15 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp is the ultimate weeknight dinner hack when you need something quick but crave big flavor. Sweet honey, savory garlic, and a touch of soy sauce make a glossy glaze that clings to every juicy shrimp. Ready in just one skillet and under 20 minutes, this dish is fast, tasty, and perfect for busy nights when you want dinner on the table without the fuss.
Why This 15 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp Is a Weeknight Win
- Fast Prep: You can have everything ready to cook in just 10 minutes.
- Easy Cleanup: A single pan means less time scrubbing afterward.
- Big Flavor: Sweet honey and savory garlic create a mouthwatering sauce.
How to Make 15 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp (3 Steps & Timing)
Prepare the Shrimp and Sauce:
- Pat 1 pound of large shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons minced garlic, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using).
Cook the Shrimp:
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp to the hot skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcrowding the pan; work in batches if needed.
Add the Sauce:
- Pour the honey garlic sauce over the shrimp. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the shrimp.
- Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped green onions and serve immediately over cooked rice, if desired.
Quick Sides & Serving Ideas
- Steamed broccoli for a healthy crunch.
- Simple cucumber salad for a refreshing bite.
- Quick sautéed bell peppers for added color.
- Jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up the sauce.
Storage & Reheat (No Soggy Leftovers)
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm in an air fryer or oven at 350°F for a few minutes until the shrimp are hot and crispy again.
Got Leftovers? Make Them Work for You
Leftovers don’t have to be boring. Most of the time they’re a head start on tomorrow’s meal. Toss roasted veggies into eggs, turn last night’s chicken into wraps, or freeze soups for a lazy-night rescue. The trick is storing them right and keeping it simple. That way, instead of another chore, leftovers feel like a shortcut. See more easy ideas here and make the most of what you’ve got.
10-Minute Prep & Time-Saving Shortcuts
- Use pre-chopped garlic or garlic paste to save time.
- Buy peeled and deveined shrimp to skip prep work.
- Consider using rotisserie chicken or shrimp from the deli for a quick protein option.
- Opt for bagged frozen vegetables that can be steamed in the microwave.
Smart Swaps & Variations
- Sauce Swap: Use teriyaki sauce instead of honey for a different flavor.
- Heat Level: Omit red pepper flakes for a milder taste.
- Protein Alternative: Substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for different protein sources.
- Rice Alternative: Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Craving Something Quick and Crave-Worthy?
Lazy Bites is my go-to spot for those snack cravings that hit out of nowhere. Cheesy pulls, sweet bites, and sides that come together fast no fuss, no fancy prep. Whether it’s a lazy Saturday, a game night spread, or just a quick fix before dinner, these recipes are made to hit the spot without stealing your time. Grab a bite now and keep it easy.
15 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled, deveined, and patted dry
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1/4 cup green onions chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, olive oil, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Work in batches if needed.
- Pour honey garlic sauce into the skillet. Cook for 1–2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the shrimp.
- Garnish with green onions and serve immediately over rice or veggies.
Notes
Nutrition
Lazy Cook’s Pro Tips
A couple of small tweaks can save you time every week. Line sheet pans with parchment for zero scrubbing, keep pre-chopped garlic in the fridge for instant flavor, and double-batch sauces so you’ve got a backup for busy nights. Little shortcuts like these keep dinners easy without giving up taste. See more time-saving tips here and make cooking less of a chore.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, just thaw them first. Patting the shrimp dry helps them cook evenly and get that nice sear instead of steaming.
What if my sauce doesn’t thicken?
Keep it simmering for another minute or two. If needed, whisk in a tiny cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water) to help it coat the shrimp.
Can I make Honey Garlic Shrimp ahead of time?
It’s best fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or air fryer so the shrimp don’t get rubbery.
What can I serve with Honey Garlic Shrimp?
Steamed broccoli, rice, quinoa, or stir-fried veggies make great sides. The sauce is so good you’ll want something to soak it up.
Can I double this recipe?
Definitely. Just make sure not to overcrowd your skillet. Cook in batches so the shrimp stay tender and don’t overcook.
Wrapping It Up
15 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp proves dinner doesn’t have to take all night to be satisfying. With just a handful of ingredients and one skillet, you’ll have sweet, garlicky shrimp that tastes like takeout but fresher and faster. It’s easy, it’s flexible, and it always delivers big flavor. Try it tonight with rice or veggies on the side you’ll be amazed how fast this recipe earns a permanent spot in your weeknight rotation.
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