If you’re looking to jazz up your dinner routine with something that tastes like a celebration and also packs a solid protein punch, then this High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe is just what you need. Sweet honey, punchy garlic, and succulent shrimp come together in a sauce that’s sticky, savory, and downright addictive. It’s quick to make, loaded with flavor, and perfect for those nights when you crave something both nourishing and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe lies in its simplicity and the balance of flavors each ingredient brings to the table. Every component plays its role, from the natural sweetness of honey to the savory depth of soy sauce, creating a harmonious dish that will leave you wanting more.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein of the dish—make sure they’re fresh or properly thawed for the best texture.
- 1/4 cup honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create that beautiful glaze on the shrimp.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant, savory punch that complements the shrimp perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds umami depth and balances the sweetness of the honey with its saltiness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Needed for cooking the shrimp—choose extra virgin for subtle richness.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening): Helps thicken the sauce for a luscious coating on the shrimp.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances and rounds out the flavors without overpowering the dish.
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish): Adds fresh color and a mild onion flavor to brighten the final plate.
- Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional): Provides a nice nutty crunch and makes the dish visually inviting.
How to Make High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Clean the Shrimp
Start by rinsing your shrimp under cold water, then pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. Dry shrimp ensure better searing and prevent sogginess, helping you achieve that perfect tender texture with a slightly crisp edge.
Step 2: Mix the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and olive oil. If you like your sauce a little thicker and more clingy, add the cornstarch at this stage, stirring well to dissolve it completely. This sauce is the heart of your dish, so blend these flavors until they sing.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat—make sure the pan is hot before adding the shrimp. Lay them in a single layer to get an even sear. This initial cooking helps lock in moisture so your shrimp remain juicy and tender.
Step 4: Season and Sear
Sprinkle the shrimp generously with salt and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes on one side until they start turning pink and slightly opaque. This is the moment the shrimp transform, developing beautiful flavor and color.
Step 5: Add the Sauce and Toss
Pour the honey garlic sauce over the shrimp and toss everything together. This ensures that every piece gets coated with that irresistible glaze, perfectly blending sweet, salty, and garlicky notes.
Step 6: Simmer to Perfection
Turn down the heat to low and let the shrimp simmer in their sauce for 3–5 minutes. This gives the flavors time to meld while gently cooking the shrimp all the way through. If you used the cornstarch, the sauce will thicken nicely to a sticky, glossy finish.
Step 7: Garnish
Once done, remove your skillet from heat and sprinkle the dish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if you like. These little touches add freshness and texture that really elevate the final presentation.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately while it’s warm and saucy. Following this High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe will reward you with a meal that’s bold in flavor, comforting, and nutritious enough to satisfy any craving.
How to Serve High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds bring color contrast and subtle texture. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten the dish if you want to mix things up.
Side Dishes
This shrimp pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa, which soak up all that honey garlic sauce. For a lighter option, serve with sautéed greens like bok choy or a crisp cucumber salad to add freshness and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, present the shrimp over a bed of spiralized zucchini noodles or atop warm tortillas for a shrimp taco twist. You could also skewer the shrimp and grill them, then drizzle with the honey garlic sauce for a delightful appetizer or party snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover shrimp should be transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated promptly. They keep well for up to 2 days—perfect for a quick lunch or dinner on the go.
Freezing
This dish freezes best before adding fresh garnishes. Place cooled shrimp and sauce into a freezer-safe container or zipper bag and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving if possible to preserve the shrimp’s texture and prevent them from turning rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure the shrimp sear nicely and the sauce sticks well.
Is the cornstarch necessary in the sauce?
No, the cornstarch is optional. It helps thicken the sauce if you prefer it more glaze-like, but you can skip it if you like a thinner consistency.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos to keep that umami flavor while staying gluten-free.
What’s the best way to tell when shrimp are done?
Cooked shrimp turn opaque and pink with curled tails. As soon as they reach that color and firmness, take them off the heat to avoid overcooking.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Just use a larger skillet or cook in batches to ensure even cooking and perfect sauce consistency.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe whether you’re feeding yourself or your whole family. It’s fast, flavorful, and satisfies those cravings for a sweet and savory dish packed with protein. Give it a try and watch it become your new go-to weeknight winner!
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High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Description
This High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe offers a deliciously sweet and savory meal perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner. Featuring tender shrimp cooked in a flavorful honey garlic sauce, this dish is elevated with fresh green onion garnish and optional sesame seeds. It’s an easy skillet preparation that brings together protein-packed shrimp with a luscious sauce that’s both sticky and rich in flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure even cooking and to help the sauce adhere better.
- Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and olive oil. If you want a thicker sauce, add the cornstarch and whisk until fully incorporated to prevent lumps.
- Heat the Skillet: Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil to prevent sticking and to give the shrimp a nice sear.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp start turning pink and slightly opaque.
- Add the Honey Garlic Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the shrimp, tossing gently to coat all the pieces evenly. This helps infuse the shrimp with the sweet and savory flavors.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the shrimp simmer in the sauce for 3-5 minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked through and the sauce has thickened to a glossy consistency.
- Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the cooked shrimp with sliced green onions and optional sesame seeds to add freshness and a subtle nutty crunch.
- Serve: Serve immediately while warm for the best texture and flavor. This dish pairs well with steamed rice or a light vegetable side.
Notes
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, don’t skip the cornstarch but mix it well into the sauce before adding to the skillet to avoid lumps.
- Use fresh shrimp for best texture; frozen shrimp should be thawed and patted dry before cooking.
- Adjust the honey quantity to control the sweetness to your preference.
- You can substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free options.
- Garnishing with sesame seeds is optional but adds an appealing flavor and texture contrast.
