High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe – Cozy, sticky, and ready in 15 minutes

Introduction

The kitchen smells like warm honey and garlic, and the pan gives a happy little sizzle as the shrimp hit the heat. Right away I think of family plates and quick weeknight wins. This High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe lives in my rotation for that reason. This always takes me back to Sunday dinners. Also, if you enjoy sticky, saucy dinner ideas, try my Easy Honey Garlic Chicken for another weeknight favorite.

Why You’ll Love This

• Fast: ready in about 15 minutes, so dinner stays low-stress.
• Protein-packed: shrimp give a lean, filling boost.
• Kid-friendly: sweet sauce without overwhelm.
• Budget-friendly: simple pantry items, big flavor.
• Versatile: pairs with rice, veg, or a quick salad.

Quick Recipe Snapshot

• Servings: 3–4
• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: 8–10 minutes
• Total time: 13–15 minutes
• Skill level: Easy
• Taste: sweet + savory with a garlicky pop
  After you try it once, you’ll feel confident to tweak heat and sweetness to your liking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • Chef note: medium/large works best
• 1/4 cup honey
  • Chef note: runny honey melts easily
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • Chef note: low-sodium if watching salt
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Chef note: fresh garlic = bigger flavor
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Chef note: neutral oil also fine
• Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chef note: season lightly to start
• Cooked rice or steamed vegetables for serving
  • Chef note: jasmine rice or broccoli pairs well
    If you like swapping proteins, see my notes on Honey Garlic Butter Lamb Cutlets for a richer take.

How to Make It

1. First, whisk honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic in a small bowl until smooth; set the sauce aside.
2. Then, heat a skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil so it shimmers.
3. Next, add the shrimp in a single layer; listen for the sizzle. Cook 2–3 minutes on the first side until edges turn golden.
4. Flip the shrimp and cook another 2–3 minutes until pink and just firm; the flesh should curl and feel springy when pressed. Meanwhile, the aroma will turn sweet and garlicky.
5. Now pour the honey-garlic sauce over the shrimp and stir; cook 1–2 minutes more, letting the sauce thicken and coat every piece. You’ll see the sauce cling and glaze the shrimp.
6. Finally, taste and season with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately over rice or with steamed vegetables.

Also, if you love buttery shrimp, consider techniques from my Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi for extra richness.

Kitchen Tips (From My Kitchen)

1. Time-saver: Peel shrimp at home and freeze in a flat bag for quick thawing later.
2. Common mistake + fix: Overcrowding the pan steams shrimp; fix by working in batches so you get a nice sear.
3. Simple variation: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped cilantro for heat and freshness.

Serving Ideas

• Weeknight dinner: Spoon over steamed jasmine rice and quick-sautéed bok choy, and garnish with scallions.
• Meal prep: Pack with brown rice and roasted carrots for a protein-forward lunch.
• Light dinner: Toss a few shrimp into mixed greens with cucumber and sesame dressing.
• Comfort twist: Serve with buttered noodles and a lemon wedge.
  Optional garnish: chopped scallions, toasted sesame seeds, or a squeeze of lime.

Also, for a hearty sheet-pan idea, check my One-Pan Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Rice for similar weeknight simplicity.

Storing & Leftovers

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Shrimp can be frozen up to 1 month, but texture softens slightly.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water to keep sauce glossy.
  Leftover idea: Fold into a warm grain bowl with greens for an easy lunch.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: You can mix the sauce a day ahead, but cook the shrimp just before serving for best texture.

Q: What can I substitute for soy sauce?
A: Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option; flavor stays close.

Q: How do I know the shrimp are done?
A: Shrimp turn opaque and curl into a loose “C”; they should feel slightly firm when pressed. This High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp cooks fast, so watch closely.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Yes, but note the sauce may separate slightly on thawing; reheat slowly and stir.

Final Thoughts

I love how this recipe balances sweet honey and punchy garlic while staying quick enough for busy nights. So, give it a whirl, tweak the heat, and make it your own. Every time I serve it, someone asks for the recipe—chefs and home cooks both smile at this simple dish. High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp

Conclusion

For another take on a honey-garlic glaze, you might enjoy this classic Honey-Garlic Shrimp that inspired my approach. Meanwhile, if you want a lower-carb, glossy version with a slightly different spice balance, see the recipe at Honey Garlic Shrimp – Wholesome Yum.

High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp

This quick and easy High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, packed with flavor, and ready in just 15 minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Asian, Fusion

Calories: 300

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined Medium/large works best
• 1/4 cup honey Runny honey melts easily
• 1/4 cup soy sauce Low-sodium if watching salt
• 3 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic = bigger flavor
• 1 tablespoon olive oil Neutral oil also fine
• to taste salt and pepper Season lightly to start
• optional cooked rice or steamed vegetables for serving Jasmine rice or broccoli pairs well

Method

 

Preparation

1. Whisk honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic in a small bowl until smooth; set the sauce aside.
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil so it shimmers.

Cooking

1. Add the shrimp in a single layer; cook 2–3 minutes on one side until edges turn golden.
2. Flip the shrimp and cook another 2–3 minutes until pink and just firm.
3. Pour the honey-garlic sauce over the shrimp and stir; cook 1–2 minutes more, allowing the sauce to thicken.
4. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.
5. Serve immediately over rice or with steamed vegetables.

Notes

Peel shrimp at home and freeze in a flat bag for quick thawing later. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming. Add red pepper flakes or chopped cilantro for variation.