then slowly pour it into the simmering sauce in the skillet, stirring constantly. You'll see the sauce start to thicken almost immediately. Keep stirring for another minute or so until it's glossy and coats the back of a spoon. If it gets too thick, a splash of water or broth will fix it. I didn't expect how quickly it thickens the first time I made it, and it turned into a glop! So, stir constantly, hon.
05 -
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the thickened honey garlic sauce. Toss everything gently to make sure every single shrimp is beautifully coated in that luscious, sticky sauce. This step is so satisfying, watching it all come together. Make sure they're just warming through, we don't want to overcook them now that they're back in the pan. I honestly love seeing the sauce cling to the shrimp like a warm hug.
06 -
Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle generously with fresh sliced green onions. If you're feeling fancy, a sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a nice touch too. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or with some steamed veggies. The final result should be glistening, fragrant, and utterly irresistible. It smells so good you'll want to dig in right away, and honestly, you should!
# Notes:
01 -
Always pat your shrimp dry before searing for the best texture, I learned this the hard way!
02 -
For leftovers, store in an airtight container for 2-3 days; gently reheat in a skillet to avoid rubbery shrimp.
03 -
If you're out of fresh ginger, 1/2 tsp ground ginger works in a pinch, but fresh is truly best.
04 -
A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end adds a wonderful brightness to the dish.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
mixing bowls
03 -
whisk
04 -
measuring spoons/cups
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 380 Calories
Total Fat: 12g
Total Carbohydrate: 30g
Protein: 35g