High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp

Name: High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 26 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tablespoons honey; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; Steamed rice or vegetables for serving

Author: Emily

Published: 18 January 2026

I love quick dinners that feel a little fancy. This honey garlic shrimp cooks in minutes. It packs protein and big flavor. It also pairs nicely with simple sides. If you want a cozy pasta option alongside, try my creamy tomato garlic pasta for a saucy combo.

why make this recipe

This recipe comes together fast. You need just a handful of pantry staples. The shrimp marinate briefly and caramelize in the pan. You get sweet, garlicky glaze and a tender bite. It works for weeknights and for guests. Serve it with a crusty loaf like the garlic herb sourdough bread to soak up every drop of sauce.

how to make High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp

Ingredients:
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, 2 tablespoons honey, 3 cloves garlic, minced, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional), Salt and pepper to taste, Steamed rice or vegetables for serving

High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp

Directions:

In a bowl, mix honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, and sesame oil.
Add the shrimp to the marinade and let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the marinated shrimp along with the marinade to the skillet.
Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve the shrimp over steamed rice or with your favorite vegetables.

how to serve High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp

Serve this over steamed rice for a simple bowl. Spoon extra sauce over the rice. You can also pile the shrimp on roasted veggies or toss them into salad greens. I love pairing it with the bright flavors of the one-pan garlic butter salmon when I make a seafood spread for friends.

how to store High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp

Cool the shrimp to room temperature first. Place in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or a little oil to keep the sauce glossy. Do not freeze cooked shrimp; it gets rubbery.

tips to make High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp

Use large, fresh or properly thawed shrimp for the best texture. Pat the shrimp dry before marinating. Do not over-marinate—15–20 minutes gives flavor without making the shrimp mushy. Heat the pan well before you add shrimp so they sear and caramelize. If you like a richer finish, finish with a small pat of butter. If you want a garlic-forward meal, serve it with the soft, cheesy pull of quick sourdough cheesy breadsticks.

variation (if any)

Make it spicy by adding a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce to the marinade. Swap honey for maple syrup for a deeper flavor. For a surf-and-turf night, serve alongside the garlic butter steak with parmesan cream to balance rich and bright flavors.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes. Thaw them fully in the fridge or under cold running water. Pat them dry before marinating to avoid a watery pan.

Q: Is this sauce gluten-free?
A: Regular soy sauce contains gluten. Use tamari or a gluten-free soy alternative to make it gluten-free.

Q: How do I prevent the shrimp from sticking to the pan?
A: Make sure the skillet is hot before adding shrimp. Use a bit of oil and give the shrimp space so they sear instead of steam.

Q: Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
A: Yes. Keep the same marinating time and cook in batches so the pan stays hot and shrimp cook evenly.

High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp

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