If you’re searching for the ultimate quick yet flavor-packed seafood fix, this 10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp is the answer you’ve always hoped for. Plump, juicy shrimp enveloped in a sticky-sweet, garlicky glaze—ready in only ten minutes from start to finish. Weeknight dinner game changer? Absolutely.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crazy Fast: From fridge to table in just 10 minutes, this shrimp dish is an absolute lifesaver on busy weeknights—or any night you crave something special without the wait.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: The sticky honey, savory soy, and bold garlic make every bite pop, ensuring big, bold flavor that even picky eaters will love.
- Mess-Free, Minimal Cleanup: Only one pan required, no complicated steps, and barely any mess—incredible results with almost zero fuss.
- Versatile Meal: Serve as an appetizer, main dish, or over rice; it’s as flexible as your mood and kitchen cravings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about why every ingredient in 10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp really matters. With so few components, each one brings essential flavor, texture, or that gorgeous glossy finish—don’t skip a single detail!
- Shrimp (450g/1 lb, peeled and deveined): Fresh or thawed, juicy shrimp are the star—removing shells and veins saves you precious time and ensures a perfect bite.
- Light Soy Sauce: Adds salty depth and balances the honey’s sweetness; choose lower-sodium for a lighter touch.
- Cornstarch: A game-changing trick (called “velveting”) that protects shrimp from overcooking and gives each piece a subtle silkiness.
- Vegetable Oil: Neutral-flavored, perfect for quick, even cooking without overpowering those classic honey-garlic notes.
- Garlic Cloves: When lightly sautéed, this humble ingredient infuses oil and shrimp with an irresistible aroma—fresh is always best for punchy flavor.
- Ginger Paste or Grated Ginger: Adds zippy freshness and warmth, balancing the sweet and salty sauce.
- Honey: The hero of the sauce! It caramelizes and thickens into that glazy, sticky finish we all crave.
- Chilli Flakes (optional): For a gentle kick, sprinkle in as little or as much as you like. Totally customizable!
- Green Onions: Freshly sliced for a burst of color and delicate crunch right at the end.
Variations
One of the reasons I return to this recipe week after week is how easy it is to make 10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp your own. Swap in your favorite flavors, veggies, or even adapt it to fit dietary needs—it’s almost impossible to go wrong!
- Spicy Sriracha Upgrade: Drizzle in a teaspoon of sriracha or a sprinkle of extra chilli flakes for a real tongue-tingling kick.
- Lemon-Lime Zest: Add freshly grated lemon or lime zest to the sauce for extra brightness and zing.
- Veggie-Packed Stir-Fry: Toss in crisp sugar snap peas, chopped bell peppers, or broccoli right after the garlic for a more substantial meal.
- Swap Proteins: Try thinly sliced chicken breast in place of shrimp, following the same steps for an equally quick, crowd-pleasing dinner.
How to Make 10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp
Step 1: Velvet the Shrimp
In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce and cornstarch until smooth, then toss in the shrimp to ensure every piece is evenly coated. This quick velveting step is the secret to ultra-tender, never rubbery shrimp, giving each bite a delicate, irresistible texture.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Ginger
In a large non-stick skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and stir constantly—just 30 seconds is perfect! Watch for that moment when everything smells fragrant, but don’t let it brown (or the flavor will turn bitter).
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add your prepared shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for about 1-2 minutes per side, depending on their size, until they turn pink and just start to curl. Be careful not to overcook—the residual heat will finish them off!
Step 4: Glaze with Honey and Finish
Pour the honey and a scattering of chilli flakes (if using) over the shrimp. Quickly toss to coat everything in the sticky, glossy sauce. Take the pan off the heat right away to keep the shrimp juicy, then pile them onto a serving plate and sprinkle with fresh green onions.
Pro Tips for Making 10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp
- Velveting Mastery: Don’t skip tossing shrimp in the soy-cornstarch mixture—this traditional Chinese step keeps them bouncy and moist, even at high heat.
- No Overcrowding: Give shrimp space in the pan so they sear, not steam. Cook in batches if needed—crowding leads to mushiness instead of that delightful snap.
- Fast Hands, Big Flavor: Garlic and ginger cook in under a minute; have everything prepped before you start so nothing burns in your rush.
- Honey Timing: Add honey off-heat or just before removing the shrimp from the pan—this prevents bitter caramelization and locks in a glossy, luscious glaze.
How to Serve 10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp
Garnishes
Freshly sliced green onions are the go-to classic—they brighten the plate with a hint of sharpness and color. For extra pizzazz, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or add a scattering of finely chopped fresh cilantro right before serving.
Side Dishes
Serve 10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp over a steaming bowl of jasmine rice, fluffy quinoa, or a nest of soft rice noodles to soak up every drop of that glorious sauce. Crisp stir-fried veggies or a simple cucumber salad make the meal beautifully balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Bring party vibes by threading the glazed shrimp onto mini skewers and setting them out as finger food. Or stuff them into lettuce cups for a fun, low-carb appetizer. For an elegant dinner, pile them onto a platter with colorful microgreens and wedges of lime.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool leftover shrimp completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The texture will stay pleasantly tender as long as you don’t overcook initially—perfect for quick meal prep lunches!
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze 10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp if needed. Let them cool, then transfer to a zippered freezer bag or airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
For best results, warm the shrimp gently in a non-stick skillet over low heat, just until heated through. Avoid the microwave if possible—it tends to make shrimp rubbery. A splash of water can help loosen the sauce while reheating.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! 10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp works perfectly with frozen shrimp—just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before tossing them in the soy/cornstarch mixture to avoid excess moisture in the pan.
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Is this dish very sweet?
The balance of flavors is just right—sweet from the honey but with salty notes from the soy and a savory boost from garlic and ginger. If you like a less sweet shrimp, simply reduce the honey to taste or add a squeeze of lime.
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How can I make this gluten-free?
Swap regular soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos and double-check your cornstarch. All other ingredients for 10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp are naturally gluten-free!
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Can I double or halve the recipe?
Yes! You can easily scale 10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp up or down. If doubling, cook the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even glazing.
Final Thoughts
I hope you fall in love with this 10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp as quickly as I did! It’s the kind of dish that turns any hectic day into a little celebration—and best of all, it takes almost no time. Give it a try and let it become your new go-to, too!
Print
10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
Description
This 10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. Perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 450g/1 lbs shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3–4 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp ginger paste or grated ginger
- 4 tbsp honey
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce and cornstarch. Add shrimp, toss to coat, and set aside.
- Cook Aromatics: Heat oil in a non-stick pan. Cook garlic and ginger for 30 seconds.
- Cook Shrimp: Add shrimp to the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes per side.
- Add Sauce: Pour in honey and chili flakes, if using. Toss to coat shrimp.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with green onions, and serve over rice or as a starter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
