Name: Quick Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 450 g shrimp (peeled and deveined); 1 tbsp light soy sauce; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 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)

There’s something irresistibly sweet and savory about this Quick Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe that always makes dinner feel a little special—even on the busiest nights. The sticky honey and punchy garlic blend create a sauce that clings beautifully to the tender shrimp, delivering big flavor in just minutes.

A bowl filled with two main layers is shown on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a bed of fluffy white rice with separated grains and some light specks of soy or sauce. The top layer consists of a generous pile of orange-brown shrimp coated in a shiny glaze, each shrimp curled in a ring shape with slightly charred spots, and tiny pieces of red pepper flakes visible. Fresh green herb slices are sprinkled on top of the shrimp for color contrast. Wooden chopsticks rest on the rim of the bowl, positioned on the right side. The bowl itself is white, round, and holding the food in a pleasing way. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Quick Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Quick Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Quick Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m always on the lookout for meals that are flavorful but don’t keep me in the kitchen forever—and this shrimp recipe hits the spot every time. The blend of honey and garlic feels so comforting and familiar, yet fresh enough to never get boring.

Speedy Preparation: It’s on your table in about 10 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute guests.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have everything in your pantry already, which means no extra shopping trips.
Flavor-Packed: Sticky honey, fragrant garlic, and a hint of ginger create a delicious balance that’s both sweet and savory.
Versatile Dish: Enjoy it over rice, with noodles, or even as a quick appetizer at your next party.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic behind this Quick Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe lies in wholesome ingredients working in harmony. Each component pulls its weight to build that luscious sauce and tender, juicy shrimp you’ll keep wanting more of.

Flat lay of fresh raw peeled and deveined shrimp arranged neatly, small white ceramic bowl of light soy sauce, small white ceramic bowl with white cornstarch powder, small white ceramic bowl filled with golden honey, small white ceramic bowl of clear vegetable oil, three whole uncracked garlic cloves with papery skin, small piece of fresh ginger root with textured skin, a pinch of bright red chili flakes in a tiny white bowl, two fresh green onions with vibrant green stalks and white bulbs, all ingredients balanced with perfect symmetry placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Shrimp: Peeled and deveined works best here—fresh or thawed frozen shrimp are both great choices and cook quickly.
Light soy sauce: Adds just the right amount of saltiness and umami to balance the honey’s sweetness.
Cornstarch: This is the secret to velveting the shrimp—the thin coating keeps them tender and juicy while cooking fast.
Vegetable oil: A neutral oil with a high smoke point lets you sear those shrimp perfectly without burning the garlic.
Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic delivers that aromatic kick that’s essential for this recipe’s authentic flavor.
Ginger paste or grated ginger: Adds a nice warmth and zing that lifts all the other flavors.
Honey: The star of the show, sticky and sweet to coat the shrimp and bring everything together.
Chilli flakes (optional): For a little heat if you like a subtle kick to contrast the sweetness.
Green onions: Fresh and crisp, they add a perfect finishing touch with their mild onion flavor.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to play around with this recipe depending on what I have on hand or the kind of meal I want. You can easily amp up the heat or sneak in some veggies to stretch it further. The best part? It still gels beautifully with any tweaks you make.

Variation: Once, I swapped the plain vegetable oil for toasted sesame oil—it gave the shrimp a nutty aroma that totally transformed the dish. If you’re a fan of a smoky note, definitely give that a try.
Dietary twist: For a low-carb meal, serve the shrimp over cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice.
Seasonal change: Toss in some quick-sauteed snap peas or bell peppers to add crunch and color—great for using up fresh produce.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Quick Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe

A white bowl sits on a white marbled surface filled with fluffy white rice on one side and a pile of glossy, golden shrimp coated in a shiny sauce on the other side. The shrimp are garnished with small green herb leaves, scattered evenly on top. Two wooden chopsticks rest on the edge of the bowl, and in the background to the right, there is a white bowl filled with green edamame beans slightly blurred. The lighting is soft, highlighting the texture and gloss of the shrimp sauce. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Velvet the Shrimp for Tender Delight

Start by mixing soy sauce and cornstarch in a bowl, then toss in your peeled and deveined shrimp. This velveting step is a game changer—it wraps the shrimp in a thin coating that keeps them juicy and prevents that rubbery chew. Let them sit while you prep the rest of your ingredients; no rush here, but about 5 minutes is ideal.

Step 2: Sizzle Garlic and Ginger

Heat your vegetable oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and ginger paste—this only takes about 30 seconds. Be sure to keep an eye on it; garlic can burn fast, turning bitter, so stir constantly. Once it becomes fragrant, it’s time for the star of the show.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp to Perfection

Carefully add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, depending on their size. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn pink and curl up slightly. Don’t overcook—shrimp get rubbery in a flash! This quick cooking keeps them tender and juicy.

Step 4: Sweeten and Spice It Up

Drizzle the honey over the shrimp and toss to coat evenly. If you’re feeling bold, add a pinch of chili flakes here for a subtle heat that cuts through the sweetness. Once everything looks sticky and glossy, remove the pan from heat. Quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with sliced green onions for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately—over fluffy steamed rice, noodles, or even as a mouthwatering appetizer. Trust me, it disappears fast!

Top Tip

Over the years of cooking this Quick Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe, I’ve learned a few tricks that truly elevate the final dish. These little insights will help you get that perfect balance of flavors and texture every time.

Velveting Magic: Don’t skip the cornstarch-soy sauce step—it’s essential for tender shrimp and prevents them from drying out in the pan.
Garlic Timing: Add garlic over medium heat just long enough to become fragrant. Burnt garlic tastes harsh and can ruin the dish, so keep it quick and stirred.
Honey Addition: Add the honey at the very end off heat to preserve its delicate flavors and prevent it from caramelizing too much or burning.
Heat Control: Use medium heat to cook shrimp quickly but gently, avoiding toughness or uneven cooking.

How to Serve Quick Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Honey Garlic Shrimp - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always lean on fresh green onions for that bright crunch, but a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a few sprigs of fresh cilantro can add an unexpected twist. A wedge of lime alongside is fantastic if you want a zesty contrast to the sweet sauce.

Side Dishes

This shrimp pairs wonderfully with fluffy jasmine rice or simple garlic fried rice to soak up every bit of sauce. For a lighter meal, stir-fried greens like bok choy or snap peas make fresh, crisp companions to the rich shrimp.

Creative Ways to Present

At dinner parties, I like serving the shrimp skewered on bamboo sticks as a classy appetizer. You can also pile the shrimp on crispy wonton chips with a drizzle of extra honey garlic sauce for a shareable treat that always impresses.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover honey garlic shrimp keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I always make sure it cools completely before sealing to prevent sogginess. When you’re ready, it’s easy to reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Freezing

While fresh shrimp is best enjoyed immediately, you can freeze cooked honey garlic shrimp in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then briefly reheat to avoid overcooking. Texture might soften slightly, but the flavor holds up well.

Reheating

I prefer reheating the shrimp quickly in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep the sauce moist. This helps maintain that lovely sticky texture without drying out the shrimp like the microwave sometimes does.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before using for best results in the velveting process.

What is velveting and why is it important?

Velveting is a Chinese cooking technique where protein is coated in cornstarch and soy sauce, which protects delicate meats like shrimp during cooking, keeping them tender and juicy instead of rubbery or dry.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to replace regular soy sauce, and double-check that your cornstarch is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

How spicy is this dish with chilli flakes added?

The chilli flakes add a mild heat that complements the sweetness without overpowering it. You can adjust the amount or leave them out if you prefer a completely mild dish.

Final Thoughts

This Quick Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because it’s simple, fast, and absolutely delicious without any complicated steps or ingredients. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a little celebration after a long day but comes together so fast you won’t believe it. I hope you love making it as much as I do—ready to turn shrimp dinner into a weeknight delight?