Hey there, friend! Yara here, from Cooking With Yara. I’m so excited to share one of my absolute go-to recipes: Honey Garlic Shrimp. This dish is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, you’ll love how simple it is to whip up this restaurant-quality meal right in your own home.
This recipe is all about embracing real ingredients and straightforward steps. No fancy techniques, just pure, delicious food that brings joy to your table. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Shrimp
Seriously, what’s not to love? This Honey Garlic Shrimp is a winner for so many reasons:
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: A sweet and savory combination that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Versatile: Serve it over rice, noodles, or even in tacos!
- Simple Ingredients: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves this dish, from kids to adults.
You’ll find that the honey garlic glaze is the star. The honey adds the perfect amount of sweetness, complementing the savory soy sauce and pungent garlic. It’s a truly irresistible combination!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing Honey Garlic Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
A note on the shrimp: I prefer using large shrimp because they cook quickly and stay juicy. But feel free to use smaller shrimp if that’s what you have on hand. You’ll just need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. The key is to not overcook the shrimp!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to cook? Let’s do this! Here’s how to make the best Honey Garlic Shrimp ever:
- Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside. This is the heart of the dish.
- Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry: In another small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth. Set aside. This will help thicken the sauce.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside. Remember, don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- Sauté the Garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Burnt garlic is bitter and can ruin the flavor of the dish.
- Add the Sauce: Pour in the honey-soy sauce mixture and bring to a simmer. The aroma at this point is incredible!
- Thicken the Sauce: Add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- Combine and Season: Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve immediately over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
And there you have it! A delicious Honey Garlic Shrimp dish that’s ready in just 20 minutes. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Perfect Honey Garlic Shrimp
Want to take your Honey Garlic Shrimp to the next level? Here are a few pro tips:
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Overcooked shrimp is rubbery and tough. Cook just until pink and opaque.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic has the best flavor.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of honey.
- Add Some Heat: Red pepper flakes add a nice kick. Adjust the amount to your preference.
- Make it a Meal: Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or asparagus for a complete and healthy meal.
Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and having fun. Don’t be afraid to adjust the recipe to suit your taste!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
We all make mistakes in the kitchen. Here are a few common ones to watch out for when making Honey Garlic Shrimp:
- Burning the Garlic: Keep a close eye on the garlic while it’s sautéing. It burns easily.
- Overcrowding the Pan: Overcrowding the pan will cause the shrimp to steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Using Too Much Cornstarch: Too much cornstarch will make the sauce gloppy. Use the amount specified in the recipe.
- Not Seasoning Properly: Salt and pepper are essential for balancing the flavors.
Don’t worry if you make a mistake! Just learn from it and try again next time. That’s how we become better cooks.
Delicious Variations
Want to mix things up? Here are a few variations you can try:
- Honey Garlic Chicken: Substitute chicken for shrimp. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and cook until done.
- Honey Garlic Salmon: Use salmon fillets instead of shrimp. Cook until flaky.
- Honey Garlic Tofu: For a vegetarian option, use firm tofu. Press out the excess water and cut into cubes. Cook until golden brown.
- Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for extra heat.
- Honey Garlic Shrimp with Vegetables: Add your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas.
Get creative and have fun with it! The possibilities are endless.
Storing and Reheating
Have leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat your Honey Garlic Shrimp:
- Storage: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp when reheating.
Leftover Honey Garlic Shrimp is great in salads, wraps, or even as a topping for pizza!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Got questions? I’ve got answers!
- Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
- Can I make this recipe in advance? You can make the honey garlic sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. But I recommend cooking the shrimp fresh for the best flavor and texture.
- Can I use a different type of vinegar? If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- How many fat grams are in this recipe? The fat grams will vary depending on the type of olive oil and shrimp you use.
Serving Suggestions
Looking for ways to serve your Honey Garlic Shrimp? Here are a few ideas:
- Over Rice: The classic choice! Serve over white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice.
- With Noodles: Serve over your favorite noodles, such as egg noodles, rice noodles, or soba noodles.
- In Tacos: Make Honey Garlic Shrimp tacos with shredded cabbage, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
- In Lettuce Wraps: Serve in lettuce wraps for a light and healthy meal.
- As an Appetizer: Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy snacking.
No matter how you choose to serve it, I’m sure you’ll love this Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Happy cooking!
Easy 20-min. Honey Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a bowl. Set aside.
- Whisk cornstarch and water until smooth in another bowl. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink. Remove and set aside.
- Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Pour in the honey-soy sauce mixture and bring to a simmer.
- Add the cornstarch slurry and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve over rice or noodles. Garnish with green onions, if desired.
Notes
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