Easy one-pan honey garlic shrimp is a quick and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy shrimp are cooked in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, creating a dish that’s packed with flavor and ready in just 20 minutes. Serve over rice, noodles, or with steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
- Minimal cleanup: One pan means less time doing dishes.
- Packed with flavor: The honey garlic sauce is sweet, savory, and irresistible.
- Versatile: Serve with your favorite sides for a customizable meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Olive oil or butter
- Garlic, minced
- Honey
- Soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- Lemon juice
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
- Fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the shrimp:
- Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Cook the shrimp:
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce:
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Combine and serve:
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes to heat through. Garnish with parsley or green onions and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 4 servings
- Preparation time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian option: Substitute shrimp with tofu or mushrooms.
- Spicy shrimp: Add sriracha or extra red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Citrus twist: Replace lemon juice with orange juice for a sweeter flavor.
- Herb swap: Garnish with cilantro or basil instead of parsley.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked shrimp and sauce in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking.
2. What size shrimp should I use?
Medium to large shrimp work best for this recipe, but any size can be used.
3. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time to avoid overcooking. Toss the shrimp in the sauce just to heat through.
4. Can I substitute honey?
Yes, maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as alternatives.
5. What can I serve with this dish?
Serve over rice, noodles, quinoa, or with roasted vegetables.
6. How do I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer the sauce longer, or mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce.
7. Can I add vegetables?
Yes, stir-fry vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas before adding the shrimp back to the skillet.
8. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
9. What’s the best way to prevent overcooking shrimp?
Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque; overcooked shrimp can become rubbery.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but cook the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
Conclusion
Easy one-pan honey garlic shrimp is a flavorful, fast, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its sweet and savory sauce, tender shrimp, and minimal cleanup, it’s a go-to recipe for busy nights or when you need a crowd-pleaser. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a delicious, stress-free meal!
Print
Easy One-Pan Honey Garlic Shrimp
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
This Easy One-Pan Honey Garlic Shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish featuring juicy shrimp coated in a sticky, sweet, and garlicky sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s ready in just 15 minutes and pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
- For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium, if preferred)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional, for extra flavor)
- For Garnish (Optional):
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp:
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger (if using). Stir and cook for 1–2 minutes, until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
- Combine and Serve:
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing them in the sauce to coat. Cook for an additional minute until heated through.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or with steamed vegetables.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce.
- Make this dish gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.