When time is short and you’re looking for something delicious and protein-rich, this honey garlic shrimp is your go-to solution. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have tender shrimp coated in a savory, slightly sweet glaze made from garlic, honey, and a hint of ginger. It’s a satisfying dinner that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to throw together. You’ll only need one pan, a few basic ingredients, and a little prep time.
Perfect for weeknights, this shrimp recipe combines speed, flavor, and nutritional value into one easy dish.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe shines for several reasons. First, it’s packed with lean protein that helps support your health and keeps you feeling full. Second, it’s quick, requiring just 5 minutes of hands-on cooking. Third, it uses simple ingredients but delivers a rich and flavorful result. And finally, it’s easy to modify depending on your taste or dietary needs.
With the ideal balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors, this dish satisfies without the need for complicated steps or equipment.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of each ingredient and its purpose in the recipe:
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails optional): Shrimp cook quickly, are low in fat, and are naturally high in protein. Using large shrimp makes the dish more substantial.
1/3 cup coconut aminos or low-sodium soy sauce: Coconut aminos are a great soy-free alternative with a mild sweetness and lower sodium. Soy sauce also works well for a bolder umami flavor.
2 tablespoons honey: Honey adds a touch of sweetness that balances the saltiness of the sauce and helps create a beautiful glaze.
1 tablespoon olive oil: This healthy fat allows the shrimp to cook evenly and adds richness to the sauce.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic adds depth and aroma. It’s one of the stars of this dish.
1/2 tablespoon freshly grated ginger: Ginger offers a warm, slightly spicy background flavor that pairs beautifully with both garlic and honey.
1/4 teaspoon sea salt: A small amount of salt enhances the other flavors without overpowering them.
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who enjoy a little heat, this ingredient adds just enough spice.
1/4 cup green onions, sliced (optional garnish): Adds freshness and a pop of color to the finished plate.
How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp
This meal is prepared in three simple steps: marinate the shrimp briefly, cook them quickly in a hot pan, then add the remaining sauce to finish. You’ll want to have everything measured and ready before starting since the cooking process is fast.
The result is juicy shrimp, perfectly coated in a sticky, flavorful glaze without needing thickeners or long cooking times.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Dry the Shrimp
Start by placing your shrimp in a bowl and patting them dry with paper towels. This step helps the shrimp sear rather than steam.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine coconut aminos (or soy sauce), honey, olive oil, garlic, ginger, sea salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir until well mixed.
Step 3: Marinate Briefly
Pour half of the sauce over the shrimp and stir to coat. Let it sit for 10 minutes at room temperature to infuse flavor. Set the remaining sauce aside.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer, discarding any leftover marinade from the bowl. Cook for about one minute without stirring so they brown nicely.
Step 5: Add the Remaining Sauce
Flip the shrimp and immediately pour in the rest of the sauce. Let everything simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked and the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Transfer the shrimp to a plate and drizzle any remaining glaze from the skillet over the top. Garnish with green onions if using.
Helpful Tips
Make sure your shrimp are dry before cooking so they sear instead of steaming. Use fresh garlic and ginger for maximum flavor. Avoid overcooking by watching closely — shrimp are done when they turn pink and firm up. If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer after removing the shrimp. For a lighter version, use a sugar-free honey substitute.
Details
Flavor: A mix of sweet, salty, and slightly spicy notes
Texture: Tender shrimp with a glossy coating
Occasion: Quick dinners, healthy lunches, or meal prep
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Marinate Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Notes (Optional Variations or Substitutions)
You can substitute soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free version. If you’re watching your sugar intake, choose a sugar-free honey product. Add vegetables like broccoli or snow peas to stretch the recipe into a stir-fry bowl. You can also swap shrimp for scallops or tofu for a different protein profile.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 230 |
| Protein | 15.7g |
| Fat | 14.7g |
| Total Carbs | 8g |
| Net Carbs | 6.2g |
| Fiber | 1.8g |
| Sugar | 4.2g |
Serving size is approximately 6–10 shrimp, or one-fourth of the full recipe. Nutritional data is estimated and does not include garnishes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is shrimp naturally high in protein for dinner recipes?
Yes, shrimp is naturally high in protein and low in calories, making it ideal for healthy meals.
Can honey garlic shrimp be made without added sugar?
Definitely. Use a sugar-free honey alternative to reduce the sugar content without losing sweetness.
What sides pair best with honey garlic shrimp for a high-protein meal?
Consider pairing with quinoa, roasted vegetables, or even steamed greens for a nutritious and filling plate.
How do you keep shrimp tender and not overcooked?
Cook shrimp just until they’re pink and curl into a “C” shape. Overcooking makes them rubbery, so timing is key.
Honey Garlic Shrimp | High Protein Dinner in Just 20 Minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Make a delicious, high-protein dinner in just 20 minutes with this honey garlic shrimp. The sauce is rich with garlic, honey, and ginger, and clings perfectly to juicy shrimp cooked in one pan.
Ingredients
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails optional)
1/3 cup coconut aminos or low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey (or sugar-free alternative)
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 cup green onions, sliced (optional)
Instructions
1. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and place in a mixing bowl.
2. In another bowl, mix coconut aminos, honey, olive oil, garlic, ginger, sea salt, and crushed red pepper.
3. Pour half of the sauce over the shrimp and toss to coat. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer, discarding any excess marinade.
5. Sear shrimp for 1 minute without stirring.
6. Flip the shrimp, then pour in the reserved sauce.
7. Let cook for 2–3 minutes until shrimp are pink and sauce thickens.
8. Remove from heat and garnish with green onions if desired.
Notes
Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
Opt for sugar-free honey if following a low-carb lifestyle.
Add vegetables like snow peas or broccoli to turn it into a full meal.
Don’t overcook shrimp. They’re done as soon as they turn pink and firm.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6–10 shrimp
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 4.2g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 14.7g
- Saturated Fat: 2.3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1.8g
- Protein: 15.7g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
Conclusion
Honey garlic shrimp is a fast, flavorful, and protein-rich meal that fits perfectly into your weekly rotation. With a simple list of ingredients and less than 20 minutes from start to finish, it’s an ideal dish for anyone looking to eat well without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding the family on a busy evening, this recipe delivers big flavor and convenience.