Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe | Quick, Healthy, and Irresistible
Whether it’s a starter, a snack, or a main course, shrimp is my favorite seafood recipe. Also, most shrimp recipes are super quick to make. This Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe is a quick, healthy dinner that’s packed with bold flavor, ready in under 15 minutes, and guaranteed to please the whole family. Made with juicy, tender shrimp coated in a sticky honey garlic sauce, this dish is the perfect weeknight meal idea that’s both satisfying and budget-friendly.
This low-calorie seafood recipe is a gluten-free meal prep idea that you can add to your high-protein diet. With minimal ingredients, no fancy equipment, and a lightning-fast cook time, it’s ideal for anyone who wants restaurant-quality flavor at home—without the price tag.
This healthy garlic butter shrimp recipe not only fits into popular eating plans like keto, paleo, or low-carb, but it’s also one of the best shrimp recipes for weight loss thanks to its lean protein and natural sweetener combo. Serve it over jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, or stir-fried veggies for a delicious and customizable meal.
In short, this recipe is a Family-Friendly, Budget Seafood Recipe and Best for Busy Professionals & Meal Preppers. Make this healthy garlic shrimp recipe as a healthy weeknight dinner and let me know your experience in the comments.
🍤 Why Should You Choose This Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe Over Others?
In a world full of shrimp recipes, this one stands out for its unbeatable flavor, speed, and nutritional value.
⚡ Fast & Family-Friendly
Ready in just 15 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a budget-friendly shrimp meal the whole family can enjoy.
💪 High Protein, Low Carb
Each serving is packed with lean protein and low in carbs, making it perfect for keto diets, weight loss meals, and diabetic-friendly dinners.
🌱 Healthy & Naturally Gluten-Free
Made with real ingredients—no deep frying, no preservatives. Easily customizable with soy sauce alternatives like coconut aminos.
This easy honey garlic shrimp recipe is your go-to for healthy weeknight dinners, high protein meal prep, and fast gourmet seafood dishes.
Suggested: Gluten-Free Dessert Recipes
🍤 Ingredients List & Smart Substitutes
This Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe uses simple pantry staples with easy swaps for dietary needs or flavor preferences. Perfect for a healthy shrimp dinner, gluten-free seafood recipe, or low-carb meal prep!
✅ Use wild-caught for better flavor. Jumbo shrimp = meatier texture. Substitute: Scallops or chicken chunks.
✅ Fresh garlic gives bold flavor. Substitute: Garlic paste or ½ tsp garlic powder.
✅ Natural sweetener for sticky glaze. Swap with maple syrup or agave nectar for vegan version.
✅ Lower salt, full umami. Substitute: Coconut Aminos or Tamari for gluten-free version.
✅ Heart-healthy choice. Swap with avocado oil for high heat cooking or butter for richness.
✅ Optional thickener for sticky honey garlic sauce. Alternative: Arrowroot powder or xanthan gum (keto-friendly).
✅ Adds gentle heat. Skip or replace with sriracha or chili garlic paste for a spicy version.
✅ Brightens flavors. Substitute with lime juice or orange zest for a citrusy twist.
Related: Tomato Rice Soup Recipe
🍤 Step-by-Step Instructions of Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Follow these simple yet flavorful steps to create the best honey garlic shrimp recipe at home! This dish is perfect for a quick high-protein seafood dinner and only takes 15 minutes from start to finish. Ideal for low-carb meal prep, healthy lunchboxes, or family weeknight dinners.
Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup honey, ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos), 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat).
Prep the Shrimp:
Pat dry 1 lb of peeled and deveined raw shrimp using paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps in getting that perfect sear and flavor lock. Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
Sear the Shrimp:
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil in a large non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
Add & Simmer the Sauce:
Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce into the same skillet. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly reduced. Optional: Add a slurry of 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water to thicken the sauce.
Toss and Serve:
Return cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss well to coat them evenly in the sticky honey garlic glaze. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
💡 Serving Idea: Serve this delicious garlic butter shrimp recipe over steamed jasmine rice, cauliflower rice for a low carb shrimp dinner, or toss with stir-fried noodles for a fulfilling Asian-style meal.
Related: Cheap Pasta Dinner Ideas
🍽️ Serving Suggestions for Honey Garlic Shrimp
This Honey Garlic Shrimp is not just quick and flavorful, it’s also incredibly versatile when it comes to pairing.
🍚 Jasmine or Basmati Rice
Perfect for soaking up that sticky garlic-honey sauce. Add a squeeze of lime for a zesty twist.
🥦 Stir-Fried Veggies
Use broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, or baby corn for a nutrient-packed shrimp stir-fry dinner.
🥗 Asian Cucumber Salad
A light, tangy side that complements the sweet and savory shrimp. Try it with sesame oil and rice vinegar dressing.
🍚 Cauliflower Rice (Low Carb)
For a keto-friendly shrimp dinner, cauliflower rice offers a low-carb, high-fiber base that pairs beautifully with the sauce.
🥡 Meal Prep Bowl
Layer shrimp with brown rice, veggies, and a drizzle of extra sauce for a high protein meal prep idea.
Related: Low-Carb Breakfast Burrito Recipe
🍤 Variations & Add-Ons
This Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe is incredibly versatile and customizable.
🔥 Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp
Add chili flakes, Sriracha, or chili garlic sauce for that fiery kick. Perfect for lovers of spicy Asian shrimp recipes and low-carb spicy dinners.
🍋 Honey Lime Shrimp
Replace lemon with fresh lime juice and zest for a zesty, tropical flavor. A great choice for summer shrimp recipes or taco night meal prep ideas.
🥦 Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry
Add colorful veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for a complete Asian-inspired stir-fry dinner that’s high in nutrients and perfect for healthy meal prep containers.
⚡ Air Fryer Honey Garlic Shrimp
Prefer oil-free cooking? Use your air fryer! Toss shrimp in sauce and cook at 400°F for 7–9 minutes. Great for low-fat seafood dinners and air fryer shrimp recipes.
🌱 Vegan Option: Honey Garlic Tofu
Swap shrimp for firm tofu cubes. Sear until golden, then toss in the same sticky honey garlic sauce. Great for plant-based meal ideas and vegetarian high-protein dinners.
🍗 Honey Garlic Chicken
Don’t like seafood? Use diced chicken breast or thighs for a sticky-sweet garlic chicken stir-fry. Ideal for family dinners and budget-friendly meal planning.
Suggested: White Bean Caprese Salad Recipe
🔥 Pro Cooking Tips for the Perfect Honey Garlic Shrimp
These tips will help you achieve restaurant-quality results and improve your kitchen skills. Perfect for anyone looking for the perfect healthy high-protein seafood recipe at home.
- Use Large, Wild-Caught Shrimp
Wild shrimp have superior flavor and firmer texture. Opt for 16/20 jumbo count per pound for the best cooking results. - Always Pat Shrimp Dry Before Cooking
Moisture leads to steaming. Patting the shrimp dry ensures a perfect golden sear in your nonstick skillet. - Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
Cook in batches if needed. Crowded pans cause shrimp to steam instead of sear, reducing flavor and texture quality. - Cook Shrimp on Medium-High Heat
Shrimp cook in under 2 minutes per side. High heat locks in moisture and develops a savory, caramelized exterior—key for a sticky honey garlic glaze. - Fresh Garlic Over Powdered
Fresh garlic intensifies aroma and balances the sweetness from honey, creating a robust and restaurant-quality flavor profile. - Use Cornstarch Slurry for Thick Sauce
For a sticky Asian-style glaze, whisk 1 tbsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and stir into the sauce. It thickens naturally as it simmers. - Garnish Smartly
Top with green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or crushed chili flakes to enhance visual appeal and flavor—perfect for food bloggers and Pinterest recipes. - Invest in Quality Cookware
A high-performance nonstick skillet or cast-iron pan ensures even cooking and flavor locking. Boosts long-term health by requiring less oil. - Marinate for 15–30 Minutes (Optional)
If time allows, marinate shrimp in the honey garlic sauce to deepen flavor. Ideal for meal prep and next-day lunches. - Make it Meal Prep Friendly
Store cooked shrimp in airtight containers with rice or veggies. Reheat gently to retain texture. Perfect for high-protein lunchbox meals.
Suggested: Delicious Meals Under 200 Calories
Frequently Asked Questions About Honey Garlic Shrimp
Yes, frozen shrimp works perfectly. Just make sure to fully thaw and pat dry before cooking to ensure a proper sear and prevent watery sauce. Using wild-caught shrimp can enhance the flavor and quality of your meal—great for those seeking a high-protein low-calorie seafood dinner.
Just use gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. This makes it ideal for people looking for a healthy gluten-free shrimp recipe that fits into paleo or whole30 lifestyles.
You can pair it with steamed jasmine rice, garlic butter noodles, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal. Adding stir-fried veggies like broccoli or snap peas turns this into a complete high-protein family dinner recipe.
To thicken the sauce, add a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water) or reduce the sauce on medium heat until sticky. This gives you that perfect sticky shrimp glaze like your favorite Asian takeout dish.
Yes! Shrimp is low in calories and high in lean protein. Combined with a natural sweetener like honey, this dish is ideal for low calorie seafood recipes, keto seafood lovers, and high-protein fat-loss diets.
Yes, for a crispier texture, air fry the shrimp at 375°F for about 6–8 minutes, then toss in the honey garlic sauce. It’s a great way to create a low-oil shrimp recipe with restaurant-style flavor and texture.
Fresh shrimp is ideal, but frozen, wild-caught, deveined shrimp is more accessible and budget-friendly. Choose medium to large shrimp for better bite and flavor retention in this garlic butter shrimp stir fry.
Yes, both maple syrup and agave nectar are excellent alternatives to honey. This makes it a refined sugar-free shrimp dinner that fits vegan-adjacent or whole food-focused diets.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat on low to prevent overcooking. It’s a perfect shrimp meal prep idea for work or dinner on busy nights.
Try spicy honey garlic shrimp with sriracha, honey lime shrimp for a citrus twist, or use chicken or tofu instead of shrimp for delicious protein swaps. These are great ways to create multiple easy weeknight dinner recipes from one base.
🦐 Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe | Quick, Healthy & Delicious
This Honey Garlic Shrimp is the perfect quick and healthy dinner idea packed with flavor! Juicy shrimp tossed in a sweet, savory garlic sauce, ready in just 15 minutes. It's a high-protein seafood recipe that's perfect for busy weeknights or a light, satisfying meal. Great for low-carb, gluten-free, and meal prep lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional)
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (slurry, optional for thickening)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish)
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen shrimp (thawed completely before cooking) for best results.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp – they cook very fast (under 4 minutes total).
- Use tamari for gluten-free option and coconut aminos for soy-free.
- Add broccoli, snow peas, or bell peppers for a complete stir-fry meal.
- Serve with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve over steamed jasmine rice, quinoa, or zucchini noodles.
- Pair with a side of Asian cucumber salad or garlic sesame green beans.
- Perfect for lunch meal prep with rice and veggies in containers.
Variations:
- Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp – Add more chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
- Garlic Butter Shrimp – Replace olive oil with butter for a richer flavor.
- Honey Lime Shrimp – Swap lemon juice with lime and add zest for a tropical twist.
- Sticky Honey Shrimp – Double the sauce and thicken well for extra sticky texture.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 161Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 734mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: 2gSugar: 18gProtein: 3g
🍳 Must-Have Kitchen Tools & Ingredients for Perfect Honey Garlic Shrimp
Boost your cooking game with these top-rated kitchen gadgets and pantry staples. These are the best high-quality tools and healthy ingredients I personally recommend for making this easy honey garlic shrimp recipe a delicious success.
🔥 Top-Rated Non-Stick Pan
Perfect for searing shrimp without sticking. Ideal for high-protein, low-oil recipes.
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🧄 Premium Garlic Press
Crush garlic in seconds and maximize flavor in your honey garlic sauce.
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🍶 Coconut Aminos (Soy-Free)
A healthy, gluten-free, low-sodium alternative to soy sauce for clean eating recipes.
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🦐 Shrimp Deveiner & Peeler
Clean your shrimp in seconds with this must-have tool for seafood lovers.
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🍱 Glass Meal Prep Containers
Perfect for portion control, freezer storage, and healthy meal prep lunches.
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🍯 Organic Raw Honey
Pure, unfiltered honey that adds natural sweetness to your shrimp sauce.
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Related: Easy Ginger-Scallion Stir-Fried Shrimp Recipe
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