Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe

I find myself returning to this easy honey garlic shrimp recipe constantly when a quick and satisfying meal is needed. This quick-cooking skillet meal delivers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors in under 15 minutes. It’s a guaranteed family favorite for busy nights, proving that fast food can absolutely be delicious home cooking. The rich, glossy gochujang glaze coats every piece beautifully. Serve this honey garlic shrimp recipe over simple rice or noodles for an instant win.

Ingredients

• 500 g (1 lb) Large Shrimp (16/20 count): Choose raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp for speed. Pat them thoroughly dry before marinating; this prevents steaming and ensures a proper sear. We leave the tails on for presentation and better flavor adherence.
• Aromatics and Seasonings: We use 4 cloves (20 g) of fresh garlic, minced, along with 1 teaspoon (5 g) of grated fresh ginger for the marinade. 2 tablespoons (30 mL) low-sodium soy sauce (divided) adds umami and salt balance, and 1 teaspoon (5 mL) toasted sesame oil (divided) provides nutty depth.
• Glaze Ingredients: 4 tablespoons (60 mL) honey for a rich sweetness to counteract the gochujang heat. 2 tablespoons (30 mL) gochujang (Korean chili paste); adjust to preference if you want less heat. 1 tablespoon (15 mL) rice vinegar for essential tang.
• Thickening Slurry: 1 teaspoon (5 g) cornstarch and 2 tablespoons (30 mL) cold water. Whisk thoroughly to create the slurry; this ensures a smooth, glossy glaze without clumps.
• Garnish and Cooking Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 mL) neutral cooking oil (canola, vegetable, or avocado). 1 tablespoon (10 g) toasted white sesame seeds. 2 green onions, thinly sliced for color and freshness.

Optional (plan-ahead): If you’re shopping for the week, I put this into a 4-Week Meal Plan + Grocery Lists so dinner’s already decided before your day gets busy.

Instructions

1. Prep the Shrimp and Marinate: Pat the shrimp very dry with paper towels; moisture is the enemy of a good sear. In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp with 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce, half a teaspoon of toasted sesame oil, and all the grated ginger. Toss thoroughly to coat and let marinate for 10-15 minutes at room temperature for maximum flavor infusion for this honey garlic shrimp recipe.
2. Prepare Glaze and Slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, honey, gochujang, remaining soy sauce, rice vinegar, and remaining sesame oil to create the main glaze mixture. In a separate, tiny bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in cold water to create the slurry. Set both mixtures aside for quick use.
3. Sear the Shrimp Quickly: Heat the neutral cooking oil in a large 10-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated shrimp in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary) and sear for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and just opaque. Remove the shrimp immediately from the skillet and set aside on a plate. If your pan starts to burn or smoke too much, reduce the heat slightly before adding the shrimp. I find searing the shrimp in batches in a hot non-stick skillet is essential for getting great color and avoiding a chewy texture, which is key to a high-protein, family-friendly meal.
4. Thicken the Fiery Gochujang Glaze: Reduce the heat to medium. Pour the prepared gochujang glaze mixture into the hot skillet. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring continuously. Slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry and continue to whisk for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, clinging to a spoon.
5. Combine and Finish: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the thickened glaze. Toss gently and quickly to coat all the shrimp evenly in the vibrant sauce for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Transfer immediately to a serving dish and garnish this quick honey garlic shrimp recipe with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

When you make this fiery honey garlic shrimp recipe, don’t forget the sides. These pairings turn a quick meal into a complete family dinner.

• White Rice: The classic choice for soaking up every drop of the gochujang glaze. Jasmine rice or a simple steamed white rice complement the flavors perfectly.
• Noodles: For a quick stir-fry, toss the hot shrimp directly into pre-cooked lo mein, yakisoba, or even instant ramen noodles. The glaze adheres well to the noodles.
• Roasted Vegetables: To keep things low-carb, serve with roasted broccoli, stir-fried bell peppers, or asparagus.
• Fresh Salad: Create a light meal by placing the hot shrimp over a bed of baby spinach or mixed greens with a light vinaigrette.

Recipe Variations and Swaps

This honey garlic shrimp recipe is versatile enough to adapt to different preferences or ingredients you might have on hand.

• Adjusting the Heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the gochujang from 2 tablespoons to 1 tablespoon for a milder flavor. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for visual appeal if desired.
• Gochujang Substitute: Gochujang offers a unique fermented flavor, but if you’re out, try substituting with 1 tablespoon of sriracha and 1 teaspoon of white miso paste for a similar spicy-savory profile.
• Different Protein: The gochujang glaze works exceptionally well with other proteins. Try using cubed chicken thighs or firm tofu in place of shrimp, adjusting cooking times as needed (chicken thighs take about 6-8 minutes total).
• Vegetable Additions: For a complete stir-fry, add quick-cooking vegetables like snow peas, sliced bell peppers, or broccoli florets in the last minute of cooking before adding the shrimp back in.

FAQs

Q: Is gochujang very spicy for kids?

A: Gochujang offers a different heat than standard chili. The honey in this recipe significantly balances the spice. If serving to sensitive palates, reduce the gochujang to 1 tablespoon to make this honey garlic shrimp recipe more kid-friendly.

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?

A: Yes, but ensure the shrimp is fully thawed before use. Patting it dry (step 1) is absolutely critical for frozen shrimp to prevent excess moisture. I sometimes thaw mine in a colander in the fridge overnight.

Q: How long do leftovers last?

A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to avoid rubbery shrimp. This honey garlic shrimp recipe makes for excellent meal prep for healthy eating.

Q: Why did my sauce not thicken?

A: Ensure the cornstarch slurry was properly mixed (no lumps) before adding to the simmering sauce. Also, make sure the sauce reaches a full simmer after adding the slurry, as heat activates the cornstarch.

Q: Can I marinate the shrimp longer?

A: Shrimp is delicate; a 10-15 minute marinade is sufficient to infuse flavor without altering texture. Do not marinate for hours, as the soy sauce can make it tough. The quick prep of this honey garlic shrimp recipe is part of its convenience.

Conclusion

This easy honey garlic shrimp recipe delivers maximum flavor in minimum time, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights, and the glossy gochujang glaze will make it a new family favorite. Pin this simple recipe now for later and share it with friends for easy dinner ideas.

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