These Glazed Honey Garlic Shrimp are a fun and tasty treat! Tender shrimp get a sweet and sticky glaze that makes them extra delicious. Plus, they cook super quickly!
Honestly, I can’t resist the sweet and tangy flavor! I love serving them over rice or tossing them in a salad. It’s a great way to impress dinner guests without much fuss! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are best for this recipe, but if you only have smaller or medium ones, they work too. For a twist, try adding scallops or chunks of chicken if you prefer meat over seafood.
Honey: If you need a substitute, agave syrup or maple syrup are great alternatives. They will give a similar sweetness without changing the flavors too much.
Soy Sauce: If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, tamari is a perfect substitute. Coconut aminos is another great choice with a slightly sweeter taste.
Rice Vinegar: You can use apple cider vinegar if you don’t have rice vinegar on hand. Lemon juice can also work in a pinch, adding a different but refreshing tartness.
Red Pepper Flakes: If you want a bit more heat, use diced fresh chili peppers or Sriracha. If you prefer no spice, just leave these out!
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Cooked Shrimp?
Cooking shrimp is quick, and you want to avoid overcooking them. Perfectly cooked shrimp should be pink and opaque without being rubbery.
- Start by heating your skillet to medium-high, which gives the shrimp a nice sear. Don’t overcrowd; cook in batches if needed.
- Cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes on each side. They’ll turn pink and curl slightly when done.
- As soon as they are cooked through, remove them from the heat. They keep cooking from their residual heat, so you want to take them out just at the right moment!
This technique helps keep your shrimp juicy and tender! Enjoy making this delicious dish!
Glazed Honey Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, as preferred)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (toasted)
- Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked white rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and an additional 10 minutes for cooking. Overall, you’re looking at roughly 20 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them cook evenly! Season them lightly with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Make the Sweet Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and grated ginger until everything is mixed well. This will be your delicious glaze! Set this bowl aside for later.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook them for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and start to develop a slight char. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as the shrimp need space to cook properly. Once they’re done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
4. Create the Glaze:
Lower the heat to medium and pour the honey garlic sauce you made earlier into the same skillet. Allow it to simmer for about 2-3 minutes while stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes sticky. This will enhance the flavors!
5. Coat and Finish:
Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss them well in the glaze, making sure each shrimp is coated beautifully. Cook everything together for an additional 1-2 minutes until the shrimp are heated through and shimmering with glaze.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro or green onions over the shrimp. It’s time to serve! Dish them up over steamed white rice or your favorite grain and enjoy your sweet and savory glazed honey garlic shrimp!
Enjoy every bite of this delightful dish! 🦐✨
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before using them. You can thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, or for a quicker option, place the shrimp in a sealed plastic bag and submerge them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you need a substitute for honey, agave syrup or maple syrup works well. Both options will maintain the sweetness of the dish. Just keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftover glazed honey garlic shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
Yes, you can! If you like heat, try adding more red pepper flakes or even some diced jalapeños or Sriracha to the glaze. Adjust it to your spice preference for a kick that suits your taste!