Finding fresh dinner ideas during a busy week can feel like a total chore. You get home late, you are tired, and the last thing you want to do is spend an hour standing over a hot stove. We have all been there. You stare into the fridge hoping a meal will magically appear.
That is where this Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe comes in to save the day. It is one of those Protein Shrimp Recipes that tastes like you ordered takeout but comes together in your own kitchen in about 20 minutes. It is fast, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.
If you are hunting for Easy Dinner Recipes For Two Healthy eaters or need to feed a hungry family, this dish hits the mark. The sauce is sticky, sweet, and packed with garlic. It coats the tender shrimp perfectly. Plus, it uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You are going to love having this recipe in your rotation of dinner ideas. First and foremost, the speed is unbeatable. From start to finish, you are looking at less than 25 minutes. That is faster than waiting for a delivery driver to show up at your door.
Another reason this dish shines is its versatility. It fits perfectly into a collection of Low Carb Shrimp Recipes Dinners if you serve it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. If you are not watching carbs, it is just as delicious over jasmine rice or tossed with noodles.
The flavor profile is a huge win for families. The honey provides a natural sweetness that balances the salty soy sauce and savory garlic. Even picky eaters usually enjoy the sticky glaze. It is a great way to introduce seafood to kids who might be hesitant.
For those focused on nutrition, this is one of the best Dinner Ideas Protein lovers can find. Shrimp is naturally lean and high in protein, making this a guilt free meal that keeps you full. It proves that Lean Dinner Recipes do not have to be boring or bland.
Finally, the cleanup is minimal. You really only need one skillet to cook the shrimp and the sauce. Less time washing dishes means more time relaxing after your meal. It is the definition of a hassle free weeknight win.
Ingredients
This recipe relies on simple, fresh ingredients to create big flavors. You do not need a long list of groceries to make these dinner ideas come to life. Here is what you will need to get started.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
Step-By-Step Instructions
Making this dish is incredibly straightforward. Even if you are a beginner in the kitchen, these instructions will guide you to success. It is one of the most reliable Dinner Ideas Shrimp lovers can make at home.
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by getting your shrimp ready. If you bought frozen shrimp, make sure they are fully thawed. Rinse the shrimp under cold running water. This helps remove any lingering shell bits or debris.
Once rinsed, it is crucial to pat them dry with paper towels. You want the shrimp to be as dry as possible. This ensures they sear nicely in the pan rather than steaming in excess water.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
Grab a small bowl to mix your sauce ingredients. Combine the 1/4 cup of honey, the minced garlic, soy sauce, and olive oil. Whisk it all together until the honey is fully dissolved into the liquids.
If you prefer a thicker, stickier glaze for your Protein And Vegetable Meals, this is the time to stir in the optional teaspoon of cornstarch. Make sure there are no lumps in the mixture before you set it aside.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Take a large skillet and place it over medium high heat. Drizzle in some olive oil and let it get hot. You want the pan to be nice and warm so the shrimp sizzle when they hit the surface.
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan. If you have too many shrimp, cook them in two batches. This ensures every piece cooks evenly and gets a nice texture.
Step 4: Season the Shrimp
While the shrimp are in the pan, sprinkle them with salt and pepper to taste. Let them cook for about 2 to 3 minutes. You are looking for them to start turning pink and opaque.
Flip the shrimp over so they can cook on the other side. They cook very fast, so keep an eye on them. You do not want rubbery shrimp.
Step 5: Add the Sauce
Now comes the flavor. Pour the honey garlic mixture directly over the shrimp in the skillet. Give everything a good toss. You want to ensure all the shrimp are coated evenly in that delicious liquid.
The sauce will start to bubble immediately. This creates that wonderful aroma that makes these dinner ideas so appealing to everyone in the house.
Step 6: Let it Simmer
Lower the heat slightly to a simmer. Let the shrimp cook in the sauce for an additional 3 to 5 minutes. Watch as the sauce reduces and thickens, clinging to the shrimp.
Once the shrimp are fully cooked through and the sauce has reached your desired consistency, turn off the heat. Be careful not to let the sauce burn, as the honey can caramelize quickly.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the top for a fresh crunch and a professional look. These small touches make Meat And Vegetable Dinners feel special.
Serve your honey garlic shrimp immediately while it is still warm. It pairs beautifully with steamed broccoli or snap peas for a complete meal.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, you are in luck. This dish reheats reasonably well for lunch the next day. Proper storage is key to keeping the shrimp fresh and safe to eat.
Place the leftover shrimp and any remaining sauce into an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. We do not recommend freezing this dish once cooked, as the texture of the shrimp can change.
To reheat, it is best to use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water if the sauce has become too thick. Gently warm the shrimp until heated through. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make seafood tough.
Tips
To make sure your dinner ideas turn out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips. First, buy the right shrimp. Large or extra large shrimp work best for this recipe. They stay juicy and are harder to overcook than the tiny ones.
Don’t skip the garnish. The green onions add a necessary fresh bite that cuts through the sweetness of the honey. It balances the dish. Fresh cilantro is another great option if you enjoy that flavor.
If you want to turn this into one of those robust Meat And Vegetable Dinners, try sautéing bell peppers or snap peas in the pan before you cook the shrimp. Remove the veggies, cook the shrimp, and then toss everything back together at the end.
Watch the salt. Soy sauce is naturally salty, so you may not need to add much extra salt during the seasoning step. Taste the sauce before you serve it to see if it needs adjustment.
For those looking for Easy Dinner Recipes High Protein options, you can double the shrimp portion. This recipe scales up very easily. Just make sure to use a large enough pan so you do not steam the shrimp.
Conclusion
This Honey Garlic Shrimp is truly one of the best dinner ideas for anyone who wants a meal that is fast, healthy, and full of flavor. It ticks all the boxes for a busy weeknight.
Whether you are looking for Easy Dinner Recipes High Protein or just something tasty to break up the monotony of the week, this recipe delivers. It is better than takeout and healthier too.
Give this recipe a try tonight. You will be amazed at how simple ingredients can come together to create such a satisfying dish. It might just become your new favorite way to cook shrimp.
FAQ
Can I Make This Gluten Free?
Yes, absolutely. To make this gluten free, simply swap the soy sauce for Tamari or coconut aminos. It is an easy switch that keeps the flavor profile intact while making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp?
You can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. However, it is critical that you thaw them completely before cooking. Thawing ensures they cook evenly and allows you to pat them dry, which is essential for a good sear.
Is This Recipe Spicy?
As written, this recipe is not spicy. It is sweet and savory. If you want to add some heat, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha into the sauce mixture.
What Should I Serve With This?
This dish is very versatile. Serve it over white or brown rice to soak up the extra sauce. For a lighter option, pair it with steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or zucchini noodles.
Quick Honey Garlic Shrimp
This Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe is a fast, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying dinner idea that tastes like takeout but comes together in your own kitchen in about 20 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and easily scales for two or a family.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Thaw frozen shrimp completely. Rinse shrimp under cold running water, then pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
- Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and olive oil. Whisk until honey is fully dissolved. If you want a thicker glaze, stir in the optional cornstarch until no lumps remain.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Add shrimp in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Season the Shrimp: Sprinkle shrimp with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque. Flip and cook briefly on the other side until just cooked through.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the honey garlic mixture over the shrimp in the skillet. Toss to coat evenly.
- Let it Simmer: Lower heat to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken, clinging to the shrimp. Turn off heat once desired consistency is reached.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately with desired sides like rice or steamed veggies.
Notes
For best results, use large or extra-large shrimp; they stay juicier and are less likely to overcook.
Don’t skip the garnish! Green onions add a fresh bite that balances the sweetness. Fresh cilantro is also a great option.
To make it a complete meal, sauté bell peppers or snap peas in the pan before cooking the shrimp. Remove, cook shrimp, then toss everything back together.
Soy sauce is salty, so taste the sauce before serving and adjust added salt as needed.
This recipe scales up easily for more servings; just ensure you use a large enough pan.
Nutrition
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