10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp: A Quick Dinner That Feels Like Home

Introduction

There are nights when you want something fast, comforting, and a little bit celebratory — the kind of meal that makes the whole kitchen smell like a hug. That is exactly the magic of 10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp. In under ten minutes you get sweet, savory, sticky bites of shrimp that sing with garlic and honey, perfect for a busy weeknight or an unexpected guest. If you love quick dinners that taste like they took hours, you will adore this easy recipe. For another fast weeknight favorite, try 15 Minute Honey Garlic Chicken for a comforting twist on the flavors you already love.

Why You’ll Love This 10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp

• Comforting and bright — honey brings warmth, garlic brings depth, and shrimp brings a delicate, satisfying bite.
• Ridiculously quick — ready faster than takeout, so you can spend time with family instead of the stove.
• Versatile — serve over rice, noodles, or a fresh salad for a healthy option that feels indulgent.
• Family favorite — kids and grownups both reach for seconds when the sauce hits the plate.
• Perfect for last-minute celebrations — it looks and tastes festive without fuss.

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Ingredients

• 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined — tails on or off depending on preference; wild-caught or farmed both work.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil — or avocado oil for a neutral flavor.
• 4 garlic cloves, minced — fresh garlic gives the brightest flavor.
• 1/3 cup honey — floral and sweet, balances the soy.
• 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce — use tamari for gluten-free or coconut aminos for a soy-free version.
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar — adds a bright tang; lemon juice can substitute in a pinch.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes — optional, for a gentle warmth.
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water — creates a glossy, clingy sauce.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
• Garnishes: chopped scallions, toasted sesame seeds, lemon wedges.

Substitutions: For a lower-sugar version, use a sugar-free honey substitute or reduce honey and add a splash of orange juice for balance. Swap olive oil for butter for a richer finish.

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Timing

• Prep time: 5 minutes (clean and pat dry the shrimp, mince garlic).
• Cook time: 5 minutes.
• Total time: 10 minutes — truly faster than calling for delivery and infinitely more comforting.

Pro tip: Have your rice or noodles ready while the shrimp cooks — the payoff is immediate and perfectly saucy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Pat the shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and pepper. Dry shrimp sear better and pick up more sauce.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. When the oil shimmers, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and just opaque. Remove shrimp to a plate — they will finish in the sauce.
3. Lower the heat to medium and add a touch more oil if the pan is dry. Add minced garlic and sauté 20 to 30 seconds until fragrant — your kitchen will smell amazing at this point.
4. Add honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar to the pan. Stir to combine and let the mixture bubble gently for 30 seconds.
5. Whisk in the cornstarch slurry and red pepper flakes. The sauce will thicken and become glossy in about 30 to 60 seconds.
6. Return the shrimp to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce for another 30 seconds to a minute. Taste and adjust seasoning — more soy for salt, more honey for sweetness, or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
7. Remove from heat, sprinkle with scallions and sesame seeds, and serve immediately over rice, noodles, or greens.

Tips and Variations

• For a buttery finish, stir in 1 tablespoon of butter off the heat for a silkier sauce.
• Make it spicy by adding chili garlic sauce or doubling the red pepper flakes.
• For a festive twist, toss in roasted cashews or toasted pine nuts for crunch and a warm nutty flavor.
• Healthier alternative: Use coconut aminos and reduce honey by half, then add a splash of orange juice for balance.
• If you love this honey garlic glaze, you might enjoy my richer honey garlic butter shrimp for a more indulgent dinner.

Serving Suggestions

Picture this: a steaming bowl of jasmine rice with a nest of glossy, honey garlic shrimp on top, scallions shimmering like confetti, sesame seeds scattered like snowfall, and a wedge of lemon waiting to be squeezed. Serve it with quick steamed broccoli or a crisp cucumber salad to cut through the sweetness. For a cozy family spread, pair with roasted vegetables and honey garlic baked chicken drumsticks to keep the theme running and everyone happy.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
• Do not freeze cooked shrimp; texture suffers. Instead, freeze raw peeled shrimp and make the sauce fresh when ready.
• Make the sauce ahead and store in the fridge for up to 3 days; pan-sear shrimp and toss in warmed sauce for a truly quick assembly.

Pro Tips from the Kitchen

• Always pat shrimp dry before cooking to achieve a quick sear and avoid steaming.
• Use medium-high heat for initial sear, then finish on medium so the sauce reduces without burning.
• Whisk the cornstarch with cold water before adding to prevent lumps and get a glossy finish fast.
• Adjust sweetness little by little — honey can vary in intensity; taste as you go.

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FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes — thaw frozen shrimp completely, pat very dry, and proceed with the recipe. Removing excess moisture is the key to a great sear and saucy finish.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free. Check labels on pre-made sauces if using substitutions.

Can I make this without honey?

Yes, substitute maple syrup or a sugar-free honey alternative. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sweetener and add a splash of citrus to keep the balance.

How do I prevent the sauce from burning?

Keep the heat at medium when you add the sauce ingredients and stir continuously. If it reduces too quickly, lower the heat and add a splash of water to loosen it.

Conclusion

10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp is a tiny miracle: fast, flavorful, and wonderfully adaptable to whatever mood your table is in. It lifts busy evenings into moments worth savoring, and it asks only a few minutes of attention in return. Try it tonight, share it with someone you love, and let this little recipe become one of the family favorites you reach for again and again.

Honey Garlic Shrimp

A quick, comforting dish of shrimp in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, ready in just 10 minutes.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Asian

Calories: 320

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined tails on or off depending on preference; wild-caught or farmed both work.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil for a neutral flavor.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced fresh garlic gives the brightest flavor.
• 1/3 cup honey floral and sweet, balances the soy.
• 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce use tamari for gluten-free or coconut aminos for a soy-free version.
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar adds a bright tang; lemon juice can substitute in a pinch.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a gentle warmth.
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with water creates a glossy, clingy sauce.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Garnishes

• chopped scallions
• toasted sesame seeds
• lemon wedges

Method

 

Preparation

1. Pat the shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Clean and mince the garlic.

Cooking

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
2. Once the oil shimmers, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and just opaque.
3. Remove shrimp to a plate.
4. Lower the heat to medium and add more oil if needed. Add minced garlic and sauté for 20 to 30 seconds.
5. Add honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar to the pan. Stir to combine and let bubble for 30 seconds.
6. Whisk in cornstarch slurry and red pepper flakes; let thicken for 30 to 60 seconds.
7. Return shrimp to the pan, toss to coat in sauce for another 30 seconds to a minute.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
9. Remove from heat and sprinkle with scallions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a buttery finish, stir in 1 tablespoon of butter off the heat. For a spicy version, add chili garlic sauce or double the red pepper flakes. Store leftovers for up to 2 days.