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Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe

4.5 from 52 reviews

This Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe features succulent jumbo shrimp marinated in a sweet and savory blend of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, then pan-seared to perfection and finished with a thickened flavorful sauce. A quick and easy dish perfect for a weeknight dinner, served with fresh scallions for a mild onion flavor and a vibrant pop of color.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Marinade

  • 1 pound extra-large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic (from 2 large cloves)
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper, plus more to taste

Thickening and Cooking

  • 1/4 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil or vegetable oil

Garnish

  • Thinly sliced scallions, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the shrimp: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a large bowl, setting the stage for marination.
  2. Make and apply the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and crushed red pepper until smooth. Pour 3 tablespoons of this marinade over the shrimp and toss to coat thoroughly. Let the shrimp marinate at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or up to 1 hour if refrigerated, allowing the flavors to infuse.
  3. Prepare thickening mixture: Combine the cornstarch with the remaining marinade in a separate bowl and set aside, which will be used later to thicken the sauce.
  4. Dry the shrimp: Using tongs or a slotted spoon, lift the shrimp from the marinade onto paper towels and pat dry to ensure a good sear. Discard any leftover marinade that the shrimp were soaking in.
  5. Heat the skillet and cook shrimp: Warm a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil and swirl to coat the bottom evenly. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the hot skillet. Cook undisturbed for 2 minutes, allowing the shrimp to brown lightly on the bottom. Flip each shrimp and cook for another 1 minute, ensuring they are just cooked through with a slight caramelized crust.
  6. Thicken the sauce: Pour the reserved marinade and cornstarch mixture into the skillet. Cook, stirring gently, for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. If your shrimp are smaller and fully cooked before adding the sauce, transfer the shrimp to a serving dish and reduce the sauce in the skillet separately before pouring it over the shrimp.
  7. Serve: Transfer the cooked shrimp and thickened sauce to a serving plate. Sprinkle thinly sliced scallions on top for a fresh, bright garnish. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

  • Marinate the shrimp for longer if you prefer a stronger flavor, but avoid exceeding 1 hour to prevent the shrimp from becoming mushy.
  • For extra heat, add more crushed red pepper or a splash of chili flakes.
  • A cast-iron skillet helps develop a richer sear compared to nonstick pans.
  • This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or a crisp green salad.
  • Leftover shrimp and sauce can be refrigerated up to 2 days and gently reheated.

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