High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp

High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp is a flavorful, nutritious dish that balances sweetness and savory notes perfectly for a satisfying meal. It is an ideal option for busy weeknights or special occasions when you need a protein boost without sacrificing gourmet taste.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp brings together a handful of simple ingredients to create an extraordinary taste. Here is why you will fall in love with this dish:

• Quick to Prepare: This recipe can be whipped up in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
• High in Protein: Shrimp is a great source of lean protein, making this dish both tasty and nutritious.
• Versatile Meal: You can serve it over rice, quinoa, or a bed of greens for a well-rounded meal.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a savory yet sweet flavor profile that is simply irresistible.
• Easy Ingredients: You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry right now.
• Healthy Option: With controlled sugars and fats, this dish is a healthier choice that does not skimp on satisfaction.

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 cup honey
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
2. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and olive oil. If you prefer a thicker, stickier sauce, stir in the cornstarch until smooth.
3. Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer to avoid overcrowding.
4. Season the Shrimp: Sprinkle the shrimp with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they start turning pink and opaque.
5. Add the Sauce: Pour the honey garlic mixture over the shrimp in the skillet. Toss well to ensure all pieces are coated evenly.
6. Let it Simmer: Lower the heat and let the shrimp simmer in the sauce for an additional 3-5 minutes. This allows the shrimp to finish cooking and the sauce to thicken into a glaze.
7. Garnish: Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish the dish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
8. Serve: Enjoy your High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp immediately while it is still warm and fresh.

Expert Tips / Pro Tips

To get the most out of your High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp, consider these professional suggestions:

• Use Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh shrimp when possible. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before they hit the pan.
• Adjust Garlic Level: If you love a punchy flavor, do not hesitate to increase the garlic. If you are sensitive to it, you can reduce the amount slightly.
• Experiment with Honey: Different varieties like clover, orange blossom, or wildflower honey can provide unique subtle flavor notes to the glaze.
• Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook very quickly. As soon as they form a “C” shape and turn pink, they are ready. Overcooking can lead to a rubbery texture.

Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to switch things up based on your dietary needs or what you have in the kitchen:

• Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Citrus Zing: Incorporate some lime or lemon zest into the sauce for a refreshing, bright finish.
• Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs such as basil or cilantro to the finished dish for an added layer of aromatic flavor.
• Different Protein: You can easily replace the shrimp with bite-sized chicken breast, tofu cubes, or scallops using the same sauce method.

Serving Suggestions

How you serve your High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp can elevate the entire dining experience:

• Over Rice: Serve the shrimp over a bed of fluffy jasmine or brown rice to absorb every drop of the delicious sauce.
• With Quinoa: For a healthier twist, try it over quinoa, which adds even more protein and fiber to your plate.
• On a Salad: Toss the shrimp into a large bowl of mixed greens and fresh vegetables for a light, refreshing lunch.
• With Stir-Fried Veggies: Pair the shrimp with snap peas, broccoli, or bell peppers for a colorful and nutrient-dense meal.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish is best consumed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked honey garlic shrimp for up to one month. Ensure it is in a well-sealed, freezer-safe container.
• Reheating: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce without overcooking the shrimp.

Nutrition Information

High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp

High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp is a flavorful, nutritious dish that balances sweetness and savory notes perfectly for a satisfying meal. It is an ideal option for busy weeknights or special occasions when you need a protein boost without sacrificing gourmet taste.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Calories: 220

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
• 1/4 cup honey
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch optional, for thickening
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 green onions sliced (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds for garnish, optional

Method

 

1. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
   1 pound large shrimp
2. In a small bowl, combine the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and olive oil. If you prefer a thicker, stickier sauce, stir in the cornstarch until smooth.
   1/4 cup honey, 4 cloves garlic, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon cornstarch
3. In a large skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer to avoid overcrowding.
4. Sprinkle the shrimp with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they start turning pink and opaque.
   Salt and pepper
5. Pour the honey garlic mixture over the shrimp in the skillet. Toss well to ensure all pieces are coated evenly.
6. Lower the heat and let the shrimp simmer in the sauce for an additional 3-5 minutes. This allows the shrimp to finish cooking and the sauce to thicken into a glaze.
7. Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish the dish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
   2 green onions, Sesame seeds
8. Enjoy your High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp immediately while it is still warm and fresh.

Notes

For the best results, use fresh shrimp and ensure they are thoroughly patted dry before searing. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they are ready as soon as they turn pink and opaque.

FAQ