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This Garlic Honey Shrimp recipe is insanely easy to make, yet SO flavorful and delicious! These sticky shrimp are made in one skillet, with just 8 ingredients, and ready in under 20 minutes!! These plump, succulent shrimp are sweet, subtly spicy and a huge fan favorite!

You can serve this simple shrimp recipe as an appetizer with plenty of toothpicks and napkins! Or, pair them with rice, noodles or roasted vegetables for an easy weeknight dinner your family will love!

Overhead shot of a cast iron skillet filled with Sticky Honey Garlic Glazed Shrimp, lime wedges, jalapeno slices, and sliced scallions.

Update: This post was originally published in January 2017. I’ve updated the post below to include more information about this skillet honey shrimp recipe. Plus, I added a recipe video to show you how easy these garlic honey shrimp are to make! 

Hey there, friends! I hope your weekend was wonderful!

Today I am sharing one of the best healthy shrimp dinner recipes ever! Seriously! These shrimp are sticky, saucy and all around stellar! Plus, they’re super quick and easy to prepare! It’s a fast, 16 minute shrimp recipe that you will make over and over again!

Overhead shot of all the ingredients needed to make Spicy Honey Glazed Skillet Shrimp neatly organized on a bluish-gray surface.

Table of Contents

About this garlic honey shrimp recipe

AKA super quick and easy, 8 ingredient, one skillet Spicy Honey Glazed Shrimp.

Succulent, plump shrimp coated and glistening in a sticky, sweet and spicy sauce, finished with a squeeze of acidic lime, and topped with mildly spicy jalapeños and fresh green onions.

These shrimp are saucy, sublime and fantastically fast to whip together! Think 16 minutes, from prep to finish, kind of fast. And, did I mention this recipe only requires 8 ingredients?!

These finger-licking delicious shrimp are perfect for an easy weeknight dinner with a side of rice! Or, they taste terrific stuffed in some tacos! And, stupendous scattered on a salad! Plus, they are phenomenal as party appetizer! Essentially, these sweet and savory shrimp are perfect for any and every occasion!!

Angled, overhead photo of Garlic Honey Shrimp garnished with lime wedges, jalapeno slices, and sliced scallions in a large cast iron skillet

What is garlic honey glazed shrimp?

Honey garlic shrimp is a quick and easy American-Asian dish made of tender shrimp quickly stir-fried in a delicious garlic and honey mixture. The honey mixture doubles as both a flavorful marinade and a sticky sauce! While this easy recipe calls for stir-frying the shrimp, they can also be baked, fried or grilled depending on the recipe!

If shrimp is on sale, pick up an extra bag and put them to good use in these recipes: Roasted Shrimp Skewers In The Oven, Ramen Salad with Shrimp, How to Cook Shrimp for Shrimp Cocktail, and Ceviche with Shrimp.

Ingredients in honey glazed shrimp?

  • Shrimp: I prefer large shrimp, but you can use any size you prefer. Fresh or frozen defrosted shrimp work in this recipe. (Scroll down for tips on which shrimp to use!)
  • Oil: You need neutral oil, such as vegetable or canola, for the marinade and cooking.
  • Honey: Honey adds a lip-smackingly delicious sticky sweetness!
  • Soy Sauce: I prefer reduced-sodium soy sauce so I can control the amount of salt.
  • Garlic: Two cloves of garlic provide the perfect hint of distinct, punchy flavor. If you love garlic, feel free to add more. And if you need help mincing, this tutorial walks you through how to cut cloves of garlic.
  • Lime: Freshly grated lime zest provides a little zing! Don’t forget to save the limes and use the wedges for serving!
  • Ginger: Freshly grated ginger gives the dish a subtle, warming touch.
  • Seasonings: Cayenne, salt and pepper provide plenty of flavor.
  • Wine: Mirin is the secret ingredient in the sauce! It adds a complex and deep flavor that just can’t be beat. If you can’t find mirin, feel free to use sake, dry sherry, brandy or white wine.
Overhead, close- up photo of Shrimp cooked in a honey garlic sauce and garnished with lime wedges, jalapeno slices, and sliced scallions.

FAQs: frequently asked questions

You’ve got questions? I’ve got answers! If you have a question you don’t see listed below, please drop them in the comments section. I’m happy to help when I can! 

What’s the best shrimp for sautéing?

While there are many varieties of shrimp, the three most common types found at the store are pink, white and brown shrimp. It’s important to note that each variety of shrimp covers many different species. The terms below (pink, white, brown) are blanket terms used to describe several species of shrimp.

  • Pink shrimp: Just like the name suggests, these shrimp are slightly pink, however they can range from white to gray in color. They are slightly sweet with a mild flavor profile.
  • White shrimp: These shrimp are translucent bluish-greenish when raw, but turn pink when cooked. They are tender with a sweet flavor. They are even more mild in taste than pink shrimp. Due to their extreme mild flavor, they soak up the flavor of sauces very well!
  • Brown shrimp: These shrimp tend to be fairly small with a reddish-brown shell. They have a firm texture and a stronger, mineral-like flavor.

You can use any variety of raw shrimp for this recipe. My personal preference is pink or white shrimp. However, I suggest asking the seafood clerk which shrimp is freshest and in season. And make sure you clean the shrimp prior. If you need help, you can learn all about shelling shrimp here.

What size shrimp is best?

The size of shrimp is measured by the number of individual shrimp in a pound. The smaller the number in a pound, the bigger the shrimp. For example, the label of 16/20 indicates that there are between 16 and 20 shrimp in a pound.

It is important to remember that broad labels such as “large” and “jumbo” are a general guide. These labels aren’t regulated and can vary greatly from seller to seller. Your best bet is to pay attention to the number of shrimp in a pound.

I like to use 16/20 shrimp, or larger, for this honey glazed shrimp recipe. Since this is a fast cooking stir-fry recipe, using larger shrimp will help avoid overcooking. However, you can use smaller shrimp in this easy shrimp recipe – just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Shrimp sizes

  • Colossal: Fewer than 15 shrimp per pound
  • Extra Jumbo: 16 to 20 shrimp per pound
  • Jumbo: 21 to 25 shrimp per pound
  • Extra Large: 26 to 30 shrimp per pound

Can I use frozen shrimp?

You can purchase frozen raw shrimp for this recipe. If using frozen shrimp, thaw the shrimp and drain them well. You must remove all the excess moisture so the shrimp sear rather than steam.

To thaw frozen shrimp

  • Remove from freezer: Take shrimp out of the freezer and place them in a bowl.
  • Thaw: Allow shrimp to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Or, run them under icy cold (not warm) water just before cooking. (Do not place frozen shrimp in the microwave to defrost!)
  • Drain and dry: Remove the shrimp from the bowl and drain in a colander. Transfer the shrimp to a clean work surface and use paper towels to pat the shrimp thoroughly dry.

How long to cook shrimp?

Since shrimp cook really quickly, they can feel intimidating to prepare. However, it’s really easy to tell when shrimp are done cooking. The precise length of time shrimp take to cook depends upon the size of your shrimp, how many shrimp you have in the pan and the heat under your pan.

For the best result make sure all your shrimp are the same size. For the best sear, do not overcrowd the pan. And, for the best taste – tender, juicy texture without any chewiness – sear shrimp over medium-high to high heat.

How to tell when shrimp are done?

  • Color: When shrimp are cooked, they will have lost their translucency and be opaque white. They will also develop that hallmark pinkish hue with bright red accents. Do not eat shrimp if they are gray or translucent after cooking!
  • Shape: When shrimp cooks, the muscles contracts. The contraction causes the shrimp to shrink and curl. Raw shrimp will hang straight by the tail. Perfectly cooked shrimp will form a “C”. Overcooked shrimp will curl tightly into a “O”.

How to make honey garlic shrimp?

This recipe is not only finger-licking good, it’s also incredibly quick and easy to prepare! With just one skillet, 8 ingredients and 20 minutes, you can create a flavorful shrimp dish you and your family will love!

  1. Prepare the garlic honey sauce:  In a small bowl whisk together all the ingredients for the sauce.
  2. Marinate shrimp:  Place shrimp in a large bowl and drizzle with oil. Toss to coat. Pour half of the honey sauce on top, reserving the other half for later. Toss the shrimp again. Cover and place in the refrigerator. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Cook shrimp:  Heat oil in a large skillet. Add shrimp to the skillet, discarding their marinade. Cook the shrimp undisturbed for one minute.  Continue to cook, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes. Pour in the reserved honey mixture. Cook the shrimp until caramelized and cooked through. Remove shrimp from pan.
  4. Deglaze: Add mirin to deglaze pan. Scrape up any browned bits from bottom of the pan. Cook until sauce is reduced. Add shrimp back to pan and stir to coat.
  5. Serve:  Transfer to a serving dish. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve with lime wedges and enjoy!

Tips for the best sticky shrimp

These shrimp are so easy to prepare! But, I do have a few simple tips and tricks to ensure you nail this recipe every single time!

  1. Shrimp: You can use any size shrimp you would like in this skillet shrimp recipe. However, you will need to adjust the cooking time up or down accordingly. Frozen shrimp work as well, they just need to be thawed first!
  2. Dry shrimp: Make sure you thoroughly dry the shrimp prior to cooking. Wet shrimp will steam, instead of sear.
  3. Cook in batches: Do not crowd the pan when cooking the shrimp, or they will steam instead of caramelize and brown. Cook the shrimp in two batches if necessary.
  4. Turn shrimp individually: Use tongs to flip the shrimp over individually. This will help the shrimp get a perfect sear!
  5. Deglaze with flavor: Deglazing the pan is a must! Those browned bits stuck on the bottom of the pan have so much flavor. If you don’t have mirin, you can substitute brandy, sake, or even white wine.
  6. Garnish with lime: Fresh lime juice really brings out all the flavors and makes the shrimp shine!

How to prepare honey shrimp step by step photos

(Scroll down for the detailed measurements and instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.)

Overhead photo collage of how to make honey garlic shrimp step by step with written instructions on each step.

How to serve sticky honey shrimp?

This simple shrimp recipe can be served as an appetizer or starter with toothpicks and plenty of napkins. Or, it can be served as an easy entree with rice and roasted vegetables! (Scroll down for more serving options.)

What to serve with shrimp?

These honey glazed shrimp can be served with a wide variety of side dishes! Since this dish is Asian in flavor, I like to pair it with similarly flavored sides.

Best shrimp dinner ideas:

  • Soup: A cozy bowl of miso or egg drop soup.
  • Edamame: A big bowl of salted edamame is always a winner!
  • Green Salad: Simple leafy green salad drizzled with plenty of ginger dressing.
  • Cucumber Salad: Refreshing Asian cucumber salad is a delicious healthy option!
  • Grains: Any grain works well! Try white rice, brown rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice or broccoli rice. I personally love to serve these sticky shrimp over coconut rice, lemon zest rice, or healthy fried rice!
  • Noodles: You can never go wrong with oodles of noodles! Chow mein, soba, or udon noodles are all delicious!
  • Vegetables: Try serving this with your favorite seasonal vegetable – steamed, stir-fried or roasted! I prefer Asian brussels, fried cabbage, snow peas, broccoli, carrots, bell peppers and onions, but you can use whatever you love!
Overhead photo sweet and spicy Honey Shrimp garnished with lime wedges, jalapeno slices and sliced scallions on a white plate with a purple linen under the plate and a bowl of rice next to the plate.

Packed with flavor and lightning fast to whip together, this Spicy Honey Shrimp Recipe needs to be a part of your dinner (or appetizer or lunch!) rotation.

Until Thursday friends, cheers – to living life with a little spice… and a side of honey shrimp.

Cheyanne

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More quick and easy shrimp recipes!

If you love this hot shrimp dish, try one of these delicious shellfish recipes next

Overhead photo of Honey Garlic Shrimp garnished with scallions and lime wedges on a white plate with more lime wedges next to the plate.

Garlic Honey Shrimp Recipe

5 from 17 votes
Author: Cheyanne Holzworth
Total Time: 16 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Servings: 4
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
This Garlic Honey Shrimp recipe is insanely easy to make and loaded with flavor! It's made in one skillet, with only 8 ingredients, and ready in under 20 minutes!!  These shrimp are sticky, sweet, subtly spicy and definitely belong on your table!
Recipe can be scaled up or down by using the slider if you hover your mouse over the number of Servings.

Equipment

  • (2) Mixing Bowls
  • large skillet

Ingredients 

  • 1 Pound Large Shrimp – peeled & deveined (SEE NOTES)
  • 2 cloves Garlic – minced
  • 1/2 Cup Honey
  • 3 TBS Soy Sauce
  • 3/4 tsp Ginger – freshly grated
  • ½ heaping tsp Cayenne Pepper
  • 1 tsp Lime Zest (about 1 small lime)
  • Kosher Salt and Pepper
  • 2 TBS Neutral Oil (such as vegetable or canola) – DIVIDED
  • 1 TBS Mirin (can substitute Sake or Brandy)

Optional Garnishes: Jalapeno Slices, Thinly Sliced Scallions, Lime Wedges

Serving Suggestions: Rice, Steamed Vegetables

Instructions

  • Prepare the garlic honey sauce:  In a small bowl whisk together: garlic, honey, soy sauce, ginger, cayenne, lime zest. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper.  Set aside.
  • Marinate shrimp:  Place shrimp in a large bowl and add 1 tablespoon oil. Toss to coat and then pour HALF of the honey mixture on top, reserving the other half of the honey mixture for later. Toss shrimp to coat. Transfer shrimp to the refrigerator and allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes, up to 8 hours.
  • Cook shrimp:  Heat remaining tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp to the skillet discarding their marinade. Cook the shrimp undisturbed for 45 seconds – 1 minute.  Flip shrimp and continue to cook, stirring often, for 2 minutes. Pour in the reserved honey mixture and cook, stirring frequently, until the shrimp are caramelized and cooked through, about 2 additional minutes. Remove shrimp from pan.
  • Deglaze: Add the mirin to the pan and scrape up browned bits from bottom of the pan. Cook until the sauce is reduced and thickened, about 1-2 minutes. Turn off heat and add the shrimp. Tossing the shrimp in the sauce to coat.
  • Serve:  Transfer to a serving dish. Sprinkle with juice from lime wedges if using and top with optional garnishes. Enjoy!
    Overhead photo of Honey Garlic Shrimp garnished with scallions and lime wedges on a white plate with more lime wedges next to the plate.

Video

Notes

  1. Shrimp: You can use any size raw shrimp you would like in this recipe. However, you will need to adjust the cooking time up or down accordingly. I used 16/20s. Frozen shrimp work as well, they just need to be thawed first!
  2. Dry shrimp: Make sure you thoroughly dry the shrimp prior to cooking. Wet shrimp will steam, instead of sear.
  3. Cook in batches: Do not crowd the pan when cooking the shrimp, or they will steam instead of caramelize and brown. Cook the shrimp in two batches if necessary.
  4. Turn shrimp individually: Use tongs to flip the shrimp over individually. This will help the shrimp get a perfect sear!
  5. Deglaze with flavor: Deglazing the pan is a must! Those browned bits stuck on the bottom of the pan have so much flavor. If you don’t have mirin, you can substitute brandy, sake, or even white wine.
  6. Garnish with lime: Fresh lime juice really brings out all the flavors and makes the shrimp shine!!
  7. Serving size: The recipe as written serves 2-4 depending on your appetite. Two servings if you are serving this as a main, and four if you are serving it as an appetizer. But, honestly, it depends on how much you love sticky shrimp. However, the recipe can be scaled up or down depending on your needs.
Recipe serves: 4 as an appetizer; 2 as a main.
Nutritional information is an approximation based upon 4 servings.  Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.

Nutrition

Calories: 233kcal    Carbohydrates: 13g    Protein: 23g    Fat: 8g    Saturated Fat: 1g    Cholesterol: 285mg    Sodium: 1159mg    Potassium: 90mg    Sugar: 12g    Vitamin A: 50IU    Vitamin C: 4.6mg    Calcium: 164mg    Iron: 2.5mg
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian

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