I started making this dish when I needed a quick meal with more protein. I cook it on busy weeknights. It fills plates fast and it keeps me full. I like that it uses few parts and one pan. High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp helped me save time and still eat well.

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I make this dish again when I want a hot dinner in twenty minutes. I pair it with rice or steamed veg. It tastes sweet and garlicky. The sauce sticks to the shrimp and looks nice on the plate. I keep the method simple and I use items that I usually have.

This is a simple shrimp dish with a sweet garlic sauce. The shrimp cook fast and get a nice glaze. The taste is sweet, savory, and a little salty from the soy sauce. People often make this for weeknight dinners, fast lunches, or when they want a light but filling meal. It works well with rice or steamed vegetables. If you like bowl meals, try my honey garlic shrimp bowls recipe for a similar serving idea.

Why make this recipe

This recipe saves time. It uses one pan and a few items. You can have dinner in under 30 minutes from start to finish. The sauce is bold but simple. It adds flavor to plain rice or veg. The shrimp give good protein without a lot of work. If you want a different rich dish, check the creamy cajun shrimp pasta for another option that is still easy to make.

How to make this recipe

You mix a simple sauce first. Then you heat oil and cook the shrimp. The shrimp cook quickly so you watch them closely. After the shrimp turn pink, you add the sauce and let it thicken a bit. The sauce coats the shrimp and gives shine. You finish by serving the shrimp over rice or with vegetables. The whole job links one quick cook step to a short sauce step, so you move fast and clean up is easy.

Ingredients

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Cooked rice or steamed vegetables for serving

Use fresh or thawed shrimp for best texture. Mince the garlic small so it mixes into the sauce. Honey and soy sauce make the sauce sweet and salty. The oil helps the shrimp cook without sticking. Rice or veg give a base to soak the sauce.

Directions

In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic to create the sauce.
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
Add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper.
Cook shrimp until pink and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Pour the honey garlic sauce over the shrimp and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until well coated.
Serve warm over cooked rice or alongside steamed vegetables.

Notes: Mix the sauce first so it is ready when the shrimp are done. Heat the pan before adding shrimp to get a quick sear. Do not overcook shrimp; they turn rubbery if left too long. Let the sauce cook a minute to thicken and glaze the shrimp.

How to serve this recipe

Serve the shrimp right away while the sauce is warm. Put hot rice in a bowl and lay the shrimp on top. Add steamed broccoli, green beans, or snap peas on the side. Sprinkle a little black pepper or chopped green onion if you like. For a creamier side, see easy creamy garlic shrimp to pair with similar flavors. Keep portions small if you want a light meal.

How to store this recipe

Cool leftovers before you store them. Put shrimp and sauce in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of water if the sauce is too thick. Do not freeze if you want the best texture; frozen shrimp may get soft once thawed. If you must freeze, use a freezer-safe container and eat within a month.

Tips to make this recipe

Use medium or large shrimp for even cooking. Pat shrimp dry to get a better sear. Mince garlic fine so it mixes into the sauce well. Watch the shrimp as they cook; they change color fast. If the sauce is too thin, simmer it a bit longer to thicken. If it is too sweet, add a small splash of rice vinegar or lemon juice to balance it. Taste and adjust salt at the end.

Variation

You can add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Swap soy sauce for low-sodium soy if you want less salt. Use maple syrup instead of honey in a pinch. Add sliced bell peppers or snap peas to the pan for more veg and color. If you want a creamier dish, stir a small spoon of butter into the sauce at the end. Most swaps keep the same cook time and method.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?

A: Yes. Thaw fully and pat dry before cooking.

Q: Is this dish spicy?

A: No. It is sweet and savory. Add red pepper if you want heat.

Q: Can I use chicken instead?

A: Yes, but cook longer until it is done.

Q: How do I make more sauce?

A: Double the honey and soy sauce in the mix.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?

A: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

Conclusion

This shrimp dish is quick, simple, and full of flavor. It works for busy nights and for meal prep. You can change a few items and still keep the same method. Try it with rice or steamed veg to make a full plate. For more idea pages and similar recipes, see Honey-Garlic Shrimp at Allrecipes and Honey Garlic Shrimp at Wholesome Yum.