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If you are craving a dish that feels like a restaurant favorite but comes together in a flash, you’re in for a treat with this Easy 20-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe. It offers plump, juicy shrimp perfectly coated in a luscious honey garlic sauce that is both sweet and savory, creating a mouthwatering combination that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or need a quick dish to impress friends, this recipe promises big flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl placed on a white marbled surface contains small, peeled shrimp that are raw with a bluish-gray color and a shiny, moist texture. The shrimp are loosely piled in the center of the bowl, showing their curved shapes and segmented bodies. Around the shrimp, the bowl has a light orange, smooth sauce or marinade lightly coating the shrimp and pooling at the bottom of the bowl, creating a contrast between the shrimp and the sauce. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe shines because of its simple, accessible ingredients that work together to create an irresistible balance of flavors and textures. Each element plays a crucial role—from the tender shrimp to the sticky sweet sauce, plus the aromatic garlic that elevates the dish.

1 lb jumbo shrimp peeled and deveined: The star ingredient, juicy and quick-cooking, perfect for absorbing flavors.
1 tablespoon vegetable oil: A neutral oil to help achieve a beautiful sear without overpowering the shrimp’s delicate flavor.
1 green onion finely chopped: Adds a fresh, mild crunch and vibrant color to finish the dish.
½ teaspoon sesame seeds (optional): For a subtle nutty note and a pretty garnish.
1 tablespoon cornstarch (for marinade): Helps tenderize shrimp and gives the sauce a silky texture.
⅛ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a hint of mild heat and earthiness.
1 tablespoon water (cold or room temperature): Balances the marinade consistency for even coating.
5 cloves garlic minced: The aromatic powerhouse that makes this shrimp irresistibly flavorful.
⅓ cup honey: Provides sweetness that perfectly contrasts the savory notes in the sauce.
2.5 tablespoons soy sauce (regular or light): Gives that classic savory depth and umami punch.
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider/white vinegar): Adds a bright acidity to balance the sweetness.
½ tablespoon sesame oil: Just a touch brings warmth and a subtle toasted flavor.
½ tablespoon cornstarch (for sauce): Thickens the honey garlic sauce to a luscious glaze consistency.

How to Make Easy 20-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Marinate the Shrimp

Start by peeling, deveining, and rinsing the shrimp under cold water, then pat them dry so the marinade sticks better. In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with cornstarch, salt, pepper, water, and a splash of vegetable oil. This simple marinade tenderizes the shrimp and ensures they stay juicy and flavorful once cooked. Let them sit for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the honey garlic sauce.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Honey Garlic Sauce

In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, water, vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch, stirring until the honey dissolves completely. This sauce is what makes this dish shine, blending the perfect balance of sweet, salty, tangy, and aromatic notes that cling beautifully to each piece of shrimp.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook them for about 60 to 90 seconds, flipping halfway through until they are 90% pink. Be careful not to overcook—shrimp cook quickly and become rubbery if left too long. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside, keeping those savory juices ready for the next step.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce and Combine

Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce into the same pan and simmer it gently until it thickens to a glossy glaze—this usually takes a couple of minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon without running off quickly. Return the shrimp to the pan and toss them through the sauce for about 20 seconds until fully pink and coated, locking in that bursting flavor.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and sprinkle the shrimp with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if you’re using them. These finishing touches add freshness and a bit of texture, making your plate look as good as it tastes. Get ready to dive in—this delicious Easy 20-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe is meant to be enjoyed right away.

How to Serve Easy 20-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a single cooked shrimp held by chopsticks in the foreground, with many more shrimp piled on a white plate in the background. The shrimp are orange with a slightly shiny texture and scattered chopped green herbs on top for garnish. The white plate sits on a white marbled surface. The shrimp look juicy and lightly sauced, and the chopsticks are held by a woman's hand that enters the frame from the top right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh green onions sliced on top give a burst of color and a mild onion flavor that cuts through the sweetness of the sauce. Toasted sesame seeds add a tiny crunch and a nutty aroma, perfectly complementing the garlicky glaze.

Side Dishes

This shrimp pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice to soak up the savory sauce or a simple stir-fried vegetable medley for a healthy contrast. You could also serve it alongside garlic noodles or a crisp Asian-inspired slaw for added texture and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the shrimp atop crispy lettuce cups or tuck into warm tortillas with some sliced avocado and fresh cilantro for an Asian fusion taco. Alternatively, plate it over cauliflower rice for a low-carb dinner that still packs a ton of flavor. Presentation is all about making this dish your own.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Because this dish features a delicate sauce, it’s best enjoyed fresh, but properly stored leftovers still taste delightful cold or gently reheated.

Freezing

Freezing cooked shrimp in sauce is not recommended since the texture can become rubbery upon thawing. If you want to prep ahead, freeze the marinated shrimp without cooking, but use it within one month for the best quality. Then thaw and cook fresh when ready.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave at short intervals to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Add a splash of water or extra soy sauce if the sauce has thickened too much to maintain its luscious texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and drain the shrimp before marinating, as excess moisture can dilute the marinade and sauce.

Is this recipe spicy?

No, this Easy 20-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe focuses on sweet and savory flavors, but you can easily add chili flakes or sriracha for a kick of heat if preferred.

Can I substitute honey with another sweetener?

Yes, maple syrup or agave nectar can work in a pinch, though honey has a unique flavor that pairs perfectly with garlic and soy sauce.

What oil is best for cooking shrimp?

A neutral oil like vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil is ideal as it won’t overpower the shrimp’s flavor or burn easily at medium heat.

How do I prevent shrimp from getting rubbery?

Cook shrimp quickly over medium heat until just pink and opaque—overcooking is the main cause of rubberiness. This recipe’s 20-minute timeframe ensures tender shrimp every time!

Final Thoughts

This Easy 20-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites for those times when I want a quick, fuss-free meal that still feels special. The balance of sweet honey and aromatic garlic compliments the shrimp beautifully, making every bite a delight. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again because it’s just that good and simple to whip up.

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