Honey garlic shrimp

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These honey garlic shrimp are tender, juicy, and coated in a sticky sweet-savoury glaze. Ready in under 20 minutes, they pair beautifully with rice, noodles, and fresh vegetables.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 16 minutes
honey garlic shrimp

we love sharing simple shrimp recipes that turn Pacific White Shrimp into crowd-pleasing meals in minutes. These honey garlic shrimp bring together sweet honey and savoury garlic in a quick glaze that’s always a hit with the natural sweetness of Pacific White Shrimp.

Part of our Just the Fish series.

Best sides to serve with these honey garlic shrimp

This versatile honey garlic shrimp works exceptionally well with a wide variety of sides. The sticky sweet-savory glaze pairs beautifully with both light and hearty accompaniments.

The following sides shine with this shrimp:

  • Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice
  • Stir-fried broccoli or mixed vegetables
  • Rice noodles or lo mein
  • Quinoa or cauliflower rice
  • Fresh cucumber salad or edamame
  • Lettuce wraps for low-carb option
  • Garlic naan or warm dinner rolls
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Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Honey Garlic Shrimp

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Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Pacific White Shrimp 21-25 count, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil or olive oil
  • ½ tbsp Rice vinegar
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes optional
  • 2 green onions thinly sliced
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 Large skillet
  • 1 Small mixing bowl
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Paper towels
  • 1 Microplane or fine grater (for ginger)

Method
 

  1. Mince the 3 garlic cloves and set aside. Grate the 1 teaspoon fresh ginger and set aside.
  2. In a small bowl whisk together the 2 tablespoons honey, 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari), 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, pinch of red pepper flakes (if using), and the grated ginger.
  3. Pat the 1 pound Pacific White Shrimp very dry with paper towels. If they are not already peeled and deveined, do so now.
  4. Sprinkle the shrimp lightly with a pinch of salt if desired and toss well.
  5. Heat the 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Add the shrimp in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and cook for 1 minute, then pour in the honey-soy mixture. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink, opaque, and are just cooked through and the glaze has thickened slightly.
  7. Remove from heat, sprinkle with the 2 thinly sliced green onions and 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (if using). Toss gently and serve immediately.

Notes

Level-up ideas:
  • Finish with a drizzle of chilli crisp for a sweet-spicy kick.
  • Toss in some snap peas or bell peppers during the last minute of cooking for built-in veggies.

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Why these shrimp work so well

A quick glaze of honey, garlic, soy sauce, and ginger creates the perfect sweet-savory balance in minutes. High-heat sautéing gives the shrimp beautiful colour while the glaze thickens and coats each piece. The light seasoning makes these shrimp an excellent base that pairs wonderfully with many sides.

Important note: Because these honey garlic shrimp are seasoned lightly, they let the flavour of your sides shine. A final sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds ties everything together beautifully.

Pro tips for the best honey garlic shrimp

Pat the shrimp very dry before seasoning so they sear nicely instead of steaming. Don’t overcrowd the pan – cook in batches if needed for the best colour and texture. Cook just until they turn pink and curl slightly – they cook extremely fast.

  • Use a large skillet so the shrimp have plenty of room.
  • Have all your ingredients ready before you start cooking – shrimp cook very fast.
  • Watch the glaze closely so it thickens without burning.

How to serve

These shrimp are incredibly versatile. Serve them over rice or noodles for an easy dinner, tuck them into lettuce wraps for a lighter meal, or pair with stir-fried vegetables. They also make a fantastic addition to grain bowls or pasta dishes.

Leftovers reheat surprisingly well. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and gently reheat in a hot pan for 1–2 minutes.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes. Just make sure they are fully thawed and patted very dry before seasoning and cooking.

Can I make this gluten-free? Yes. Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce and you’ll have the same great flavour.

Ready to make your shrimp dinner even better? Save or print the recipe card above and give it a try tonight.

For the best results we highly recommend using our Pacific White Shrimp.

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