10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe

There’s something magical about the sizzle of shrimp hitting a hot skillet, especially when it’s followed by the sweet aroma of honey and garlic caramelizing together. This quick and flavorful dish has become a weeknight staple in our home — ready in just 10 minutes, but it tastes like you spent much longer in the kitchen.

this Recipe

I first whipped up this honey garlic shrimp on a night when I had almost nothing in the fridge and zero time. To my surprise, it became an instant hit with the whole family. It’s now on regular rotation — especially when I need something easy, healthy, and completely crave-worthy. Let’s dive in.

Why You’ll Love This 10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp

Get ready to meet your new favorite last-minute dinner hero. This 10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe checks all the boxes — flavor-packed, lightning-fast, and completely fuss-free.

First off, let’s talk speed. This dish lives up to its name — 10 minutes from fridge to table. The shrimp cook in a flash, and the sauce comes together in the same pan with minimal cleanup.

It’s also incredibly easy. You only need a handful of pantry staples and one pan. Even if you’re not confident in the kitchen, this recipe is nearly impossible to mess up.

Budget-conscious? This recipe won’t break the bank. Shrimp can be surprisingly affordable, especially if you buy them frozen in bulk. Pair it with rice or noodles and a veggie, and you’ve got a full meal for under $10.

And don’t forget how versatile it is. Serve it over rice, toss it with noodles, wrap it in lettuce cups, or throw it in a salad. It plays well with whatever you have on hand and adapts to any cuisine or craving.

Once you try it, you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need.

Ingredient Notes

This recipe is built on just a few simple ingredients, each chosen to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. The combination of sweet, salty, and garlicky hits all the right notes — and you probably have most of these in your kitchen already.

Shrimp are the star of the show here. I recommend using large or extra-large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined. You can use fresh or frozen — just make sure they’re thawed and patted dry before cooking. Tail-on or tail-off works, depending on how you plan to serve them.

Honey adds a mellow, natural sweetness that balances the bold flavors of the garlic and soy sauce. It also helps create that gorgeous sticky glaze that clings to every bite. Any kind of honey works here, but raw or local honey can bring a bit more depth.

Garlic, of course, is essential. Freshly minced garlic makes a huge difference — the flavor is sharper, richer, and more aromatic than pre-minced or powdered garlic. Don’t skimp here; it’s what gives the dish its signature savory punch.

Soy sauce brings the umami. I like to use low-sodium soy sauce so the dish doesn’t get too salty, especially if I’m pairing it with salted rice or noodles. It deepens the flavor and contrasts beautifully with the honey.

You’ll also want a splash of sesame oil or a neutral cooking oil for sautéing, and a dash of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. A sprinkle of green onions or sesame seeds at the end adds a fresh finish, but they’re totally optional.

No fancy tools required — just a good nonstick skillet or sauté pan and a spatula. The faster and hotter you can cook the shrimp, the better the caramelization on the sauce.

How to Make This 10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp

This recipe moves fast, so make sure you have everything prepped and ready to go before you turn on the stove. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it all comes together.

Start by whisking together your sauce: honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. If you want some kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes now too. Set the sauce aside and pat your shrimp dry with paper towels — this helps them sear instead of steam.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a swirl of oil. Once it’s hot and shimmering, place the shrimp in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 1-2 minutes on the first side — they should turn pink and lightly golden.

Flip the shrimp and pour in your prepared sauce. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 1-2 minutes. The sauce will start to bubble and thicken, coating the shrimp in a beautiful sticky glaze.

As soon as the shrimp are opaque and cooked through, remove the pan from the heat. Don’t overcook them — shrimp go from juicy to rubbery in seconds, so keep a close eye on them.

Serve immediately over steamed rice, noodles, or even in tacos. Sprinkle with green onions, sesame seeds, or a squeeze of lime for an extra layer of flavor.

From start to finish, this whole process takes just about 10 minutes — perfect for those evenings when you need something delicious and fast.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which is rare in our house!), they keep surprisingly well for a seafood dish. Store any extra shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place the shrimp in a skillet over low heat and warm gently, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to keep them moist. Avoid microwaving, which can make the shrimp rubbery.

While it’s best fresh, you can also freeze cooked honey garlic shrimp for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.

You can also prep the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. That way, you’re always just minutes away from dinner.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can easily tweak it based on what you have or what you’re craving.

Try adding ginger to the sauce for a warm, zesty kick. A teaspoon of freshly grated ginger adds a lovely brightness that pairs perfectly with the garlic.

If you’re out of honey, swap in maple syrup or even brown sugar. Each one gives a slightly different flavor profile, but all work well.

Want to make it vegetarian? Substitute the shrimp with tofu or tempeh. Just be sure to press the tofu beforehand so it sears properly and absorbs all that flavorful sauce.

You can also change up the protein. This honey garlic glaze works beautifully with chicken, salmon, or even pork. Adjust the cook time based on the protein you choose.

Feel free to toss in vegetables like snap peas, broccoli, or bell peppers for a complete one-pan meal. Just sauté them briefly before adding the shrimp, or serve them on the side.

Don’t be afraid to experiment. Once you’ve mastered the basic method, this recipe becomes a blank canvas for whatever’s in your fridge or pantry.

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