Quick Honey Garlic Shrimp: High-Protein Dinner (Print Version)
Whip up quick honey garlic shrimp for a high-protein weeknight dinner! My easy recipe brings sweet, savory flavors and comes together in minutes.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Asian-inspired, American
Dietary: High-Protein
# Ingredients:
→ Main Players
01 -
1 lb large shrimp (21/25 count), peeled, deveined, tails on or off
02 -
1 tbsp olive oil
→ Honey Garlic Sauce
03 -
1/4 cup honey
04 -
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
05 -
4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1.5 tbsp)
06 -
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
07 -
1 tbsp rice vinegar
08 -
1-2 tsp sriracha (optional, for heat)
→ Thickening & Finishing
09 -
1 tbsp cornstarch
10 -
2 tbsp water
11 -
2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
→ Serving Suggestions
12 -
Cooked jasmine rice
13 -
Steamed broccoli or green beans
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get that shrimp ready! If it's frozen, thaw it completely under cold running water. Then, peel and devein them if they aren't already. Pat them super dry with paper towels. This step is critical, honestly, for getting a good sear instead of a sad, steamed shrimp situation. I always forget to pat them dry enough, then wonder why they’re not browning. Don't be like me!
02 -
Now for the star sauce! In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, rice vinegar, and sriracha (if you're feeling spicy!). Give it a good whisk until everything is combined. Take a little taste and adjust – need more garlic? Go for it! This is where you make it yours. I often add an extra splash of rice vinegar because I love that tang.
03 -
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once it's shimmering, add your dried shrimp in a single layer. Don't overcrowd the pan, I'm serious! If you have too much shrimp, do it in batches. Let them cook for about 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. You want a nice little sear, not just cooked-through. I always peek too early, but try to resist!
04 -
Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the pan and set aside. Don't clean the pan; those little bits of flavor are gold! Pour the honey garlic sauce into the hot pan. Bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. You'll smell that incredible garlic and ginger aroma filling your kitchen – it's divine!
05 -
In a tiny bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Once the sauce in the pan is simmering, slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry while whisking continuously. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This usually takes just a minute or two. This is where I sometimes get impatient and add too much slurry too fast, resulting in a super thick, gloopy sauce. A slow pour is key!
06 -
Return the cooked shrimp to the pan with the thickened honey garlic sauce. Toss gently to coat every single piece of that High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp. Let it cook for just another minute or so, allowing the shrimp to warm through and soak up all that incredible flavor. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of color and herbaceousness. The final result should be glossy, fragrant, and so, so tempting!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't overcrowd the pan, honestly! Shrimp needs space to get that lovely sear, not steam.
02 -
Leftovers are good for a day or two in the fridge, but it's really best fresh. The shrimp can get a bit rubbery if reheated too much.
03 -
No fresh ginger? A teaspoon of ground ginger works in a pinch, I've done it. Just adjust to your taste!
04 -
Serve this High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp over fluffy jasmine rice with some steamed broccoli for a complete meal that feels special.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet or wok
02 -
small mixing bowls
03 -
whisk
04 -
measuring spoons and cups
05 -
spatula or tongs
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 350
Total Fat: 8g
Total Carbohydrate: 30g
Protein: 35g