Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe – Easy 15 Minute Recipe

Honey Garlic Shrimp is one of those recipes you’ll turn to again and again, especially during the summer months. It’s light, full of amazing flavor, and comes together in just 15 minutes. Whether you’re cooking dinner for two, hosting a gathering, or meal prepping for the week, this easy shrimp dish delivers flavor and convenience with very little effort.

This recipe combines the natural sweetness of honey, the bright acidity of fresh lime juice, and the bold kick of garlic and cayenne for a well-balanced glaze.

The best part? You can serve this dish in so many different ways – it works just as well as a standalone main dish as it does as a quick and easy party appetizer.

Ways to Serve Honey Garlic Shrimp

Main Dish: Serve the shrimp over a bed of steamed rice, quinoa, or couscous. The sticky-sweet garlic-lime sauce soaks into the grains for a complete and satisfying meal.

Light Salad Topper: Add the cooked shrimp on top of mixed greens or spinach with sliced avocado and a simple vinaigrette for a refreshing, protein-packed salad.

Tacos: Spoon the shrimp into soft tortillas with shredded cabbage and a drizzle of creamy cilantro sauce for a quick taco night option.

Appetizer: Set them out on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving. The flavor stands out on its own—no dip needed.

Meal Prep: Divide the shrimp into containers with rice and roasted vegetables for a week of easy lunches.

No matter how you serve it, this Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe is sure to impress.

Ingredients & Possible Substitutions

1. Olive Oil

Use olive oil to cook the shrimp. It’s slightly fruity flavor pairs nicely with the sweet and garlicky sauce. Olive oil also has a relatively high smoke point, which makes it a great choice for sautéing.

2. Butter

Unsalted butter adds a rich, smooth taste and helps build the base of the sauce. Stick with unsalted butter so you have more control over the final salt level in the dish.

3. Garlic

Fresh minced garlic is key for this Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe. It brings sharpness and depth to the glaze. While pre-minced garlic in a jar can work in a pinch, the flavor won’t be quite as strong or fresh. If you can, stick with fresh cloves.

4. Honey

Use local raw honey if you can find it. Local honey is often more flavorful and hasn’t been overly processed, which helps preserve its natural benefits. Bonus: it never expires. Farmer’s markets are a great place to find good-quality honey during the summer.

5. Lime Juice

Fresh lime juice brightens up the entire dish. If you don’t have fresh limes on hand, bottled lime juice will work just fine. A metal citrus press makes juicing quick and easy, although you can use a pair of tongs to juice the lime as well.

6. Salt

Use Kosher or sea salt in this recipe. These types of salt will help enhance all the other flavors in the dish.

7. Cayenne Pepper

Don’t be afraid of the cayenne pepper – you’re only adding a small amount, and the sweetness of the honey mellows out the spice. If you’re sensitive to heat, use a tiny pinch. However, even a little bit adds dimension to the flavor without making it overly spicy.

8. Shrimp

When making Honey Garlic Shrimp, you’ll want to choose large shrimp that are peeled and deveined. Here’s what to look for when shopping:

• Fresh Shrimp: You can peel and devein them yourself. This gives you the freshest option, but it does take a little more time.
• Prepped Shrimp: Many grocery stores sell shrimp that’s already peeled and deveined – either fresh in the butcher case or frozen in bags. This is a great time-saver and works perfectly in this recipe.
• Frozen Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator or under cold running water before cooking.

Shrimp labeled “large” usually have a count of 31–35 per pound. That size works well for both main dishes and appetizers.

How to Prepare Shrimp (If Needed)

If you bought shell-on shrimp, here’s how to prepare them:

1. Remove the Shell: Turn the shrimp over and use a fork tine or your fingers to gently crack the shell. Then peel it off by pulling outward and upward.
2. Devein the Shrimp: Use a sharp knife to make a shallow slit along the back. When you see a dark vein use the knife tip to lift it out and discard.
3. Rinse and Dry: Rinse the shrimp in cold water and then pat them dry with a paper towel. Dry shrimp will sear better in the skillet and absorb the sauce more evenly.

Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional garnish)

*The entire process takes just minutes, so have all your ingredients ready before you start.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Heat the Skillet
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Then add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Let the butter melt completely.

2. Sauté the Garlic
Add 3 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Quickly stir and cook for about 30 seconds or until the garlic turns light golden. Be careful not to let it burn.

3. Make the Sauce
Stir in ¼ cup of honey, 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice, ½ teaspoon of salt, and then add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Let the mixture cook for 1–2 minutes until it thickens slightly and begins to coat the back of a spoon.

4. Add the Shrimp
Place the shrimp in the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1–2 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Don’t overcook – shrimp cook quickly and become rubbery if left on the heat too long.

5. Garnish and Serve
Transfer the shrimp to a serving dish and then spoon extra sauce from the skillet over the top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for color and a fresh pop of flavor.

Storage and Leftovers

Honey Garlic Shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the shrimp in a skillet over medium-low heat just until heated through. Avoid the microwave if possible as it can make the shrimp rubbery.

You can also prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it separately. When ready to eat, simply sauté the shrimp and pour in the pre-made sauce for a faster meal

Some More Of My Favorite Shrimp Recipes

• Firecracker Shrimp
• Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
• Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
• Hibachi Shrimp
• Shrimp Ceviche
• Shrimp & Arugula Risotto
• Sweet & Spicy Honey Sriracha Shrimp & Pineapple
• Shrimp Po’ Boy
• Shrimp Low Country Boil
• Crock Pot Jambalaya

Enjoy! Mary

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