Quick High Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp Skillet (Print Version)

This High Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe is a weeknight favorite! Sticky, sweet, and savory shrimp in under 20 minutes. Perfect for busy evenings!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Dietary: High Protein, Dairy-Free

# Ingredients:

→ Shrimp & Marinade Base

01 - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
03 - 3 tablespoons honey
04 - 4 cloves garlic, minced (or more, I always add more!)
05 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

→ Flavor Powerhouses

06 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
07 - 1 teaspoon sesame oil
08 - 1/2 teaspoon sriracha (optional, for a little kick)

→ Sauce Thickener & Freshness

09 - 1 tablespoon cornstarch
10 - 2 tablespoons cold water
11 - 2 green onions, sliced (plus more for garnish)

→ Serving & Garnish

12 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

# Instructions:

01 - Okay, first things first, get those shrimp ready. If they're frozen, make sure they're fully thawed and then pat them super dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear, honestly. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Add the shrimp to this glorious mixture and toss gently to coat. Let it hang out for about 10-15 minutes – don't go longer than 20, or the shrimp can start to get a bit… weird. This is where all those amazing flavors start to mingle, I just love the smell of it.
02 - While your shrimp are having their little flavor bath, grab a small bowl and whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until it’s completely smooth. No lumps allowed, seriously! This is what's going to turn your beautiful liquid marinade into that irresistible, glossy, sticky sauce we're aiming for. I always make this ahead of time because I'm prone to forgetting it in the heat of the moment, and that leads to soupy shrimp, which we talked about, right?
03 - Now, heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. A little drizzle of oil wouldn't hurt, just enough to coat the bottom. Once it's shimmering, add the shrimp in a single layer, trying not to overcrowd the pan. You might need to do this in two batches, and that's okay! Cook for just 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking is the enemy here, people! They should still be tender and juicy. Remove the cooked shrimp from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
04 - Reduce the heat to medium. Pour any remaining marinade from the bowl into the hot skillet. Let it simmer for about 1 minute, scraping up any delicious bits from the bottom of the pan. Now, give that cornstarch slurry another quick whisk (it settles!) and slowly pour it into the simmering marinade, whisking constantly. Watch the magic happen – it'll thicken up almost immediately into that beautiful, glossy sauce. Keep stirring until it’s nice and syrupy, usually about 1-2 minutes. This is the moment I always get excited, the aroma is just incredible.
05 - Once your sauce is perfectly thick and luscious, return the seared shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything gently to coat the shrimp evenly in that glorious honey garlic sauce. You want every single piece of shrimp to be shimmering with that sticky goodness. This step is quick, just enough to warm the shrimp through and get them fully coated. Don't cook it for too long, we want that tender texture!
06 - Transfer your High Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp to a serving platter. Sprinkle generously with those sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Honestly, this makes all the difference in presentation and adds a lovely fresh crunch. Serve it immediately with your favorite sides. It looks so vibrant and smells even better – you've earned this, chef!

# Notes:

01 - NEVER overcook shrimp; it goes from tender to rubbery in seconds. Keep an eye on it!
02 - Make sure your skillet is hot before adding shrimp, or they'll steam instead of sear.
03 - Patting the shrimp dry is a non-negotiable step for that perfect texture.
04 - A splash of lime juice at the very end brightens up all the flavors beautifully.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large skillet or wok
02 - medium bowl
03 - small bowl
04 - whisk

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 280
Total Fat: 7g
Total Carbohydrate: 25g
Protein: 30g

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