10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe

There's something magical about the way honey and garlic come together in a sizzling skillet. The sweet, sticky glaze clings to juicy shrimp, filling the kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma that promises something truly special in every bite.

this Recipe

I first whipped up this recipe on a night when I had zero energy but wanted something homemade and satisfying. With just a handful of ingredients and ten minutes to spare, this honey garlic shrimp came to the rescue—and now it's in regular rotation for quick dinners and impromptu guests. It's fast, flavorful, and irresistibly good.

Ready in less time than it takes to order takeout, let’s dive into what makes this dish a weeknight lifesaver.

Why You'll Love This Honey Garlic Shrimp

Get ready to fall in love with a dish that’s as fast as it is flavorful. This 10-minute honey garlic shrimp is the ultimate quick-fix for busy weeknights, offering restaurant-quality taste with almost no effort.

First and foremost, it’s incredibly quick to make. From start to finish, you’ll be done in 10 minutes flat. No long marinades, no fussy techniques—just simple steps and fast results.

It’s also budget-friendly. Shrimp may seem like a splurge, but when bought frozen in bulk or on sale, they’re an affordable protein that cooks up in minutes and pairs well with pantry staples you probably already have.

Versatility is another huge win here. Serve this shrimp over rice, toss it in a salad, wrap it in lettuce, or stuff it into tacos—the options are endless. It fits into any meal plan or flavor profile you're aiming for.

Lastly, this recipe is totally crowd-pleasing. Even picky eaters can’t resist the combination of sweet honey, savory garlic, and perfectly tender shrimp. It’s one of those meals that makes everyone happy, no matter how little time you had to prepare.

Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to bring it all together.

Ingredient Notes

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, you get bold, complex flavor thanks to the magic of honey, garlic, and soy sauce working together in harmony.

Shrimp is the star of the show, so choose wisely. I like using large, peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience and quick cooking. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture from watering down the sauce.

Honey brings the sweetness and helps create that gorgeous sticky glaze. Use any kind you have on hand—clover, wildflower, or even raw honey all work beautifully. It caramelizes slightly in the hot pan, adding a touch of richness to every bite.

Garlic, minced fresh, adds that pungent, savory depth we all know and love. The more, the better in my book. It’s worth using fresh cloves here instead of pre-minced garlic for maximum flavor payoff.

Soy sauce balances the sweetness with a salty, umami-rich kick. I typically go for low-sodium soy sauce to keep things from getting too salty, but regular soy sauce is just fine if that’s what you have.

You won’t need any fancy tools for this dish—just a good nonstick skillet or cast iron pan, a small bowl for the sauce, and a spatula. If you have tongs, those are helpful too for flipping the shrimp quickly.

How to Make This Honey Garlic Shrimp

Cooking this dish is a breeze, and everything happens so fast you’ll want to have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you even turn on the stove.

Start by making your sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic until fully combined. Set it aside near the stove so you can grab it easily once the shrimp are in the pan.

Next, heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering hot, add your shrimp in a single layer. You’ll hear a satisfying sizzle as they hit the pan. Cook them for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until they’re pink, opaque, and lightly golden on the edges.

As soon as the shrimp are nearly cooked through, pour in the honey garlic sauce. The pan will bubble up immediately—this is when the magic happens. Toss the shrimp in the sauce and let it simmer for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to each piece.

If you like a little heat, now’s a great time to sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few drops of sriracha. Once everything looks glossy and delicious, remove the skillet from the heat and serve immediately.

From start to finish, this dish takes only ten minutes. You'll have a glossy, sticky shrimp dish that looks like it came from your favorite restaurant—minus the wait time and price tag.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, this shrimp keeps surprisingly well for such a quick-cooking dish. Let any extra shrimp cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.

In the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just be sure to reheat gently, as shrimp can become rubbery if overcooked during reheating.

To reheat, warm them in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or extra sauce to keep them juicy. You can also microwave them in short bursts—30 seconds at a time—stirring between each, until warmed through.

While this recipe isn’t ideal for freezing once cooked, you can freeze raw, peeled shrimp and even pre-mix the sauce to have it ready to go on busy nights.

Variations and Substitutions

This dish is endlessly adaptable, making it a perfect base for customization. Whether you're swapping ingredients or adding your own twist, it’s hard to go wrong.

If you don’t have honey on hand, maple syrup or brown sugar can offer a similar sweetness with slightly different undertones. Both pair nicely with garlic and soy.

Want a more citrusy kick? Add a splash of fresh lime juice or a bit of orange zest to the sauce. The acid brightens up the whole dish and cuts through the sweetness beautifully.

For a bit more crunch and depth, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions over the finished dish. They add visual appeal and great texture.

Looking to keep things low-carb? Skip the rice and serve your honey garlic shrimp over cauliflower rice, zoodles, or in lettuce wraps for a lighter but still satisfying option.

Not a fan of shrimp? Try this same sauce with thinly sliced chicken breast, tofu, or even salmon. The glaze is so good, it works with nearly any protein you like.

Once you’ve made it once, feel free to experiment and make it your own. The simplicity of the base recipe means you can easily customize it to fit your mood, your pantry, or whatever ingredients you’re trying to use up.

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