Save Sweet and savory with a kick of garlic and ginger this honey garlic shrimp is a weeknight wonder that comes together so quickly you will barely have time to set the table. Toss the shrimp in a glossy sauce and spoon them over steaming rice for a lightning-fast dinner packed with flavor.
The first time I whipped up this dish we had surprise guests arriving and almost nothing in the fridge. The shrimp vanished before I could sit down and now I keep frozen shrimp on hand for last-minute meals.
Ingredients
- Large shrimp: peeled and deveined ensures you get tender juicy bites every time look for wild-caught if available for best taste
- Cooked white or brown rice: forms the perfect bed for soaking up all the flavorful sauce choose short grain for extra stickiness
- Honey: provides a natural sweetness and silky finish buy pure honey for rich taste
- Low sodium soy sauce: balances sweet and savory soy give a boost without overpowering lighter versions keep salt in check
- Fresh garlic: minced brings bold aroma and sharpness choose firm bulbs with tight skins for best flavor
- Fresh ginger: finely grated offers brightness and gentle spice use plump unwrinkled roots for succulent results
- Olive oil: coats the shrimp in luscious fat while searing select extra-virgin for depth of flavor
- Cornstarch with water (optional): helps thicken the sauce for richer coating corn starch should look powdery and fresh
- Green onions: sliced add crunch and pop of color look for bright green tops and crisp stems
- Sesame seeds: give a toasty nutty finish lightly toast them for extra aroma
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice:
- Cook the rice according to package directions whether using white or brown rice. Keep it warm by covering the pot or bowl so it stays fluffy and ready to serve.
- Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- In a small bowl whisk together honey soy sauce minced garlic and grated ginger until fully blended. If you prefer a thicker glaze mix cornstarch and water until smooth then stir into the sauce. Set aside.
- Sear the Shrimp:
- Place a large skillet on medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once hot spread the shrimp in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for two to three minutes until the underside is pink and just starting to turn golden. Flip and repeat on the other side. Watch them closely as overcooked shrimp can turn rubbery.
- Sauce and Simmer:
- Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked shrimp in the pan. Stir well to coat every piece. Simmer for another two to three minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking and clings to the shrimp. The aroma should be sweet and garlicky with a lovely sheen.
- Build and Garnish the Bowls:
- Spoon the warm rice into serving bowls. Top each with the glistening honey garlic shrimp and a generous drizzle of sauce. Scatter fresh green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds right before serving for bright flavor and crunch.
Save Shrimp is my go-to for speedy dinners because it cooks fast and never feels heavy. I will always remember my daughter sneaking extra shrimp out of the pan while I garnished each bowl laughter echoing through the kitchen.
Storage Tips
Store cooled honey garlic shrimp and rice separately in airtight containers in the fridge for two to three days. Reheat shrimp gently in a skillet with a splash of water to revive the sauce or in a microwave on low power to avoid toughening.
Ingredient Substitutions
No shrimp Use cubed chicken breast or tofu instead. Maple syrup or agave easily stands in for honey. If you are fresh out of ginger a pinch of ground ginger will also do the trick. Use tamari for a gluten free swap.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these honey garlic shrimp bowls with lightly steamed broccoli snap peas or roasted asparagus for extra crunch and color. For an extra umami twist toss edamame into your rice before serving.
Cultural and Historical Notes
Dishes like this are inspired by East Asian flavor combinations using everyday pantry staples. Sweet and salty sauces are beloved for their crowd pleasing balance and easy weeknight appeal.
Seasonal Adaptations
In summer Top finished shrimp with diced mango or pineapple for a tropical punch In winter Serve over a bed of steamed greens for coziness Extra sauce Drizzle over roasted root vegetables for a sidekick dish
Success Stories
Friends have used this recipe for quick date night impressing picky partners. My neighbor now makes big batches for meal prep and swears it never gets old eaten hot or cold.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Freeze raw peeled shrimp and prepared sauce together in a zip top bag. Defrost overnight in the fridge dump straight into a hot pan and finish with garnishes. Cooked rice can be frozen in separate portions for even faster meals.
Save This one-bowl dinner delivers serious flavor and comes together in a flash. You will want to make it part of your weeknight rotation.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I prevent shrimp from overcooking?
Sear shrimp for just 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove promptly when done for best texture.
- → Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw fully and pat dry before cooking for even browning in the skillet.
- → What can I substitute for honey?
Maple syrup or agave nectar work well as alternatives if you prefer a different flavor.
- → Is brown rice suitable instead of white?
Absolutely! Brown rice offers a nutty flavor and extra fiber, making it a great choice for this dish.
- → Should the cornstarch thickener be used?
It's optional. Use it for a clingier sauce; skip it if you prefer a lighter consistency.