Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. Frozen shrimp are often a better option than "fresh" shrimp at the seafood counter, which are typically previously frozen anyway. For quickest thawing, place frozen shrimp in a colander and run cool water over them for a few minutes.

Is there a substitute for sesame oil?

While sesame oil provides a distinctive flavor that's hard to replicate, you could use olive oil or canola oil for cooking and then sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top to get some of that nutty flavor. The dish will taste different but will still be delicious.

How can I tell when shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Perfectly cooked shrimp will be pink with red tails and will have just curled into a C-shape. If they curl into a tight O-shape, they're overcooked. The flesh should be opaque and pearly white, not translucent. When in doubt, cut one open to check - it should be opaque throughout.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute tamari for the soy sauce as mentioned in the notes. Double-check that your sesame oil is processed in a gluten-free facility if you have celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity.

Honey Sesame Shrimp Recipe

Name: Honey Sesame Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb. jumbo shrimp, deveined & tail-on; ½ teaspoon of salt; 1 tablespoon of sesame oil; 2 tablespoons of honey; 2 tablespoons of soy sauce; 1 teaspoon of cornstarch

This mouthwatering Honey Sesame Shrimp is your ticket to an amazing restaurant-quality dinner in just 15 minutes! With only a handful of ingredients, you’ll create a glossy, sweet-savory sauce that clings perfectly to plump, juicy shrimp. Served over fluffy rice and topped with crunchy garnishes, this dish brings incredible flavor with minimal effort – perfect for those evenings when you want something special without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lightning Fast: From start to finish in 15 minutes! This recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending ages in the kitchen.
Simple Ingredients: No need for a pantry overhaul – just a few basic ingredients create incredible flavor. The honey-soy combination is absolutely magical!
Impressive Results: These shrimp look and taste like something from an upscale restaurant, but they’re ridiculously easy to make at home. Your family or guests will think you’ve been cooking all day.
Versatile: Works beautifully as a main dish, starter, or even party food if you use smaller shrimp with toothpicks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Jumbo Shrimp: The star of the show! Using tail-on shrimp makes for a prettier presentation and gives you a handle for eating, but feel free to remove them if you prefer. Fresh or frozen both work great.
Sesame Oil: Adds that distinctive nutty flavor that’s essential to the dish. A little goes a long way, so don’t be tempted to add extra.
Honey: Creates the perfect sweet balance to the salty soy sauce. The natural sweetness caramelizes slightly when cooked, adding depth to the sauce.
Cornstarch: The secret to that gorgeous, glossy sauce that clings to every bite. It thickens everything perfectly without making it gloopy.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the dish. Even though soy sauce is salty, a touch more brings everything into perfect balance.
Soy Sauce: Provides that umami backbone that makes this dish so satisfying. Use regular or light soy sauce, not dark soy which would overpower the delicate flavors.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Spicy Honey Sesame Shrimp

Add a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a sweet-heat combination that’s absolutely addictive.

Garlic Lover’s Version

Toss in 2-3 minced garlic cloves when the shrimp are almost done cooking for an aromatic twist that garlic fans will adore.

Citrus Bright

Add a squeeze of fresh lime or orange juice to the sauce for a citrusy pop that brightens the whole dish.

Veggie Boost

Throw in some quickly stir-fried bell peppers, snow peas, or broccoli florets for a complete one-pan meal with added color and nutrition.

How to Make Honey Sesame Shrimp

Step 1: Cook the Shrimp

Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the shrimp and sprinkle with salt. Cook just until the tails start to curl slightly, about 1-2 minutes per side. They should still be slightly undercooked at this point.

Step 2: Create the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch until completely smooth. Pour this mixture over the partially cooked shrimp in the pan. Stir gently to coat all the shrimp evenly.

Step 3: Finish Cooking

Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the shrimp have turned completely pink, curled into a nice C-shape, and are opaque throughout. The sauce will begin to bubble and thicken.

Step 4: Let It Rest

Remove the pan from the heat and let everything rest for 3-4 minutes. This crucial step allows the sauce to thicken to the perfect consistency and lets the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Serve the shrimp over fluffy white rice and sprinkle with fresh chopped spring onions, crushed cashews, and sesame seeds for color, texture and extra flavor.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook incredibly quickly! They’re done when they’ve just turned pink and curled into a C-shape. If they curl into a tight O-shape, they’re overcooked.
Pat Shrimp Dry: Before cooking, pat your shrimp dry with paper towels. This ensures better browning and prevents the oil from splattering.
Room Temperature Honey: If your honey has crystallized, warm it slightly so it mixes smoothly with the other sauce ingredients.
Prep Everything First: This recipe moves fast once you start cooking, so have all ingredients measured and ready to go before turning on the heat.
Use a Hot Pan: A properly heated pan ensures the shrimp sear rather than steam, developing better flavor and texture.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This Honey Sesame Shrimp is traditionally served over steamed white rice, which soaks up that incredible sauce beautifully. For a healthier option, try brown rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa.

Side Dishes

Pair with steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, or a simple Asian-inspired slaw for a complete meal. A simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar makes a refreshing contrast to the sweet shrimp.

Garnish Options

While the recipe suggests spring onions, crushed cashews, and sesame seeds (which are fantastic!), you can also try sliced chilies, cilantro, or even some orange zest for extra flavor dimensions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken considerably when chilled, but will loosen when reheated.

Freezing

While you can freeze the cooked shrimp for up to 1 month, the texture won’t be quite as perfect upon thawing. If freezing, cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, but be careful not to overcook the shrimp. They just need to be warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. Frozen shrimp are often a better option than “fresh” shrimp at the seafood counter, which are typically previously frozen anyway. For quickest thawing, place frozen shrimp in a colander and run cool water over them for a few minutes.
Is there a substitute for sesame oil?

While sesame oil provides a distinctive flavor that’s hard to replicate, you could use olive oil or canola oil for cooking and then sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top to get some of that nutty flavor. The dish will taste different but will still be delicious.
How can I tell when shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Perfectly cooked shrimp will be pink with red tails and will have just curled into a C-shape. If they curl into a tight O-shape, they’re overcooked. The flesh should be opaque and pearly white, not translucent. When in doubt, cut one open to check – it should be opaque throughout.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute tamari for the soy sauce as mentioned in the notes. Double-check that your sesame oil is processed in a gluten-free facility if you have celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Sesame Shrimp recipe transforms everyday ingredients into something truly special in just minutes. It’s the perfect solution when you want impressive flavor without complicated techniques or hours in the kitchen. Give it a try the next time you want to elevate a weeknight dinner or impress weekend guests with minimal effort. The sweet-savory balance and tender shrimp make this a dish you’ll return to again and again!