If you're looking for a delicious and easy seafood dish to add to your recipe repertoire, Honey Garlic Shrimp is a must-try. This Asian-inspired recipe features succulent shrimp marinated in a flavorful blend of Shaoxing wine, low-sodium soy sauce, spices, then stir-fried with garlic, ginger, and green onions. The star of the show is the sweet and savory sauce, made with honey, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes, which adds a delightful depth of flavor to the dish. Serve it over a bed of steamed rice or noodles, and you have a quick and tasty meal perfect for any day of the week.
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What is Honey garlic shrimp?
Honey garlic shrimp is a popular Asian-inspired seafood dish that features shrimp marinated in a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and spices, then stir-fried with garlic, ginger, and green onions. The marinade infuses the shrimp with a sweet and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of garlic and ginger. The dish is typically served over a bed of steamed rice or noodles, making it a satisfying and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Note: The full ingredients list is provided in the recipe card below.
For the Marinade:
- Shrimp: The main protein of the dish, providing a meaty and satisfying texture.
- Shaoxing wine or dry sherry: A Chinese rice wine or dry sherry that tenderizes the shrimp and adds a subtle depth of flavor.
- Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Adds a salty and umami flavor to the marinade, enhancing the taste of the shrimp.
- Cornstarch: Helps to thicken the marinade and adhere it to the shrimp.
For the Sauce:
- Mushroom-flavored dark soy sauce, dark soy sauce, or low sodium soy sauce: Provides a salty and savory flavor to the dish.
- Honey: Adds a sweet and syrupy taste to the sauce, balancing the salty and spicy elements.
- Red Pepper Flakes, Ground Cayenne Pepper, or Ground Black Pepper: Add a bit of heat to the dish and enhances the overall flavor.
For the Stir-fry:
- Peanut Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, or Butter: Used to cook the shrimp and other ingredients, providing a rich and flavorful base for the dish.
- Garlic: Adds a pungent and slightly sweet flavor to the stir-fry, complementing the other ingredients.
- Ginger: Adding a warm and slightly spicy flavor to the dish enhances the overall taste.
- Green Onions: Adds a fresh and oniony taste to the stir-fry, providing a bit of texture and color.
Tools you'll need
How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
Combine the marinade ingredients in a medium bowl or a large zip-lock bag. Set aside. In a small bowl, mix the sauce ingredients; set aside. Place a large skillet over high heat with the oil, add garlic and ginger, stir, and cook for a few seconds to release the fragrance. Add the shrimp to the skillet and stir-fry until the shrimp turn pink, 2 to 3 minutes.
Add the reserved sauce to the skillet and stir-fry until the shrimp is cooked and the sauce has thickened for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the green onion and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the Honey Garlic Shrimp stir-fry over steamed rice or vegetables garnished with chopped green onions. Enjoy!
Substitutions
- Shrimp: You can use other types of seafood, such as prawns or scallops, or diced chicken or tofu as a vegetarian option.
- Shaoxing wine or dry sherry: You can substitute rice vinegar, sake, or white wine. You can use chicken or vegetable broth if you prefer an alcohol-free version.
- Soy Sauce: If gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. You can also adjust the amount of sodium in the recipe by using low-sodium or no-sodium soy sauce.
- Cornstarch: You can substitute potato starch, arrowroot powder, or tapioca starch.
- Ground Cayenne Pepper or Black Pepper: You can use chili flakes, paprika, or Szechuan peppercorns for a different type of heat.
- Mushroom-flavored dark soy sauce: If you cannot find mushroom-flavored dark soy sauce, you can use regular dark soy sauce or regular soy sauce instead.
- Honey: You can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar as a substitute for honey.
- Red Pepper Flakes, Ground Cayenne Pepper, or Ground Black Pepper: You can adjust the amount of spice to your liking or omit it altogether.
- Peanut Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, or Butter: You can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or sesame oil as a substitute.
- Garlic: You can use garlic powder or roasted garlic if you still need fresh garlic.
Variations
- Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper in the recipe to add more heat.
- Lemon Honey Garlic Shrimp: Add the juice of half a lemon to the marinade and stir-fry some lemon zest with the garlic and ginger to add a bright and citrusy flavor to the dish.
- Teriyaki Honey Garlic Shrimp: Replace the soy sauce in the marinade with teriyaki sauce and add a tablespoon of rice vinegar to the sauce to balance the sweetness.
- Coconut Honey Garlic Shrimp: Add a can of coconut milk to the sauce and reduce it until it thickens for a creamy and coconutty flavor.
- Pineapple Honey Garlic Shrimp: Add diced pineapple to the stir-fry to add a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs well with the honey and garlic.
- Honey Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry: Add chopped broccoli to the stir-fry for a healthy and colorful addition to the dish.
- Honey Garlic Shrimp Tacos: Serve the honey garlic shrimp with tortillas, shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, and avocado for a fun and flavorful twist on traditional tacos.
How to Serve
Honey Garlic Shrimp is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. The most common way to serve it is over a bed of steamed rice or noodles, which helps to absorb the delicious sauce and provides a hearty and filling base for the dish. Add steamed or stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, or snow peas to add texture and nutrition.
Alternatively, you can serve the honey garlic shrimp as an appetizer or finger food by skewering the shrimp and grilling or broiling them until they are crispy and caramelized. Another fun way to serve the dish is to make tacos by filling soft or hard-shell tortillas with honey garlic shrimp, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and avocado. No matter how you choose to serve it, Honey Garlic Shrimp is a delicious and crowd-pleasing dish that will satisfy you.
How to Store & Re-Heat
To store: If you have any leftover Honey Garlic Shrimp, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Let the dish cool completely before transferring it to the container, and don't leave it at room temperature for more than two hours.
To reheat: When you're ready to reheat the dish, you can microwave it or reheat it on the stovetop. To microwave, place the shrimp in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel.
Microwave it on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated. To reheat on the stovetop, add a splash of water or chicken broth to a non-stick pan and heat the shrimp over medium heat until it is heated. Ensure not to overcook the shrimp, which can become inflexible and rubbery. Once the shrimp is heated, you can serve it normally.
Make-Ahead
Honey Garlic Shrimp is a great dish to make ahead of time, as the flavors only get better as they sit in the marinade. You can marinate the shrimp for up to four hours before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook it. This makes it an excellent option for busy weeknights or entertaining guests, as you can prep the dish in advance and cook it up quickly when ready to serve. You can freeze the marinated shrimp for up to three months in an airtight container or freezer bag, then thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
Then, when you're ready to cook the shrimp, follow the recipe as written and adjust the cooking time as needed. Whether you're making it ahead for dinner or as a party appetizer, Honey Garlic Shrimp is a delicious and convenient dish everyone will love.
How to Freeze
If you want to freeze Honey Garlic Shrimp, you can do so easily by following simple steps. First, make sure the shrimp is completely cooled before freezing. Then, transfer the shrimp and sauce to a freezer-safe container or plastic bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Next, label the container or bag with the date and contents and place it in the freezer. Honey Garlic Shrimp can be frozen for up to three months, but for the best quality, consuming it within one to two months is recommended.
When you're ready to eat the shrimp, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water, and then reheat it using your preferred method. It's important to note that shrimp should not be refrozen once it has been thawed. With these simple steps, you can enjoy Honey Garlic Shrimp even when you don't have time to make it fresh.
Tips for Making The Best Honey garlic shrimp
- Use high-quality shrimp: Look for fresh or frozen shrimp that are deveined and peeled. Larger shrimp have a better texture and flavor and are easier to cook.
- Don't over-marinate the shrimp: Although marinating the shrimp is essential for flavor, over-marinating can make the shrimp tough and rubbery. Stick to the recommended marinating time of 15-20 minutes for the best results.
- Use fresh garlic and ginger: Freshly minced garlic and ginger will provide the best flavor and aroma to the dish.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce: This will help control the dish's overall saltiness, allowing the other flavors to shine through.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When stir-frying the shrimp, cook it in batches to avoid overcrowding. This will ensure that the shrimp cooks evenly and stays tender.
- Use a non-stick pan: This will help prevent the shrimp from sticking to the pan and allow you to cook it evenly without overcooking it.
- Garnish with green onions: Chopped green onions add color and freshness to the dish. Don't forget to reserve some for garnish to give the dish a beautiful finishing touch.
FAQ
Could I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
You can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Just thaw it thoroughly and pat it dry before marinating it.
Can I use a different type of honey?
You can use another type of honey, but remember that the dish's flavor may differ slightly.
Can I make this dish spicy?
You could make this dish spicy by adding more red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade or the sauce.
Could I use a different oil for stir-frying?
You can use another type of oil for stir-frying, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or sesame oil.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Add broccoli, bell peppers, or snow peas to this dish for extra nutrition and flavor.
Could I use a different protein?
You can use other types of protein, such as chicken, tofu, or scallops, for a dish variation.
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Recipe
Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients
For the Marinade:🦐
- 600 g Shrimp , peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
- 1 tablespoon Low Sodium Soy Sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ¼ ground cayenne pepper or black pepper
For the Sauce:🍯
- 1 tablespoon mushroom-flavored dark soy sauce , dark soy sauce, or low sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes , ground cayenne pepper, or ground black pepper
For the Stir-fry:🧄
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil , extra virgin olive oil, or butter
- 3 cloves garlic , finely minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger , finely minced
- 3-4 green onions , chopped plus for garnish
Instructions
- Combine the marinade ingredients in a medium bowl or a large zip lock bag. Set aside. In a small bowl, mix together the sauce ingredients; set aside.
- Place a large skillet over high heat with the oil, add garlic and ginger, stir and cook for a few seconds to release the fragrance. Add the shrimp to the skillet and stir-fry until the shrimp just begin to turn pink, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the reserved sauce to the skillet and stir-fry until the shrimp is cooked and the sauce has thickened for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the green onion and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the Honey Garlic Shrimp stir-fry over steamed rice or steamed vegetables garnished with chopped green onions. Enjoy!
Notes
- To store: If you have any leftover Honey Garlic Shrimp, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Let the dish cool completely before transferring it to the container, and don't leave it at room temperature for more than two hours.
- To reheat: When you're ready to reheat the dish, you can microwave it or reheat it on the stovetop. To microwave, place the shrimp in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel.
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.