Name: Quick Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 450 g shrimp (peeled and deveined); 1 tbsp light soy sauce; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 3-4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tbsp ginger paste (or grated ginger); 4 tbsp honey; 1/4 tsp chilli flakes (optional); 2 green onions (sliced)

There’s something irresistibly sweet and savory about this Quick Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe that makes it a dinner favorite in my house. It’s fast, flavorful, and perfect for when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

A bowl filled with two main layers: the bottom layer is soft white rice with separated grains, and the top layer consists of golden-orange shrimp coated with a shiny glaze, garnished with small green sliced scallions. The shrimp display a slightly charred texture with reddish-brown spots and a glossy surface. The bowl is white, set on a white marbled background, with wooden chopsticks resting on one side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Quick Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Quick Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Quick Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m always searching for quick meals that still feel special, and this recipe nails it every time. It’s a perfect blend of sweet honey, fragrant garlic, and a touch of heat – all brought together with tender, juicy shrimp.

Super speedy: You can have this on the table in under 10 minutes, which is amazing for busy weeknights.
Simple ingredients: Most of these you probably already have in your pantry or fridge.
Deliciously balanced flavors: The honey’s sweetness perfectly complements the garlic and a hint of ginger, creating a mouthwatering sauce.
Versatile: Whether served over rice, noodles, or even as a starter, this shrimp always impresses.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this dish lies in how these simple ingredients come together quickly to create layers of flavor. Each element brings something important to the plate, and I’ll share some tips to get the best results.

Flat lay of fresh peeled and deveined raw shrimp arranged neatly, a small white bowl of light soy sauce, a small white bowl of cornstarch powder, a small white bowl filled with golden honey, a small white bowl of clear vegetable oil, three whole garlic cloves with papery skins intact, a small mound of freshly grated ginger root, a small white bowl containing red chilli flakes, and two vibrant green onions whole with roots attached, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Shrimp: Peeled and deveined is best for ease and texture; fresh or thawed frozen shrimp work well.
Light soy sauce: Adds salty umami flavor without overpowering the sweetness.
Cornstarch: This is key for “velveting” the shrimp, which keeps them juicy and tender during cooking.
Vegetable oil: A neutral oil that’s great for quick, high-heat cooking without burning.
Garlic: Freshly minced to give that authentic fragrance and bite.
Ginger paste: Or freshly grated ginger adds a warm spicy note that pairs beautifully with garlic.
Honey: The star ingredient creating that sticky, sweet glaze everyone loves.
Chilli flakes (optional): Just a dash for a gentle kick—a personal favorite twist.
Green onions: Freshly sliced on top for color and a mild onion freshness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about this Quick Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I often experiment with adding more heat or extra aromatics to keep things exciting.

Variation: I love adding a splash of lime juice right at the end for a fresh citrus zing that cuts through the sweetness.
Low sodium: Use a low sodium soy sauce if you’re watching salt intake, and adjust the amount of honey for your preferred sweetness.
Extra veggies: Stir in some snap peas or bell peppers at the end for a crunchy contrast and added color.
Protein swap: This sauce works just as well on chicken or tofu – give it a try if shrimp isn’t your thing.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Quick Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe

A white bowl filled with white rice on one side and a pile of cooked shrimp coated in a shiny orange sauce on the other side, garnished with small green chopped herbs scattered on top. A pair of wooden chopsticks with green details rests on the bowl's edge. The background is a white marbled surface with a beige cloth and a green bowl of edamame blurred in the background, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Velvet the shrimp for juiciness

Start by mixing the soy sauce and cornstarch in a medium bowl. Then toss the shrimp in this mixture and let them sit while you prep the rest. This simple velveting trick keeps the shrimp super tender and prevents them from drying out when cooking – it’s like a little secret from Chinese kitchens worldwide.

Step 2: Sizzle garlic and ginger

Heat your vegetable oil over medium heat and toss in the minced garlic and ginger paste. Cook for no longer than 30 seconds—just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic here because it will turn bitter and throw off the flavor.

Step 3: Cook shrimp until pink and perfect

Add the shrimp to the pan and let them cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side, depending on their size. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn a lovely pink and curl slightly, but be mindful not to overcook them—they continue cooking a bit after being removed from the heat.

Step 4: Coat with honey and finish

Pour in the honey and optional chili flakes. Toss the shrimp gently to coat everything evenly. Immediately take it off the heat to prevent burning the honey. Sprinkle on freshly sliced green onions and you’re all set to serve.

Top Tip

After making this Quick Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe countless times, I’ve learned a few tweaks that really elevate the result and save you from common pitfalls.

Don’t skip the velveting: It might seem like an extra step, but it locks in moisture for buttery tender shrimp every time.
Garlic timing matters: Add garlic and ginger just before the shrimp and don’t cook them too long or the sauce tastes bitter.
Low and slow won’t work here: Keep your heat medium, and move fast once shrimp start cooking to avoid rubbery texture.
Immediate sauce toss: Add honey off the heat to prevent it from burning—this keeps the sauce glossy and delicious.

How to Serve Quick Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Honey Garlic Shrimp - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually go with finely sliced green onions for that fresh bite and pop of color. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds because they bring a subtle nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the glaze.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are fluffy jasmine rice or simple garlic fried rice—it soaks up the sauce perfectly. Steamed broccoli or a quick cucumber salad on the side adds a refreshing crunch that balances the sweet, sticky flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve served this shrimp over coconut-infused rice in hollowed-out pineapple halves — it’s delightful and makes the meal feel extra special. I’ve also tried skewering the shrimp for appetizers, which gets everyone happy at the table quickly!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Since the sauce can thicken a bit, I reheat gently and add a splash of water or broth to loosen it back up.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze this dish because shrimp’s texture changes after thawing, but if you want to, freeze cooked and cooled shrimp separately without the sauce and add sauce fresh when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth, stirring often to avoid overcooking. Microwave works too, but short bursts to keep the shrimp tender is key.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely, pat dry to avoid excess water in the pan, and then velvet as described. This helps keep the texture perfect.

What can I serve with Quick Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe?

Rice is a classic pairing, but feel free to serve it with noodles, steamed vegetables, or even a fresh salad to add crunch and brightness.

How spicy is this recipe?

The chili flakes are optional and added sparingly. You can adjust the amount to suit your heat preference or leave them out entirely for a milder version.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap the light soy sauce for gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and the dish remains just as delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Quick Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe is one that always brings comfort and smiles in my kitchen. Its simplicity hides the wonderful balance of flavors that makes it so satisfying. I hope you give it a try and find it as easy and delicious as I do—it’s a total winner for busy days or unexpected guests alike.