I absolutely love this 10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe because it s a total game-changer for busy weeknights or when you need something tasty on the table, fast. The combination of sweet honey, pungent garlic, and a little zing from ginger makes every bite irresistible. Plus, it comes together so quickly that you ll barely spend more time cooking than doing the dishes afterward.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how juicy and tender the shrimp stayed thanks to a little trick I picked up-velveting with soy sauce and cornstarch. This 10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe is perfect for last-minute guests or when you want to impress without hours in the kitchen. Trust me, it s worth keeping these ingredients stocked so you can whip it up at a moment s notice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Lightning Fast Prep: You ll have dinner ready in just 10 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
- Juicy, Tender Shrimp Every Time: Velveting the shrimp keeps them perfectly moist and silky.
- Sweet and Savory Flavor Boost: The honey-garlic combo with ginger adds depth that s loved by everyone at my table.
- Versatile and Easy to Customize: You can easily tweak the spice level or pair it with various sides for a fresh experience each time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this 10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe is that it uses simple, fresh ingredients you probably already have on hand. Each one plays an important role – from tenderizing shrimp to balancing sweetness and heat.
- Shrimp: Fresh or thawed frozen shrimp work great; peeled and deveined makes prep a breeze.
- Light soy sauce: Adds umami and helps velvet the shrimp for tenderness.
- Cornstarch: This keeps the shrimp juicy by forming a slight protective coating during cooking.
- Vegetable oil: Use a neutral oil for sautéing without overpowering flavors.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic gives that punchy, aromatic base you want.
- Ginger paste or fresh grated ginger: Adds a subtle warmth and brightness.
- Honey: The star sweetener that caramelizes beautifully to coat the shrimp.
- Chilli flakes (optional): For those who like a little heat to balance the sweetness.
- Green onions: Freshly sliced, for garnish and a pop of color.
Variations
One of the reasons I keep coming back to this 10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe is how easy it is to customize for whatever mood or ingredients you have on hand. Feel free to make it your own!
- Spicy Kick: I love adding a splash of sriracha or doubling the chilli flakes when I m craving heat – it wakes up the whole dish.
- Veggie Boost: Toss in snap peas, bell peppers, or broccoli for a quick stir-fry style meal with more greens.
- Gluten-free Version: Swap light soy sauce for tamari to make this friendly for gluten sensitivities without losing flavor.
- Milder Flavor: If you re cooking for little ones, just skip the chili flakes and keep it sweet and garlicky.
How to Make 10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Velvet the Shrimp for Tenderness
Start by mixing the light soy sauce and cornstarch in a medium bowl. Add your peeled and deveined shrimp and toss them gently until they re all coated. This step, known as velveting in Chinese cooking, helps protect the shrimp from drying out and locks in moisture for juicy results. Let it sit while you prep your garlic and ginger – it only needs a few minutes.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Ginger
Heat your vegetable oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat and add the minced garlic and ginger paste. Cook them for about 30 seconds – just until fragrant, but don t let them brown or burn, or the flavor will turn bitter. This quick step infuses the oil and sets the perfect aromatic stage for the shrimp.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp Perfectly
Add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, depending on their size. You ll know they re done when they turn pink and curl up nicely – avoid overcooking because shrimp can get rubbery fast! This step is where that velveting comes into play, keeping your shrimp silky tender.
Step 4: Coat with Honey and Finish
Pour in the honey and sprinkle in chili flakes if you re using them. Toss everything gently to coat the shrimp evenly in that gorgeous sticky glaze, then take the pan off the heat immediately. This preserves the honey’s natural sweetness without burning it. Finish with a sprinkle of sliced green onions for freshness and color.
Pro Tips for Making 10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Don t Skip Velveting: This little step changed my shrimp game by keeping them tender every single time.
- Garlic Timing Matters: Adding garlic just 30 seconds before shrimp prevents bitterness and retains its bright flavor.
- Use Medium Heat: It s key to cook shrimp quickly without burning the garlic or over-reducing the honey sauce.
- Don t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary so shrimp sear instead of steam, achieving better texture.
How to Serve 10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top the shrimp with freshly sliced green onions-they add a mild sharpness that cuts through the sweetness beautifully. Sometimes, I throw on a handful of toasted sesame seeds for a subtle crunch and nutty flavor, which my family goes crazy for every time.
Side Dishes
This shrimp pairs wonderfully with fluffy jasmine rice or steamed brown rice to soak up that sticky honey garlic sauce. For a low-carb option, I love serving it alongside stir-fried vegetables or cauliflower rice to keep dinner light yet satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
One of my favorite ways to make this dish feel special is serving it over a bed of mixed greens or spiralized zucchini noodles with a drizzle of sesame oil. It s a simple yet elegant presentation that always impresses my dinner guests without extra fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers go straight into an airtight container and into the fridge, where they keep well for up to 2 days. I ve found that storing the shrimp separately from any rice or sides helps maintain their texture best.
Freezing
I don t recommend freezing cooked shrimp with the honey garlic sauce because the texture can become rubbery once thawed. However, you can freeze the raw marinated shrimp for up to a month and then cook fresh when you re ready.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat just until warmed through to avoid overcooking. Microwaving works too, but watch the timing carefully-about 30 seconds and check, so the shrimp doesn t get tough.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen shrimp for this 10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before starting. This helps the marinade stick better and prevents excess water from steaming the shrimp while cooking.
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What can I substitute if I don t have honey?
You can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a substitute to maintain that lovely sweet glaze. Just keep in mind that flavor notes will shift slightly, but it ll still taste delicious.
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Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
While this recipe highlights shrimp, you can swap in tofu or tempeh and adjust cooking times accordingly. Use a vegan soy sauce option and plant-based sweeteners to keep it friendly for plant-based diets.
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How spicy is this recipe with chili flakes?
The chili flakes add a gentle warmth rather than intense heat, so it s typically mild enough for most palates. You can always adjust the amount to suit your taste buds.
Final Thoughts
This 10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe is one of those staples I m always excited to share because it s so quick, easy, and downright delicious. Whether you re new to cooking shrimp or a seasoned home chef, this recipe gives you a flavorful win with minimal fuss. I hope you give it a try soon-you might just find it becoming your go-to dinner when you need a fast, tasty fix!
Print10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A quick and flavorful 10-minute honey garlic shrimp recipe that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or appetizer. Tender shrimp are coated with a soy and cornstarch marinade, then stir-fried with garlic, ginger, honey, and optional chili flakes for a deliciously sweet and savory dish garnished with green onions.
Ingredients
Shrimp Marinade
- 450g (1 lb) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Cooking Ingredients
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger paste or grated ginger
- 4 tbsp honey
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate Shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine the light soy sauce and cornstarch. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and toss until evenly coated. Set aside to allow the shrimp to absorb the marinade; this ‘velveting’ method helps keep the shrimp tender during cooking.
- Prepare the Pan and Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for no longer than 30 seconds. This ensures the aromatics release their flavors without burning.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the marinated shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through, adjusting the time depending on their size for perfect tenderness.
- Add Honey and Chili Flakes: Pour the honey over the cooked shrimp along with the optional chili flakes if using. Toss everything together to coat the shrimp evenly with the glossy, flavorful sauce, then remove the pan from heat.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the sliced green onions over the shrimp as a fresh garnish. Serve immediately over steamed rice or as a tasty appetizer.
Notes
- The velveting technique with cornstarch and soy sauce helps keep shrimp juicy and tender during quick cooking.
- Adjust the chili flakes quantity to control the dish’s spiciness or omit for a milder flavor.
- Fresh garlic and ginger are key for authentic flavor; avoid pre-minced if possible.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the sauce.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 113g)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 165 mg
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