Easy Healthy Honey Garlic Shrimp

Name: Easy Healthy Honey Garlic Shrimp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tablespoons honey; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped green onions for garnish

Highlighted under: Healthy Comfort Classics

I absolutely love making this Easy Healthy Honey Garlic Shrimp for a quick weeknight dinner. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, this dish comes together in no time. The combination of sweet honey and savory garlic creates a mouthwatering glaze that perfectly coats the tender shrimp. I often pair it with steamed veggies or rice, making it a versatile and healthy option. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a go-to meal in your kitchen!

Created by

Lila Morgan

Last updated on 2026-02-28T09:33:34.686Z

Making this Easy Healthy Honey Garlic Shrimp started as a last-minute meal option for our busy weeknights. I experimented with a simple combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce, and to my delight, it turned out to be a crowd-pleaser! I now make this dish at least once a week, varying the vegetables and side dishes, which keeps it exciting.

One tip I'd love to share is the importance of not overcooking the shrimp. They cook quickly, and a couple of minutes too long can make them rubbery. I recommend cooking them in batches if your skillet isn’t large enough to keep the heat consistent. This will ensure they all brown beautifully!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Simple ingredients that create rich flavors
Healthy and light yet satisfying
Perfect for busy weeknight dinners or meal prep

The Perfect Shrimp

When selecting shrimp for this recipe, opt for large shrimp that are fresh or properly frozen. The size and firmness of the shrimp play a crucial role in achieving the ideal texture; large shrimp tend to hold up better during cooking, resulting in a satisfying bite. If you're using frozen shrimp, ensure they are thoroughly thawed and patted dry before marinating to allow the flavors to penetrate effectively.

The combination of honey and garlic not only enhances the flavor but also aids in achieving a beautiful glaze. When you cook the shrimp, keep an eye on them for the telltale signs of doneness: they should turn a vibrant pink and curl slightly. Overcooking can lead to rubbery shrimp, so timing is essential—aim for just 2-3 minutes per side.

Marinade Mastery

The marinade for this dish is straightforward yet packed with flavor; the honey caramelizes slightly, creating that coveted glaze. If you're looking to switch things up, consider adding a splash of citrus juice or zest from lime or lemon. This adds a refreshing brightness that balances the sweetness of the honey beautifully.

Always allow the shrimp to marinate briefly, even just for 5 minutes, as this step is crucial for infusing flavor. If you have extra time, marinating them for up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator will deepen the flavor profile; just make sure to discard any leftover marinade that has come into contact with raw shrimp.

Serving Suggestions

This Easy Healthy Honey Garlic Shrimp pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, enhancing its versatility. If you're looking for a low-carb option, steamed or sautéed asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini make excellent companions. Alternatively, serve it over fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the delicious glaze; quinoa is another great nutritious option that complements the shrimp well.

For meal prep enthusiasts, this dish stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent the shrimp from becoming tough. Additionally, consider doubling the recipe for batch cooking; it freezes beautifully, making for quick dinners on busy nights.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped green onions for garnish

Combine the honey, minced garlic, and soy sauce in a bowl to create a marinade for the shrimp. Let it sit for about 5 minutes while you prepare the skillet.

Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp

In a medium bowl, combine the honey, minced garlic, and soy sauce. Add the shrimp and mix until well coated. Let marinate for 5 minutes.

Cook the Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side until pink.

Finish Cooking

Flip the shrimp and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the shrimp are fully cooked and have a nice glaze. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve warm over rice or with steamed vegetables.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy shrimp dish!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, you can sprinkle some sesame seeds on top before serving. This dish goes well with a side of quinoa or brown rice for a complete meal.

Ingredient Insights

Choosing a good-quality honey is essential for this recipe; it not only adds sweetness but also brings an aromatic quality that enhances the overall dish. If you're aiming for a healthier version, feel free to substitute honey with agave nectar or maple syrup, though the latter may impart a slightly different flavor.

Soy sauce adds depth and umami to the shrimp, but you can experiment with low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt intake. For a gluten-free alternative, tamari or coconut aminos are excellent substitutes that will keep the flavor intact while catering to dietary restrictions.

Step-by-Step Cooking Tips

When cooking in a skillet, ensure it's preheated to medium-high heat before adding the shrimp. This helps to not only sear them properly but also creates a nice glaze quickly. A non-stick skillet can also be advantageous as it requires less oil and makes cleanup easier.

For an extra layer of richness, consider finishing the dish with a drizzle of sesame oil right before serving. It complements the honey garlic flavor profile beautifully and adds a nutty aroma that elevates the dish. Just a small amount goes a long way in enhancing taste without overpowering the main ingredients.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your shrimp are not getting that lovely caramelization, it could be due to overcrowding in the skillet. Always cook in batches if necessary; this ensures each shrimp has ample contact with the hot surface, allowing them to sear properly rather than steam.

For those who prefer a thicker sauce, consider reducing the marinade in the skillet after cooking the shrimp. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens, then pour it over the shrimp. This technique intensifies the flavor and gives the dish a more restaurant-style finish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating.

→ What can I substitute for honey?

You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar sweetness.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chili paste to the marinade for a spicy kick!

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the shrimp a few hours in advance, just keep them in the fridge until you're ready to cook.