This Glazed Honey Garlic Shrimp is a tasty dish that mixes sweet honey with yummy garlic for a delightful flavor. It’s easy to whip up and makes a perfect meal any night of the week!
The shrimp cook quickly, and the glaze is just the right amount of stickiness. I love serving it over rice or noodles. Trust me, your dinner table will be smiling! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: You can use large shrimp or even medium ones if that’s what you have. If you have dietary restrictions, feel free to replace shrimp with cubed firm tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Honey: For a vegan option, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Both will still provide that sweet glaze, just with a different flavor profile!
Soy Sauce: If you need a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Some people prefer using coconut aminos for a milder taste.
Vinegar: Rice vinegar is milder and sweeter than regular vinegar. If you’re out, apple cider vinegar works just fine, though it has a stronger flavor. Lemon juice can be a great substitute for bright acidity!
Sesame Oil: While sesame oil adds a super yummy taste, you can use olive oil in a pinch. It won’t have the same nuttiness, but it will still work well.
How Do You Make Sure the Shrimp Are Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky since they cook quickly. Here are some tips to make sure they turn out just right:
- Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the shrimp; this helps them cook evenly.
- Cook them for about 2 minutes on each side. Look for that lovely pink color and firmness—overcooking can make them rubbery!
- Remove shrimp from the pan just as soon as they’re done. They will continue to cook a bit from residual heat.
Following these steps will help ensure your shrimp are juicy and tender, making the dish even more enjoyable!
How to Make Glazed Honey Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off as preferred)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
For Serving:
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (to thicken the sauce)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Cooked white rice or jasmine rice, for serving
- Lemon slices (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This savory dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to cook. In just 25 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, sticky, and flavorful meal ready to go!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Shrimp:
Start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them sear nicely in the pan. Lightly season shrimp with salt and pepper—just a pinch will do!
2. Cooking the Shrimp:
In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a lovely pink color and the shrimp should be just cooked through. When done, remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.
3. Sautéing the Garlic:
Now, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic directly into the same pan. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant but be careful not to let it burn!
4. Making the Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of spice). Pour this mixture into the pan with the garlic. Stir to combine everything nicely.
5. Thickening the Sauce:
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Now, stir in the cornstarch mixed with water and let it cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and gets that lovely glossy look!
6. Tossing It Together:
Add the cooked shrimp back into the pan and gently toss everything together, ensuring that all the shrimp are coated evenly with that sticky honey garlic glaze.
7. Serving It Up:
Remove from heat and serve your glazed shrimp over a bed of warm cooked white or jasmine rice. Garnish with the sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for that extra flavor. And if you like, add a lemon slice on the side!
8. Enjoy!
Dig in while it’s warm for the best experience. This dish is not only quick but packed with delicious flavors—you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely beforehand. The easiest way to do this is to place them in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, you can also thaw them quickly by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and submerging the bag in cold water.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder dish, simply omit the crushed red pepper flakes. Conversely, for a spicier kick, feel free to add more flakes or incorporate a dash of hot sauce to the glaze while cooking!
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you need a replacement for honey, maple syrup or agave nectar works well. Both provide sweetness with a slightly different flavor profile, but they will still create a delicious glaze!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the shrimp and glaze ahead of time. Simply store the cooked shrimp and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but reheating will work if you’re short on meal prep time!
