This shrimp dish delivers big flavor in very little time. The honey garlic sauce strikes the perfect balance of sweet and salty, and coats the shrimp beautifully with a glossy glaze. It’s versatile enough to serve over rice, noodles, or even salad, and it’s made with pantry staples you probably already have. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for something quick and delicious, this is a go-to recipe you’ll keep coming back to.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Garlic (minced)
Honey
Soy sauce
Olive oil or vegetable oil
Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Green onions (optional, for garnish)
Cooked rice or noodles (for serving, optional)
Directions
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Set aside.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and just cooked through.
Pour the sauce over the shrimp and toss to coat. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
(Optional) For a thicker sauce, mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and stir into the skillet. Cook until the sauce thickens.
Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions if desired.
Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 3 to 4 people. Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
Citrus Twist: Add a splash of lime or orange juice for a bright, zesty flavor.
Ginger Garlic Shrimp: Add grated fresh ginger to the sauce for a warm, aromatic note.
Vegetable Stir-Fry: Add bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for a full meal in one pan.
Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the saltiness.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over low to medium heat until heated through, or microwave in 30-second intervals. Avoid overcooking to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking for the best texture.
Do I have to devein the shrimp?
It’s recommended for a cleaner taste and better presentation, but not absolutely necessary.
Can I make this with chicken instead?
Yes, bite-sized chicken pieces work well—just increase the cook time to ensure they’re fully cooked.
What sides go well with this dish?
Steamed rice, fried rice, noodles, stir-fried vegetables, or even a fresh salad pair nicely.
How do I know when shrimp is cooked?
Shrimp turn pink and opaque when cooked. They should curl into a “C” shape—don’t overcook or they’ll be tough.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it gluten-free.
Can I marinate the shrimp ahead of time?
Yes, but only for about 15–30 minutes. Longer marinating can make the shrimp mushy due to the acid in the sauce.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
You can, but only warm them briefly in the sauce so they don’t become rubbery.
How can I thicken the sauce?
A small cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water) will help thicken the sauce quickly.
Can I double the sauce?
Absolutely—just keep an eye on the consistency and adjust thickening as needed.
Conclusion
20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp is a simple yet flavorful recipe that makes dinner feel special without a lot of work. With just a few ingredients and one pan, you get a restaurant-quality dish that’s perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or last-minute entertaining. Quick, easy, and always delicious, this is a recipe worth keeping in your regular rotation.
20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. Perfect for weeknights, it comes together in one pan with just a few pantry staples.
Ingredients
1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
1 tbsp water (for cornstarch slurry, optional)
2 tbsp green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
Cooked rice or noodles (for serving, optional)
Instructions
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Set aside.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
Pour the sauce over the shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
(Optional) Mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Stir into the skillet and cook until sauce thickens.
Remove from heat and garnish with green onions if using.
Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Notes
Do not overcook shrimp; they’re done when pink and curled into a “C” shape.Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content.Thaw and pat dry frozen shrimp before cooking.Double the sauce for extra drizzle over rice or veggies.Add chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy variation.
