Description
Succulent honey garlic shrimp dances with bold Asian-inspired flavors, promising a quick culinary escape from weeknight dinner monotony. Elegant coastal charm meets sweet-savory harmony, inviting palates to savor each perfectly glazed, tender morsel.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 500 g (1 lb) shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail on or off)
Sauce and Seasoning:
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
Cooking and Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking honey, soy sauce, crushed garlic, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl.
- Submerge shrimp in the aromatic liquid, allowing flavors to infuse for 10-15 minutes while preparing cooking equipment.
- Ignite a large skillet over medium-high heat, drizzling olive oil to create a sizzling cooking surface.
- Transfer marinated shrimp carefully into the hot skillet, reserving the remaining marinade for later use.
- Sear shrimp for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, watching for a pink hue and delicate caramelization, then transfer to a separate plate.
- Pour reserved marinade into the same skillet, bringing the liquid to a gentle simmer.
- Create a cornstarch slurry by whisking water and cornstarch, then blend into the simmering sauce to achieve a glossy, thickened consistency.
- Return seared shrimp to the skillet, gently tumbling to ensure each piece is lavishly coated with the sticky, glistening sauce.
- Elevate the dish by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions across the surface.
- Optional: Enhance with a fresh lemon juice squeeze for a bright, citrusy note.
- Present alongside steamed rice, noodles, or crisp vegetables for a complete, restaurant-worthy meal.
Notes
- Opt for the freshest shrimp possible to ensure maximum flavor and tender texture.
- Quick-marinate by letting shrimp sit in the sauce for just 10 minutes to prevent them from becoming tough or rubbery.
- Use high heat for a perfect caramelized exterior while keeping the inside juicy and succulent.
- Customize the spice level by adjusting red pepper flakes or adding sriracha for extra kick.
- Choose jumbo or large shrimp for the best presentation and most satisfying bite.
- Replace honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness or agave for a vegan alternative.
- Swap soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free version of the dish.
- Add cornstarch slurry gradually to control sauce thickness and prevent over-thickening.
- Rest shrimp briefly after cooking to retain moisture and prevent overcooking.
- Transform leftovers into a quick salad topping or cold appetizer by chilling the shrimp.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg