If you’re craving a dinner that’s as quick as it is irresistible, this 10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp will absolutely hit the spot. Sweet, garlicky, a little spicy, and delightfully sticky, these plump shrimp go from fridge to table in the time it takes to set out your plates–it’s pure weeknight magic!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Lightning Fast: You’ll have the 10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp sizzling on your plate before you even finish pouring your drink–this meal truly races from pantry to table in record time.
- Big Flavor, Minimal Effort: With ginger, garlic, honey, and a touch of chili, the sauce bursts with sweet, savory, and a hint of fire, making each bite something to remember.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: The classic “velveting” technique keeps every shrimp plump and juicy, so you’ll swear you’re dining out on a busy weeknight.
- Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Serve over rice, noodles, salad, or as a finger-licking starter–everyone loves this dish, even picky eaters!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the beauty of 10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp: every ingredient works double duty, lending flavor, shine, and that unbelievable tender texture. With just a handful of staples, you’ll create a meal that tastes like you fussed for hours–but only you need to know the secret!
- Shrimp (450g/1 lb, peeled and deveined): Go for large or medium shrimp for maximum juiciness; pre-peeled makes dinner even speedier!
- Light soy sauce: Lends savoriness and an umami boost to balance all that honeyed goodness.
- Cornstarch: This is the velveting magic, creating a protective coating for succulent, never-dry shrimp.
- Vegetable oil: Neutral oil lets those bold flavors sing and gives the shrimp a gorgeous golden sear.
- Garlic (3-4 cloves): Fresh minced garlic infuses the sauce with deep, aromatic flavor–don’t skimp here!
- Ginger paste or grated ginger: A zingy little kick to wake up the whole dish–fresh is best if you have it.
- Honey: The star of our sticky sauce, bringing sweetness and a glossy caramelized finish.
- Chilli flakes (optional): For a gentle heat that keeps the sweetness from taking over; totally adjustable to taste.
- Green onions: A fresh, crisp pop of color and brightness right at the end–the perfect final flourish.
Variations
There’s something delightfully customizable about 10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp! You can easily swap ingredients, dial up the heat, or adapt the recipe for special diets–don’t be afraid to play and make it your own.
- Spicy Sriracha Version: Add a spoonful of sriracha or a dash of hot sauce to the honey for a bolder, spicier kick.
- Gluten-Free Option: Simply swap tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce for the standard soy–the taste is just as delicious!
- Lemon-Garlic Shrimp: Squeeze half a lemon over the finished shrimp for extra zing, or add lemon zest to the sauce.
- Vegetable Boost: Toss in snap peas, broccoli florets, or bell peppers just after the garlic and ginger for a speedy stir-fry twist.
How to Make 10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp
Step 1: Velvet the Shrimp
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and cornstarch until smooth. Add your peeled and deveined shrimp, tossing well to coat each piece. This “velveting” not only infuses the shrimp with flavor, but ensures they stay supremely tender and juicy, even after a quick blast of heat.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Ginger
Heat the vegetable oil in a non-stick pan set over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté gently for no more than 30 seconds. Keep stirring–you just want those amazing aromas to bloom, not to brown or burn.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Slide in the velveted shrimp and let them cook undisturbed for 1–2 minutes per side, depending on their size. They should turn beautifully pink and slightly curled. Overcooking is the enemy here, so keep an eye out!
Step 4: Glaze with Honey and Finish
Drizzle the honey all over the shrimp, sprinkle in the chilli flakes if using, and give everything a quick gentle toss to coat. The sauce will bubble up and thicken ever so slightly—take the pan off the heat as soon as the shrimp look glossy and caramelized. Top with plenty of sliced green onions and serve right away.
Pro Tips for Making 10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp
- Master the Velvet: Let the shrimp rest in the soy-cornstarch mixture for at least 3 minutes before cooking—this simple step dramatically boosts juiciness and keeps the seafood ultra-tender.
- No Overcrowding: For a perfect golden edge and evenly cooked shrimp, use a wide skillet and don’t pile the shrimp too closely—work in batches if needed.
- Honey Timing Matters: Add the honey just after you flip the shrimp and take the pan off the heat soon after, to avoid burning the sugars or turning the glaze bitter.
- Fresh Aromatics are Key: Use freshly grated ginger and minced garlic for the punchiest flavor; pre-minced can work in a pinch, but the taste won’t be quite as vivid.
How to Serve 10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp
Garnishes
For a burst of freshness and crunch, scatter sliced green onions right over the shrimp as soon as they come off the heat. You can also sprinkle on toasted sesame seeds for extra nuttiness, or a squeeze of fresh lime for brightness—the beauty of 10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp is in those finishing touches!
Side Dishes
Steamed jasmine rice makes the perfect base to soak up all that sticky, savory sauce. For a lighter option, try cauliflower rice or a crisp Asian slaw. This shrimp also pairs beautifully with quick-stirred veggies like bok choy, snap peas, or broccoli.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn 10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp into stunning party bites by threading a couple shrimp on skewers or serving in lettuce cups. For a vibrant dinner bowl, layer the shrimp over quinoa or soba noodles with extra sauce and a rainbow of fresh veg for serious “wow” factor!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover shrimp will keep happily in a sealed container in the fridge for up to two days. To preserve that perfect texture, cool the shrimp completely before storing and avoid stacking too high, so they don’t get smushed.
Freezing
While you technically can freeze cooked shrimp, it’s best to enjoy 10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp fresh for the juiciest results. If you do freeze leftovers, use an airtight container and they’ll keep for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best flavor and texture, gently rewarm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can toughen seafood. In just a couple minutes, the glaze will turn glossy again and the shrimp will taste almost as good as new!
FAQs
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Can I use frozen shrimp for 10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp?
Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before starting—excess moisture can dilute the sauce and make it harder for the shrimp to brown beautifully.
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Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?
Yes! Try cubed firm tofu or king oyster mushrooms in place of shrimp. The honey-garlic sauce is incredibly versatile and will transform any protein or veg into a flavor-packed main.
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How can I prevent the honey from burning in the pan?
Add the honey at the very end of cooking and remove the shrimp from the heat as soon as the glaze turns sticky and glossy. High heat can burn honey quickly, so be ready to act fast!
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Can I double the recipe?
Definitely, just make sure to cook the shrimp in batches so they sear, not steam. You’ll want a large pan for even cooking and to maintain that incredible texture on every piece.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s easy enough for any night, yet impressive and utterly crave-worthy, you can’t go wrong with 10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp. I can’t wait for you to try it and share the joy (and sheer speed!) of this crowd-pleaser with your favorite people. Happy cooking!
Print
10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
Description
This 10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or as an impressive appetizer. Tender shrimp are coated in a savory-sweet honey garlic sauce, with a hint of ginger and a touch of heat from chili flakes, all cooked to perfection in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Honey Garlic Shrimp:
- 450g/1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger paste or grated ginger
- 4 tbsp honey
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, mix soy sauce and cornstarch. Add shrimp, toss to coat, and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat oil in a non-stick pan. Cook garlic and ginger for 30 seconds. Add shrimp, cook 1-2 minutes per side.
- Add Flavor: Pour in honey, add chili flakes, toss to coat shrimp. Remove from heat and garnish with green onions.
- Serve: Serve over rice or as a starter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 275 kcal
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 566mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 173mg
