Quick & Healthy Dinner: 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp

This honey garlic shrimp is one of my go-to meals when I need something fast, healthy, and full of flavor. With just a few pantry staples and a bag of shrimp, I can whip up a sweet and savory dish that’s ready in only 20 minutes. It’s perfect for busy nights when I don’t want to sacrifice taste or nutrition.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s quick, high in protein, and loaded with bold, satisfying flavor. The shrimp cook in just minutes, and the sticky honey garlic sauce is the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and garlicky goodness. Whether I serve it over rice, noodles, or a bed of greens, it’s a delicious, fuss-free dinner that always hits the spot.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail on or off)

• Olive oil or sesame oil

• Garlic, minced

• Honey

• Soy sauce

• Rice vinegar or lemon juice

• Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

• Cornstarch and water (optional, for thickening)

• Green onions or sesame seeds (optional garnish)

directions

1. I start by patting the shrimp dry and seasoning them lightly with salt and pepper.

2. In a small bowl, I whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and rice vinegar. If I want a thicker sauce, I stir in a cornstarch slurry (just a little cornstarch mixed with water).

3. I heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, I add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 1–2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.

4. I pour the sauce into the skillet and stir the shrimp to coat. The sauce starts bubbling and thickens within 2–3 minutes, creating a beautiful glaze.

5. Once the shrimp are fully coated and glossy, I remove the pan from heat and garnish with green onions or sesame seeds.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 3 to 4 people. It takes 5 minutes to prep and 10–12 minutes to cook, so I have dinner on the table in just 20 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I swap out soy sauce for tamari to make it gluten-free, or I use maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper flavor. I’ve added ginger or sriracha for extra kick, or stirred in steamed broccoli or snap peas for a one-pan meal. For a tropical twist, I’ve even tossed in pineapple chunks.

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I warm the shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts to avoid overcooking. I don’t recommend freezing, as the texture of shrimp changes once thawed.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, I do it all the time. I just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in the pan.

What size shrimp should I use?

I prefer medium to large shrimp for this recipe—they cook quickly and hold the sauce well without getting rubbery.

How do I know when the shrimp are done?

Shrimp cook fast. I look for them to turn pink and curl into a “C” shape. If they curl too tightly into an “O,” they might be overcooked.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

I like to prep the sauce and thaw the shrimp ahead of time, but I cook them fresh so they stay juicy and tender.

What can I serve with honey garlic shrimp?

I love pairing it with jasmine rice, quinoa, stir-fried veggies, or even lettuce wraps for a lighter option.

Conclusion

This 20 minute honey garlic shrimp recipe is a lifesaver on busy days. It’s quick, healthy, and loaded with flavor that feels way more indulgent than it really is. Whether I’m cooking for one or feeding the whole family, this dish always delivers—fast, fresh, and full of crave-worthy taste.

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