Honey Garlic Shrimp

Name: Honey Garlic Shrimp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1/4 cup honey; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Green onions, for garnish

Highlighted under: Classic Comfort Cooking

We were in the mood for a quick weeknight dinner and realized we had some shrimp in the freezer. I threw together this honey garlic shrimp recipe with a few pantry staples, and let me tell you, it was a hit! It comes together so quickly that I didn’t even have to stress about timing. Perfect for when life gets busy but you still want something delicious on your plate.

Created by

The Meals By Sophia Team

Last updated on 2026-06-09T22:54:19.619Z

One evening, we found ourselves scavenging through the fridge, trying to whip up something tasty with minimal effort. I spotted a bag of frozen shrimp and thought of my go-to honey garlic sauce. Honestly, the combination couldn’t be easier, and the shrimp cooks so quickly on the stovetop that you’ll have dinner ready before you know it.

My favorite part about making this dish is that the honey gives it just the right amount of sweetness, while the garlic adds depth. I recommend serving it over rice or with steamed veggies for a balanced meal. It’s become one of our weeknight staples because we can easily customize it based on what we have at hand.

What Makes This Stand Out

Sweet and savory combination that you'll crave
Ready in about 20 minutes
Uses ingredients you likely have on hand

Choosing Your Ingredients

For this honey garlic shrimp dish, fresh or frozen shrimp are both great options. If you’re using frozen shrimp, just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. An easy way to do this is to leave them in the fridge overnight or run them under cool water for about 15 minutes. Those little details really make a difference in texture.

When it comes to honey, the type you choose can change how sweet the dish is. If you have local honey or something with a stronger flavor, it might make your sauce a bit more complex. Honestly, I’ve even used agave syrup in a pinch, and it still comes out nice.

A Quick Note on Honey Garlic Shrimp

Many people love how quickly this dish comes together. When I say 20 minutes from start to finish, I truly mean it! Having everything ready before you start cooking helps a lot. Once you get that shrimp in the pan, things move fast, so don’t be distracted by your phone or the TV. Keep your eyes on that skillet until those shrimp look perfectly pink.

I also recommend having your garnish ready before you serve. Chopped green onions add a nice crunch and color, and they really lift the dish. If you don’t have green onions, some sesame seeds or even crushed peanuts work well too, adding a little twist to the finish.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to get started:

Ingredients

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 cup honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Green onions, for garnish

That's all you need for this quick dish!

Instructions

Let’s get cooking:

Prepare the sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, and soy sauce. Set it aside. This sweet garlic sauce is the key to the whole dish, and you can adjust the honey to make it sweeter if you prefer.

Cook the shrimp

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp, and season them with a little salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque. It’s pretty quick, so keep an eye on them!

Add the sauce

Pour the honey garlic sauce over the shrimp and stir to coat. Keep cooking for another 2 minutes. You'll want to make sure the shrimp are well covered in sauce because that's where the magic happens.

Serve

Once the shrimp are cooked through, serve them hot, garnished with chopped green onions. I usually pair this with steamed rice or a simple vegetable stir-fry to balance everything out.

And just like that, dinner is on the table!

What to Serve with Honey Garlic Shrimp

This shrimp dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, which soaks up that sweet garlic sauce beautifully. Sometimes, I opt for quinoa instead, for an added texture. It’s light yet filling, making it a great base. If you’re in the mood for veggies, a simple stir-fry with whatever you have in the fridge—like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas—works wonders.

Honestly, I’ve even dumped it over a bed of mixed greens when I’m trying to eat a bit healthier. It turns a casual dish into a fresh salad.

Make-Ahead Tips

If you're planning a busy week, you can prep the sauce ahead of time. Just mix the honey, garlic, and soy sauce together and store it in a jar in the fridge. It’ll be ready to go when you need a quick dinner fix. I often make a double batch, so I always have some sauce available—it saves so much time on those hectic nights.

As for the shrimp, while I wouldn’t recommend cooking them ahead, having them thawed and ready to go will make this dish even quicker. Store-bought shrimp are usually already cleaned, but if you’re using fresh ones, it helps to prep them in advance. Letting them marinate in the sauce for a little while before cooking can enhance the flavors too, though this step is optional.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. It speeds up the process if you remember to take them out ahead of time.

→ What if I don't have honey?

You could use maple syrup as a substitute, though the flavor will be a little different. I haven’t tried it, but I think it could work.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To be honest, I prefer them fresh, but they can be reheated in the microwave.

→ Can I add vegetables?

For sure! Bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli would be great additions. Just toss them in with the shrimp to cook a bit, and you’re golden.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

The soy sauce contains gluten, but you can easily swap it for a gluten-free version or use tamari for a great taste.