After a long day at work, there’s nothing quite like a dish that can transport you straight to a cozy Asian bistro without leaving your kitchen. That’s where this 10-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp comes in—a perfect solution for those evenings when time is short but flavor is non-negotiable. Imagine succulent shrimp, lightly coated in a glossy honey garlic sauce, sizzling away on your stovetop.
The aroma of garlic mingling with sweet honey fills the air, tempting your senses and promising a delightful meal. In just ten minutes, you can whip up an impressive dish that’s not only quick but bursting with flavor, making it a wonderful weeknight option or an eye-catching appetizer for guests. With the velveting technique to ensure each shrimp is juicy and tender, you’ll wonder how something so breathtakingly delicious can be prepared so effortlessly. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that transforms dinner into a culinary celebration!
Why Love This 10-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp?
Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, allowing you to create a flavorful meal in mere minutes.
Vibrant Flavor: The combination of honey and garlic creates a sweet-savory sauce that elevates basic shrimp to gourmet status.
Versatile Dish: Enjoy this shrimp over rice, in tacos, or tossed in a salad—there are endless possibilities!
Impressive Presentation: Serve it as a stunning appetizer that will impress your guests while being incredibly simple to prepare.
Healthier Alternative: Satisfy your cravings for takeout, all while enjoying a homemade meal that’s lower in calories and free of preservatives.
Elevate your weeknight dinners with this delicious recipe, and consider checking out our other quick shrimp recipe ideas!
Ingredients for 10-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp
• This section covers all the essentials for your new favorite quick shrimp recipe!
For the Shrimp
• Shrimp – 450g / 1lb, peeled and deveined; essential for a protein-packed meal, choose larger shrimp for a succulent bite.
For the Sauce
• Light Soy Sauce – 1 tbsp; builds that salty umami flavor, and low-sodium options can help you keep it healthy.
• Honey – 4 tbsp; sweetens the sauce beautifully, and feel free to adjust to your taste preferences.
• Cornstarch – 1 tbsp; crucial for the velveting technique to keep the shrimp moist and tender while cooking.
For Cooking
• Vegetable Oil – 2 tbsp; ideal for frying, sesame oil can be used for a hint of nutty flavor.
• Garlic – 3-4 cloves, minced; adds aromatic depth, fresh garlic is highly recommended for the best taste.
• Ginger – 1 tbsp; either grated fresh ginger or ginger paste works wonders; fresh gives a more vibrant flavor.
• Chili Flakes – 1/4 tsp; optional for a bit of heat, adjust to meet your spice preference.
For Garnish
• Green Onions – 2, sliced; they bring a fresh crunch and brighten up the dish, chives can be a perfect substitute!
Enjoy cooking this delightful 10-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp and bring restaurant-quality flavor to your home meal!
How to Make 10-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp
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Prep the Sauce: In a medium bowl, blend light soy sauce with cornstarch until smooth. Gently toss in the peeled and deveined shrimp until evenly coated, and let it sit for a few minutes.
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Make the Base: Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, sauté minced garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant, filling your kitchen with a comforting aroma.
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Cook the Shrimp: Add the coated shrimp to the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque, ensuring not to overcook them for the best texture.
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Add Honey: Pour in the honey and optional chili flakes, quickly tossing everything to coat the shrimp in that luscious sauce. Remove the pan from the heat when the honey has melted over the shrimp.
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Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the dish with sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot over fluffy rice or as a delightful appetizer.
Optional: Drizzle with extra honey for a sweeter finish!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with 10-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp?
Pairing delectable sides with your shrimp can elevate your meal and create a delightful dining experience.
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Steamed Jasmine Rice: The slightly sticky and fragrant rice absorbs the honey garlic sauce wonderfully, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
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Crispy Vegetable Stir Fry: Adding colorful veggies like bell peppers and snow peas provides a crunchy texture that complements the tender shrimp beautifully.
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Refreshing Cucumber Salad: A light, tangy cucumber salad offers a crisp contrast to the rich honey garlic shrimp, cleansing your palate between bites.
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Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlic-infused bread makes for a delicious side, perfect for sopping up the luscious sauce left on your plate.
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Chilled Green Tea: The soothing notes of iced green tea balance the sweetness of the dish while refreshing your palate, making it a perfect drink pairing.
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Sesame Noodles: Served cold or warm, sesame noodles coated in a light sauce complement the flavors of the shrimp while adding a delightful bite.
Delight in your culinary journey with the 10-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp, and watch how each pairing comes together to create a comforting and memorable meal!
Make Ahead Options
These 10-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the shrimp by coating them in the soy sauce and cornstarch mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Just refrigerate the marinated shrimp in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. You can also mince the garlic and ginger, storing them together in the fridge, ready to go when you’re ready to cook. When it’s time to enjoy your meal, simply heat the oil, sauté the aromatics, cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes, and add the honey for that sweet finish. You’ll have a delicious, stress-free dinner on the table with minimal effort!
Expert Tips for 10-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp
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Velveting Secret: This technique is key for juicy shrimp. Ensure all shrimp are coated evenly in the cornstarch mixture before cooking.
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Cook Just Right: The ideal shrimp texture is achieved when they turn pink and opaque—overcooking can make them rubbery, so keep an eye on them!
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Prep Ingredients: Since this dish cooks quickly, having all ingredients measured and ready to go will help you maintain the rapid pace of this quick shrimp recipe.
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Adjust Sweetness: Taste the honey garlic sauce as you cook; feel free to tweak the amount of honey to suit your personal preference for sweetness.
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Try Variations: Don’t hesitate to substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for different protein options. You can also add colorful veggies to make it a complete meal.
Storage Tips for 10-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp
Fridge: Store leftover honey garlic shrimp in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to retain moisture and prevent overcooking.
Freezer: If you have leftovers, you can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Place the shrimp in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible, and label it with the date.
Thawing: To reheat from frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight before warming in a skillet. This helps maintain the quality and flavors of your honey garlic shrimp.
Reheating: Reheat on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep them juicy and avoid drying out the shrimp.
Variations & Substitutions for 10-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp
Feel free to explore these alternatives and make this dish your own with various flavors and textures!
- Protein Swap: Replace shrimp with chicken or tofu for a different protein hero; simply adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Vegetable Boost: Add bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli to increase nutrition and color; sauté them with garlic for a delicious crunch.
- Heat Level: Increase or decrease chili flakes based on your spice tolerance; add sriracha for a fiery kick!
- Sweetness Adjustment: Fine-tune the honey quantity to tailor the sauce’s sweetness to your taste, making it as light or rich as you prefer.
- Butter Infusion: Incorporate a small pat of butter at the end for a rich, creamy twist to the sauce, adding depth to each bite.
- Citrus Zing: A splash of lime or lemon juice brightens the entire dish and provides a refreshing note amidst the garlic sweetness.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap light soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to keep this dish gluten-free without losing any flavor.
- Herb Garnish: Toss in fresh cilantro or basil before serving for a fragrant herbaceous touch that enhances the overall flavor profile.
10-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best results, opt for larger shrimp, like Argentine or jumbo shrimp. They provide a succulent bite and hold up beautifully against the rich honey garlic sauce. Ensure they’re peeled and deveined for a seamless cooking experience.
What’s the best way to store leftover honey garlic shrimp?
Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Just make sure to gently reheat them in a skillet over low heat to prevent overcooking and maintain their juicy texture.
Can I freeze the honey garlic shrimp?
Yes, you can freeze these shrimp for up to 3 months! Place them in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm gently in a skillet, adding a splash of water or broth to keep them moist.
What should I do if my shrimp come out rubbery?
Oh no! Rubberiness usually happens from overcooking. Aim to cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque—typically 1-2 minutes per side, depending on their size. Having everything measured and ready to go can help with quick cooking.
Is there a way to make this dish more diet-friendly or allergen-free?
Very much so! If you’re looking for a lower-sodium option, choose a low-sodium soy sauce. For dairy-free meals, this recipe is already suitable, and you can swap shrimp for chicken or tofu to fit different dietary needs. If you have allergies, check labels for gluten-free options if necessary.
What’s the significance of the velveting technique in this recipe?
The velveting technique is crucial for maintaining the shrimp’s tenderness and moisture. Simply coat the shrimp in cornstarch (as stated in the recipe). This forms a protective barrier during cooking, ensuring they stay juicy. If you’re curious, I often recommend this technique in many seafood dishes!

10-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp That's Better Than Takeout
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, blend light soy sauce with cornstarch until smooth. Toss in the peeled and deveined shrimp until evenly coated, and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the coated shrimp to the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
- Pour in the honey and optional chili flakes, quickly tossing everything to coat the shrimp. Remove from heat when the honey has melted over the shrimp.
- Sprinkle with sliced green onions and serve hot over rice or as an appetizer.







