Sticky Honey Garlic Shrimp

This Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe is made with shrimp, honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, oil and can be served on rice.

Honey garlic shrimp is a popular dish that combines succulent shrimp with a sweet and savory sauce made from honey, garlic, soy sauce, and other ingredients. This dish originated in Asian cuisine but has become increasingly popular worldwide due to its delicious flavor and easy preparation.

The dish typically involves marinating the shrimp in a mixture of honey, garlic, soy sauce, and other ingredients, then sautéing the shrimp until cooked through and tossing them in the sauce until coated. The resulting dish is flavorful, juicy, and has the perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness.

This is a simple recipe that gives shrimp a great combination of sweet and savory flavor. You can also make this recipe on the grill by marinating the shrimp the same exact way, threading them on skewers. This is an easy weeknight recipe and takes only 20 minutes to make! I love plating this shrimp on a warm bed of rice, although this shrimp works well with noodles as well.

If you love this recipe, feel free to try my Creamy Shrimp in Coconut Sauce or my Shrimp Scampi.

Jump to:

• What is Honey Garlic Shrimp?
• Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe Ingredients
• How to make Honey Garlic Shrimp
• What to serve with Honey Garlic Shrimp
• Substitutions
• Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe Variations
• Equipment
• How to store Honey Garlic Shrimp
• Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe Top tips
• Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
• Food safety

What is Honey Garlic Shrimp?

Honey Garlic Shrimp is a popular dish that features succulent shrimp coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. The dish typically includes a combination of garlic, honey, soy sauce, and other seasonings that are used to create a sticky glaze that coats the shrimp. The dish is usually served as an appetizer or as a main course with rice or noodles. Honey Garlic Shrimp is loved for its sweet and tangy flavor profile, as well as its crispy texture, making it a great option for those who enjoy a blend of sweet and savory flavors.

Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe Ingredients

You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

• Shrimp
• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Olive oil
• Rice
• Sesame seeds

See recipe card for Sticky Honey Garlic Shrimp quantities.

How to make Honey Garlic Shrimp

Hint: Do not overcook the shrimp.

What to serve with Honey Garlic Shrimp

• Rice: A simple side of steamed rice is a classic accompaniment to Honey Garlic Shrimp. You could also try serving it with fried rice or mixed vegetable rice.
• Noodles: Honey Garlic Shrimp also pairs well with noodles, such as chow mein or lo mein.
• Vegetables: Consider serving a side of steamed or stir-fried vegetables, such as broccoli, bok choy, or bell peppers.
• Salad: A light and refreshing salad, such as a cucumber salad or a simple green salad, can help balance the sweetness of the Honey Garlic Shrimp.
• Bread: Serving Honey Garlic Shrimp with some crusty bread or dinner rolls is a great way to soak up any extra sauce.

Substitutions

Soy sauce: I absolutely love using soy sauce for this recipe, and although you can use coconut aminos. 

Garlic: For best quality, use fresh garlic. You can opt to using garlic from the jar. 

Ginger: To buy the freshest ginger, make sure the skin and flesh is firm. 

Shrimp: I love going to my local fish market to buy the freshest fish possible. I would rather use fresh fish over previously frozen shrimp. 

Honey: I love using raw, organic honey for best results. 

Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe Variations

• Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp: Add some red pepper flakes or chili sauce to the honey garlic sauce for a spicy twist.
• Lemon Honey Garlic Shrimp: Substitute the soy sauce with lemon juice and zest, and add a dash of honey for a tangy and sweet flavor.
• Ginger Honey Garlic Shrimp: Add some grated ginger to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor and depth.
• Baked Honey Garlic Shrimp: Instead of sautéing the shrimp, you could try baking them in the oven for a healthier and lighter version of the dish.
• Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry: Add some vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas to the dish to make it a complete meal.

Check out this Rock Shrimp Tempura.

Equipment

• Large skillet or wok: This wok will be used to cook the shrimp and the sauce.
• Cutting board and knife: For chopping the garlic and any other vegetables you might want to add.
• Mixing bowl: To mix the honey garlic sauce ingredients together.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurately measuring the ingredients for the sauce.
• Tongs or spatula: To flip and stir the shrimp as it cooks.
• Small saucepan (optional): If you want to thicken the sauce, you may need a small saucepan to reduce it.
• Serving platter: To serve the honey garlic shrimp once it is cooked.

How to store Honey Garlic Shrimp

To store honey garlic shrimp, first make sure it has cooled down to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it within two hours of cooking.

Honey garlic shrimp can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. However, keep in mind that the texture of the shrimp may become softer as it sits in the sauce.

To reheat honey garlic shrimp, you can either microwave it for a minute or two or reheat it on the stovetop in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through. If you find the sauce has thickened too much, you can add a little bit of water or chicken broth to thin it out while reheating.

Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe Top tips

• Use fresh shrimp: Whenever possible, use fresh shrimp rather than frozen shrimp, as it will have a better flavor and texture.
• Don't overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cooks very quickly and can become tough and rubbery if overcooked. Cook the shrimp until it turns pink and opaque, but be careful not to overdo it.
• Use real honey: Use real honey in the recipe rather than a honey substitute or honey-flavored syrup. This will give your dish a more authentic and delicious flavor.
• Add some heat: If you like spicy food, consider adding some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeno pepper to the recipe for a little bit of extra heat.
• Serve it with rice: Honey garlic shrimp goes great with rice. Serve it over steamed rice or fried rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Use fresh garlic: Using fresh garlic rather than pre-minced garlic will give your dish a more vibrant and intense garlic flavor.
• Let the sauce thicken: Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes after adding the shrimp to allow it to thicken and coat the shrimp well.

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Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.