Looking for a dish that’s quick, delicious, and full of flavor? This 20-minute Honey Garlic Shrimp is a game-changer. With sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and a touch of garlic, it’s the perfect balance of flavors that will have you coming back for more.
Ready in just 20 minutes, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without the hassle.
The shrimp are cooked in a mouthwatering glaze made from honey, soy sauce, and garlic, with the option of adding a little fresh ginger for an extra zing.
It’s sweet, savory, and with just the right amount of bite from the garlic. The shrimp turned out juicy and tender, making this dish a crowd-pleaser every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Ready in 20 minutes—perfect for a fast dinner or a weeknight feast.
- Sweet and savory—honey and soy sauce create a mouthwatering glaze.
- Simple ingredients—only a few items are needed to create a delicious meal.
- Customizable heat—add ginger for an extra layer of flavor.
- Pairs well with rice, veggies, or noodles—making it a versatile meal.
20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Equipment
- Medium bowl (for marinade)
- Skillet or frying pan (for cooking shrimp)
- Large sealable container or zipped-top bag (for marinating shrimp)
- Tongs or spatula (for flipping shrimp)
- Chopping board & knife (for garlic, ginger, and green onion)
Ingredients
- 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
- 1 lb medium uncooked shrimp peeled & deveined
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- optional for garnish: chopped green onion
Instructions
- Make the Marinade: Whisk honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger (if using) in a bowl.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Place shrimp in a bag/container, pour half of the marinade over shrimp, seal, and refrigerate for 15 minutes (up to 12 hours).
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook 45 seconds on each side until pink.
- Finish the Sauce: Pour in the remaining marinade and cook for 1-2 minutes until the shrimp is fully cooked.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped green onion and serve with rice or veggies.
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 200kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 11g |
| Protein | 28g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Sugars | 9g |
| Sodium | 700mg |
Tips You Must Be Mindful Of!
- Marinate Longer for Deeper Flavor – While 15 minutes is fine, if you have the time, marinate the shrimp for up to 12 hours in the fridge. This allows the flavors to really infuse the shrimp. Just don’t marinate too long, or the shrimp may become too soft.
- Use Fresh Ginger – If you opt to add ginger, always go for fresh. It provides a sharp, zesty kick that jarred ginger can’t match. Grate it finely for the best texture and flavor infusion.
- Keep the Shrimp Dry – Before adding shrimp to the marinade, pat them dry with paper towels. This prevents excess water from diluting the marinade and helps the shrimp sear better when cooked.
- Heat the Skillet First – Make sure the skillet is nice and hot before adding the shrimp. This ensures they cook quickly, developing that perfect sear without becoming rubbery.
- Watch the Shrimp Closely – Shrimp cook quickly, so don’t walk away. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, they’re done—around 45 seconds per side. Overcooking them will make them tough.
- Finish the Sauce in the Pan – After removing the shrimp, pour in the remaining marinade and cook for a minute or two to thicken it up. It’ll concentrate the flavors and turn into a nice glaze for the shrimp.
- Optional Soy Sauce Upgrade – If you’re feeling fancy, swap the soy sauce for tamari for a richer umami flavor, or try coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter and less salty version.
- Perfect Pairings – Serve with steamed jasmine rice or sautéed veggies like bok choy or snap peas for a complete, balanced meal.
- Garnish Wisely – For an extra layer of freshness, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or fresh cilantro alongside the green onions.
- Make Extra Sauce – If you love saucy dishes, double the marinade recipe (reserve some before marinating the shrimp) and drizzle extra sauce over the shrimp or rice. It adds more flavor without overdoing it.
Joe Miller is the passionate founder of Food Landscape Insight, where he shares his love for cooking and culinary experiences. Growing up in a family-run diner, Joe was immersed in the vibrant world of food from an early age. The kitchen became his canvas, and food, his way of storytelling.
Through years of experimentation and learning, Joe honed his skills and started his blog to inspire others to embrace the joy of cooking. Each recipe he shares is a blend of tradition, creativity, and the heartfelt memories that food brings to life, all with the aim of fostering a deeper connection to food.
