Hey y’all! Ready for a dinner that’s insanely delicious and comes together in just 20 minutes? This 20-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp is a mouthwatering blend of sweet and savory, with plump shrimp caramelized in a sticky honey garlic glaze. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or when you want to impress guests without breaking a sweat. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This 20-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp
- Super quick: Dinner is on the table in just 20 minutes, prep to plate.
- Deliciously balanced: The honey-garlic sauce is sweet, savory, and utterly craveable.
- Versatile: Serve it with rice, noodles, or veggies—anything goes!
- Healthy: Packed with lean protein and simple, wholesome ingredients.
- Minimal cleanup: Only one pan required, so less mess to worry about!
Ingredients for 20-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (thawed if frozen)
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (optional but recommended)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or use sesame oil for added flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
How to Make 20-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp
Step 1: Prep the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Set aside.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, until pink and just opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Sauce
Pour the honey garlic sauce into the same skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring, until it just starts to thicken and bubble.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the shrimp are well-glazed and the sauce is sticky. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes (if using), green onions, and sesame seeds. Serve hot!
Notes for Perfect 20-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp
- Don’t overcook your shrimp—remove them from the pan as soon as they turn pink and opaque for juicy, tender bites.
- If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer for an extra minute or two to thicken, but watch closely to avoid burning the honey. Learn more about cooking shrimp perfectly.
- Use fresh ginger for a zingy kick, or swap for 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger if needed.
3 Delicious Variations of 20-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp
- Spicy Sriracha Honey Garlic Shrimp: Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha to the sauce for a fiery twist.
- Crispy Honey Garlic Shrimp: Lightly dredge shrimp in cornstarch before searing for extra crunch.
- Lemon Honey Garlic Shrimp: Stir in 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice for bright, tangy flavor.
Equipment Needed for 20-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp
- Large nonstick skillet or sauté pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula or tongs
How to Store 20-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp
Let shrimp cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until just heated through. Do not freeze—the texture of shrimp may become rubbery.
What to Serve with 20-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp
- Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice
- Stir-fried or steamed vegetables (broccoli, snap peas, bell peppers)
- Rice noodles or quinoa for a gluten-free option
- Fresh salad with an Asian-inspired dressing
Pro Tips for the Best 20-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp
- Use thawed, patted-dry shrimp for the best sear and caramelization.
- Allow sauce to thicken slightly before adding shrimp back for a glossy glaze. For more tips, check out this shrimp sauté guide.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil to add a burst of flavor and color.
20-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp FAQ
- Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
- Absolutely—just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.
- Is this 20-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe gluten-free?
- Yes, simply use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- What size shrimp works best?
- Large shrimp (21-25 per pound) are ideal for quick, even cooking and juicy texture.
For more about shrimp nutrition, check out Healthline’s shrimp nutrition guide.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
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1In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
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2Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat. Let marinate for 5 minutes.
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3Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp (reserve marinade) and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
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4Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
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5Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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