Honey Garlic Shrimp

If you’re on the hunt for a lightning-fast dinner that’s exploding with flavor, this Honey Garlic Shrimp is the answer! Juicy, tender shrimp are sautéed in a glossy, sweet-savory sauce that’s garlicky, sticky, and completely addictive.

Picture plump shrimp coated in a magical blend of honey, soy, and fresh garlic, finished in just 20 minutes. It’s that perfect balance of salty, sweet, and umami that keeps you coming back for more.

This recipe is a must-try because it’s so easy, requires minimal prep, and creates a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Whether you’re cooking for family, impressing guests, or simply need a weeknight hero, this dish delivers every single time.

It’s inspired by my favorite takeout spot, but trust me—homemade tastes even better. Serve it over fluffy rice or noodles for a truly unforgettable meal!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Ready in just 20 minutes—perfect for busy nights
• Delivers that irresistible sweet, savory, and garlicky flavor
• Minimal ingredients and one pan for easy cleanup
• Versatile—amazing over rice, noodles, or veggies

Key Ingredients for Honey Garlic Shrimp

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Shrimp

Shrimp are the true star here, giving the dish its juicy, tender bite and soaking up all the bold flavors of the sauce. Go for peeled and deveined medium or large shrimp for quick prep. Both fresh and frozen work well—just thaw and pat dry before cooking for the best sear. If you’re feeling adventurous, try wild-caught shrimp for extra flavor, or even swap in jumbo prawns for a little luxury.

Honey

Honey is what gives this recipe its signature sticky-sweet glaze. Choose a mild, runny honey for easy mixing. Local honey or even clover honey works beautifully. If you don’t have honey, agave nectar is a fine substitute, though you’ll get a slightly different flavor.

Garlic

Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with that bold, aromatic punch that makes this dish so addictive. Don’t be shy—mince it finely for the best distribution. If you’re out of fresh garlic, you can use garlic paste, or in a pinch, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder per clove.

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce brings the salty, umami backbone to the sauce, balancing out the sweetness of the honey. Go for low-sodium soy sauce if you want to control the salt level, or try tamari for a gluten-free version. Coconut aminos work, too, for a slightly sweeter, less salty twist.

Lemon Juice

A splash of lemon juice brightens the entire dish, cutting through the sweetness and rounding out the flavors. Fresh is best, but bottled will do in a pinch. You can swap in lime juice for a citrusy twist.

Instructions for Honey Garlic Shrimp

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Whisk the Honey Garlic Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and fresh lemon juice until smooth. Set aside—you’ll use part for marinating and the rest for the sauce.

Marinate the Shrimp

Place the shrimp in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour in half of the honey garlic sauce and toss to coat. Let the shrimp marinate for 10 minutes while you prep the rest of your meal. This quick soak infuses tons of flavor without over-marinating.

Sear the Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 1-2 minutes per side, until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and slightly golden at the edges. Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches if needed.

Add the Sauce and Finish

Pour the reserved honey garlic sauce over the cooked shrimp. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes, until it thickens slightly and coats the shrimp in a glossy glaze. Sprinkle with black pepper to taste.

Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and immediately sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if using. Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or veggies and enjoy right away!

Recipe Variations

Spice It Up

Love a little heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squirt of Sriracha to the sauce for a spicy-sweet kick that takes this dish to the next level.

Go Gluten-Free

Swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to make this dish gluten-free without sacrificing flavor. Double-check your other ingredients to ensure they’re all gluten-free as well.

Make It Veggie

No shrimp? No problem! Try this recipe with cubed tofu or bite-sized pieces of chicken breast. Both absorb the sauce beautifully and make a tasty alternative.

Add Veggies

Bulk up your meal by tossing in snap peas, bell peppers, or broccoli florets when you add the shrimp to the pan. The veggies soak up all that glorious sauce.

Citrus Twist

Switch out the lemon juice for lime for a zesty, tropical flavor, or add a bit of orange zest for even more citrusy aroma.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Honey Garlic Shrimp piled high over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or your favorite noodles for a satisfying main course. Add a side of stir-fried veggies or a crisp Asian slaw for crunch and color. For a finishing touch, sprinkle extra green onions and sesame seeds for freshness and a little pop!

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftover shrimp and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much. If freezing, place cooled shrimp in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above—note that the texture of shrimp may change slightly after freezing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Honey Garlic Shrimp (FAQ)

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes! Just thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating. This helps them sear instead of steam.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can prep the sauce and marinate the shrimp up to a day in advance. For best flavor and texture, cook just before serving.

Q: What can I use instead of honey?
A: Agave nectar or maple syrup are great substitutes, though they’ll each give the dish a slightly different sweetness.

There you have it—the easiest, most flavorful Honey Garlic Shrimp you’ll ever try! It’s the perfect speedy dinner that never disappoints. If you make this recipe, let me know in the comments below and leave a rating—I love hearing how it turns out for you!