20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp
This 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe is a delightful choice for those busy weeknights when you crave something delicious yet quick to make. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish bursts with flavor and is perfect for serving over brown rice or alongside fresh veggies. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or an elegant meal for guests, this shrimp recipe delivers on taste and convenience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Cooking Time: In just 20 minutes, you can have a hearty meal ready to enjoy.
- Simple Ingredients: The recipe uses common pantry staples, making it easy to whip up anytime.
- Big Flavor: The combination of honey and garlic creates a sweet and savory sauce that elevates the shrimp.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, mix it into salads, or pair it with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Healthy Choice: Low in calories and high in protein, this dish fits well into any clean eating plan.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare your 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp, having the right tools will make the process smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Medium bowl
- Whisk
- Large sealable container or zipped-top bag
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A non-stick skillet ensures even cooking and easy cleanup after preparing the shrimp.
- Medium bowl: Perfect for mixing the marinade without making a mess.
- Whisk: Helps combine the ingredients smoothly for a balanced flavor.
- Large sealable container or zipped-top bag: Ideal for marinating shrimp effectively while saving space in your fridge.
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (we usually use reduced sodium)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 teaspoon jarred minced garlic)
- optional: 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
For the Shrimp
- 1 lb medium uncooked shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- optional for garnish: chopped green onion
How to Make 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
- Whisk together the honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger (if using) in a medium bowl. This mixture will serve as both marinade and cooking sauce.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
- Place shrimp in a large sealable container or zipped-top bag.
- Pour half of the marinade over the shrimp. Shake or stir to coat evenly.
- Allow shrimp to marinate in the refrigerator for 15 minutes or up to 8-12 hours.
- Cover and refrigerate the remaining marinade for later use.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add marinated shrimp (discard any used marinade).
- Cook on one side until pink, about 45 seconds.
- Flip shrimp over and pour in remaining marinade/sauce.
- Cook until shrimp are fully cooked through, about 1-2 more minutes.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve your honey garlic shrimp with cooked marinade sauce drizzled on top. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with brown rice or steamed vegetables for a complete meal!
How to Serve 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp
This delicious 20 minute honey garlic shrimp can be served in a variety of ways. Whether you prefer it over rice or in a fresh salad, these serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.
Over Brown Rice
- Brown rice is a healthy base that absorbs the sweet and savory sauce beautifully.
In a Salad
- Toss the shrimp with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and avocado for a refreshing salad option.
With Steamed Broccoli
- Pairing with steamed broccoli adds a nutritious crunch that complements the shrimp’s flavors well.
In Tacos
- Use corn or flour tortillas filled with shrimp, cabbage slaw, and a squeeze of lime for a fun twist.
As an Appetizer
- Serve smaller portions on skewers or toothpicks for bite-sized appetizers at parties.

How to Perfect 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp
To achieve the best results with this recipe, follow these handy tips to ensure your shrimp turn out perfectly every time.
- Use fresh shrimp: Fresh shrimp has a better texture and flavor than frozen ones.
- Don’t overcook: Cook the shrimp just until they’re pink; overcooking makes them tough.
- Marinate longer: For an even richer flavor, marinate for up to 12 hours.
- Adjust sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of honey based on your taste preference.
- Add spice: Incorporate red pepper flakes or sriracha if you enjoy some heat in your dish.
- Garnish creatively: Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can brighten the dish visually and flavor-wise.
Best Side Dishes for 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp
A well-rounded meal is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some excellent side dishes that pair wonderfully with your honey garlic shrimp.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumber and feta adds protein and freshness.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: Quick stir-fried veggies like bell peppers and snap peas bring color and crunch.
- Cauliflower Rice: Low-carb cauliflower rice is a great substitute for traditional rice while soaking up the sauce.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread can help mop up any leftover sauce for a satisfying finish.
- Asian Noodle Salad: Cold noodles tossed with sesame dressing provide a delightful contrast to warm shrimp.
- Sweet Potato Mash: Creamy sweet potato mash adds sweetness and creaminess that complements the dish’s flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To make the perfect 20 minute honey garlic shrimp, it’s important to steer clear of common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes you should avoid:
- Using unpeeled shrimp: Always peel and devein shrimp before cooking. This ensures better flavor and texture.
- Overcooking the shrimp: Cook shrimp just until they turn pink. Overcooked shrimp become tough and chewy.
- Neglecting marination time: Allow shrimp to marinate for at least 15 minutes for maximum flavor. Rushing this step will yield less tasty results.
- Skipping the ginger: While optional, ginger adds a lovely warmth and depth to the dish. Don’t skip it if you want a more vibrant flavor.
- Not saving marinade for cooking: Remember to save half of the marinade for cooking the shrimp. This enhances the sauce’s flavor significantly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Ensure the shrimp is cooled down before sealing to maintain texture.
Freezing 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Label containers with date and contents for easy identification.
Reheating 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a baking dish covered with foil for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I serve with 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp?
You can enjoy this dish with brown rice, steamed vegetables, or over a fresh salad. It pairs beautifully with various sides.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just ensure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before marinating.
How can I customize my honey garlic shrimp?
Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas during cooking for added color and nutrition. You can also adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This recipe stores well, making it perfect for meal prepping. Just follow proper storage guidelines after cooking.
Final Thoughts
This 20 minute honey garlic shrimp recipe is not only quick but also packed with flavor, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. The versatility of this dish allows you to customize it according to your taste preferences. Try experimenting with different sides or adding extra veggies; you’ll find numerous ways to enjoy this delightful meal!
20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want a meal that’s both quick and bursting with flavor. This delightful dish combines succulent shrimp with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, creating an irresistible dinner option in just 20 minutes. Serve it over brown rice or alongside your favorite steamed vegetables for a wholesome meal that’s sure to impress family and guests alike. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s an ideal choice for anyone looking for a healthy yet satisfying seafood dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb medium uncooked shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (reduced sodium recommended)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger (optional)
- chopped green onion for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger (if using) to create the marinade.
- Place shrimp in a large sealable container or zipped-top bag and pour half of the marinade over. Toss to coat and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated shrimp (discard used marinade) and cook until pink, about 45 seconds on one side.
- Flip shrimp and pour in remaining marinade/sauce. Cook until shrimp are fully cooked through, about 1-2 more minutes.
- Serve hot over brown rice or with steamed vegetables; garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 150mg







