Sink your teeth into the irresistible combination of sweet, savory, and just a touch of heat with this Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe. This dish is the definition of a lightning-fast, flavor-packed dinner that feels impressive enough for company but is easy enough for the busiest weeknight. Each bite delivers tender shrimp with a glossy, garlicky glaze and vibrant broccoli for freshness, all served over a bed of fluffy rice with crunchy peanuts and green onion for the perfect finish. You’ll have dinner on the table in just about 30 minutes, and if you’re a fan of bold Asian-inspired flavors, this one is guaranteed to earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Ready in 30 Minutes: Minimal prep and straightforward steps mean you can go from fridge to table in half an hour (or less!).
  • Incredible Flavor: We’re talking succulent shrimp, a sticky honey-garlic sauce that’s good enough to eat by the spoonful, and just enough zing from ginger and red pepper flakes.
  • Weeknight Winner: All the ingredients can be found at any grocery store, and there’s nothing complicated here—even beginner cooks can master this!
  • Flexible and Forgiving: Whether you want to swap veggies or serve over noodles or quinoa, this recipe adapts happily to whatever you’ve got handy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Shrimp: Large raw shrimp are the way to go. Fresh or frozen, just make sure they’re peeled and deveined. Tip: Shrimp cook SO fast—set a timer to keep them juicy!
  • Peanut Oil: Adds a hint of nutty flavor and a high smoke point for quick sautéing. Substitute with olive oil if you need.
  • Broccoli Florets: For crunch, color, and a healthy dose of green in every bite. Snap peas or bell peppers work too!
  • Chicken Broth: The flavor base of the sauce. Low sodium is best so you can control the saltiness of the dish.
  • Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Umami galore, without being overwhelming or too salty.
  • Honey: The star sweetener! It thickens the sauce and gives it that irresistible sticky texture.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds depth and a gentle molasses note to the glaze.
  • Garlic: Freshly minced for big, bold flavor. More is always good—don’t be shy!
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Balances the sweetness and gives the sauce brightness.
  • Toasted Sesame Oil (Optional): A drizzle at the end adds roasted, nutty aroma. Highly recommended if you have it!
  • Ground Ginger: For a subtle spicy warmth that rounds out the sauce.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch, for gentle heat.
  • Cornstarch + Cold Water: To thicken the sauce and make it glossy.
  • Cooked Rice: White, brown, jasmine, or even cauliflower rice—whatever you love!
  • Green Onions: For a fresh pop of color and sharpness as a garnish.
  • Honey Roasted Peanuts: Roughly chopped, they add crunch and a final whisper of sweetness on top.

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

  • Switch Up the Veggies: Not a broccoli fan? Try snow peas, snap peas, bell peppers, or julienned carrots for texture and color.
  • Different Protein: Want a land-lover’s version? Substitute chicken breast (sliced thin), or go meatless with firm tofu.
  • Spicy Lovers: Amp up the heat with extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Serve the shrimp and broccoli over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
  • Sauce Tweaks: A splash of orange juice or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds can take the flavor in fun directions.

How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp

Step 1: Prep Your Shrimp and Sauce

Thaw raw shrimp completely if frozen—run them under cool water and pat dry for best results. Peel, devein, and remove tails, if needed. In a mixing bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients except the cornstarch and water. Set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

Heat peanut (or olive) oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 1 minute and 20 seconds per side—watch that timer! Once the shrimp turn opaque and curl into a “C,” transfer to a clean plate. Don’t overcook—they’ll finish later in the sauce!

Step 3: Cook the Broccoli

Add broccoli florets to the now-empty skillet, tossing for about 4 minutes until just tender-crisp and vibrant green. Remove and set aside with the shrimp.

Step 4: Thicken the Honey Garlic Sauce

Pour your pre-mixed sauce into the skillet and bring to a boil. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and cold water until smooth, then slowly pour into the sauce, stirring constantly. The sauce should bubble and thicken to a beautiful glossy consistency.

Step 5: Finish and Combine

Lower the heat, return broccoli to the skillet and let it heat through for 2–3 minutes with a partial cover. Add the shrimp along with any juices, tossing gently to coat in that sticky honey garlic sauce. Let everything meld for another minute.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Spoon the shrimp and broccoli generously over steaming rice. Garnish liberally with sliced green onions and a handful of chopped honey roasted peanuts for crunch. A final drizzle of honey is magic!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Use Large Shrimp: They’re juicier and easier to keep tender.
  • Dry the Shrimp Well: Excess water causes steaming, not searing, and you want those shrimp tender, not soggy.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook shrimp in batches if needed for even browning.
  • Set a Timer: Shrimp can go from perfect to rubbery in seconds—timing is everything.
  • Saucy Perfection: Add the cornstarch slurry gradually to avoid lumps and ensure the sauce thickens beautifully.
  • Rice Upgrade: Cook your rice with a couple of chicken bouillon cubes for next-level flavor!

How to Serve

This honey garlic shrimp is an absolute crowd-pleaser when served in big bowls over hot, fragrant rice. The sauce seeps into the grains, coating every bite with sweet-salty goodness. For a dinner party twist, try serving the shrimp and broccoli with jasmine rice or even noodles. A fresh cucumber salad or quick Asian slaw on the side is a fantastic way to lighten the meal. Don’t forget extra lime wedges and more chopped peanuts for garnish!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce holds well, and the shrimp will stay tender if you don’t overcook when reheating.

Freezing

Freeze cooled shrimp and broccoli with sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw gently overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat until just heated through. Shrimp heat up fast and can turn rubbery if overdone, so keep the heat moderate. A makeshift double boiler setup works brilliantly for an even gentler touch.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

    Absolutely. Just thaw them thoroughly in cool water and pat completely dry before cooking. Frozen shrimp work perfectly in this recipe and save prep time.

  2. What type of rice is best for serving?

    White long grain rice is my top choice for soaking up the sticky sauce, but jasmine, basmati, brown, or even cauliflower rice all work beautifully. You can even try this with noodles for a fun twist.

  3. Can I make this ahead for meal prep?

    Yes! Make everything as instructed, let it cool, and store in meal-prep containers with rice. The sauce keeps everything moist and flavorful. Reheat gently to keep the shrimp juicy.

  4. Can I substitute another protein if I don’t have shrimp?

    Definitely. Thinly sliced chicken breast, tofu, or even beef strips are all delicious swaps—just adjust cooking time as needed and follow the same saucy process!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something fast, fresh, and absolutely full of flavor, this Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe is the answer. It’s the perfect solution for busy evenings or when you want takeout flavor without leaving home. Every bite brings a burst of sweet and savory, with a touch of heat and crunch that’s truly satisfying. Grab your skillet and treat yourself to this quick, easy, and wildly delicious dinner—your tastebuds (and your family!) will thank you.

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Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe

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  • Author: Jaden Christner
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
  • Diet: Halal
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Description

This Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe delivers tender, juicy shrimp sautéed to perfection and tossed in a rich, garlicky sauce sweetened with honey and brown sugar, balanced with soy, ginger, and a hint of spice. Paired with stir-fried broccoli and served over fluffy rice, it’s an easy, flavorful main course ready in just 30 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Shrimp & Vegetables

  • 1 lb. large uncooked shrimp (26/30 size per pound), peeled, deveined, and thawed if frozen
  • 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or olive oil)
  • 3 cups broccoli florets

Sauce

  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • Pinch red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup cold water

For Serving

  • 3 cups cooked rice (white long grain or any preferred type)
  • Green onions, for garnish
  • Roughly chopped honey roasted peanuts, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare Shrimp: Thaw the shrimp completely if frozen. Peel, devein, and remove tails if necessary. Pat the surface dry to ensure even cooking.
  2. Mix Sauce: In a bowl, combine chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, toasted sesame oil (if using), ground ginger, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and set aside. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth, and set aside for thickening later.
  3. Cook Shrimp: Heat peanut (or olive) oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the prepared shrimp and sauté for about 1 minute and 20 seconds per side, just until pink and cooked through. Transfer the shrimp to a clean plate; they will finish cooking in later steps.
  4. Sauté Broccoli: In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets. Sauté over medium-high heat for about 4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp. Add a small splash of oil if the skillet is dry. Remove broccoli and set aside.
  5. Cook Sauce: Pour the premixed sauce (without the cornstarch mixture) into the skillet. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
  6. Thicken Sauce: Slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  7. Add Vegetables & Shrimp: Reduce heat to low. Add the sautéed broccoli back into the sauce, partially cover, and heat for 2-3 minutes to blend flavors. Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet, spooning sauce over them, and cook for another 1 minute until everything is heated through.
  8. Serve: Spoon the honey garlic shrimp and broccoli over bowls of cooked rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and roughly chopped honey roasted peanuts. Optional: Drizzle with extra honey for added sweetness.

Notes

  • Shrimp Tips: For best texture, avoid overcooking shrimp; set a timer and remember that peeled shells can help slow down the cooking process. A ‘C’ shape is perfect, an ‘O’ shape means overcooked.
  • If Using Frozen Shrimp: Thaw under cool water and pat dry before cooking. Remove shells, tails, and veins if needed.
  • Seasoning: It’s not necessary to salt the shrimp before cooking since most frozen shrimp are brined. The sauce will add enough flavor.
  • Additions: Feel free to include bell peppers, carrots, or onions for extra veggies and flavor.
  • Rice Tips: For 3 cups rice: Boil 2 cups water (with 2 bouillon cubes if desired), add 1 cup rinsed long grain white rice, bring to boil again, cover, simmer for 15 minutes, then rest 10 minutes off heat before fluffing.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop for best results; avoid overcooking the shrimp when reheating.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (estimate: with rice and garnishes)
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 27 g
  • Sodium: 980 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 61 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 180 mg
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Hey everyone! I'm Jaden, and welcome to YummyHere! Basically, I'm obsessed with food. Like, really obsessed. So, I figured, why not share all my yummy creations with the world? Hopefully, you'll find something here that makes you say "Yum!" (because that's the goal, right?). Let's get cooking!

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