This High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp is a flavorful, nutritious meal that balances sweet honey with savory garlic perfectly. It is an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you need a quick protein boost without sacrificing taste. Whether you are cooking for a special occasion or a simple family dinner, this succulent shrimp dish is guaranteed to impress.
Table of Contents
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 head over heels for 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 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 shrimp creates a savory yet sweet flavor profile that is simply irresistible.
- Easy Ingredients: You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry.
- Healthy Option: With minimal added sugars and fats, this dish is a healthier choice that does not skimp on taste.
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
- Prepare the Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
- Mix the Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, combine the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and olive oil. If you prefer a thicker, stickier sauce, stir in the optional cornstarch.
- Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Season the Shrimp: Sprinkle the shrimp with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they start turning pink and opaque.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the honey garlic mixture over the shrimp in the skillet. Toss the shrimp thoroughly to ensure all pieces are coated evenly.
- Let it Simmer: Lower the heat and let the shrimp simmer in the sauce for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until the shrimp are fully cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your liking.
- Garnish: Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve: Enjoy your High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp immediately while it is still warm and fresh.

Expert Tips / Pro Tips
For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh shrimp whenever possible. If you use frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed and patted very dry before they hit the pan; excess moisture will steam the shrimp rather than sear them. If you are a fan of bold flavors, do not hesitate to increase the garlic count to six cloves for a more robust profile. Additionally, different types of honey like clover or wildflower can subtly change the flavor of the glaze, so feel free to experiment with what you have in your cupboard.
Variations & Substitutions
You can easily customize this dish to suit your preferences. For a Spicy Twist, add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of sriracha to the sauce. If you want a Citrus Zing, incorporate lime or lemon zest into the honey mixture. If you are looking for a Different Protein, this exact same sauce works beautifully with diced chicken breast, firm tofu, or even sea scallops. To increase the volume of the meal, toss in bell peppers or snap peas during the cooking process for extra crunch and vitamins.
Serving Suggestions
To make this a complete meal, serve the honey garlic shrimp over a bed of fluffy jasmine or brown rice, which will soak up every drop of the delicious sauce. For a lower-carb or higher-fiber option, quinoa or cauliflower rice are excellent alternatives. You can also serve these shrimp on top of a crisp green salad or alongside stir-fried seasonal vegetables like broccoli and bok choy. Adding a few lime wedges on the side can provide a bright acidity that cuts through the sweetness of the honey.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 to 3 days. 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 medium-low heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the glaze, being careful not to overcook the shrimp, which can make them rubbery.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Total Fat | 7g |
| Protein | 23g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Serving Size | 1/4 of recipe |

High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients
Method
- Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.1 pound large shrimp
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and olive oil. If you prefer a thicker, stickier sauce, stir in the optional cornstarch.1/4 cup honey, 4 cloves garlic, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Sprinkle the shrimp with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they start turning pink and opaque.Salt and pepper
- Pour the honey garlic mixture over the shrimp in the skillet. Toss the shrimp thoroughly to ensure all pieces are coated evenly.
- Lower the heat and let the shrimp simmer in the sauce for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until the shrimp are fully cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your liking.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.2 green onions, Sesame seeds
- Enjoy your High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp immediately while it is still warm and fresh.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp work perfectly for this recipe. Just remember to thaw them completely in the refrigerator or under cool running water and pat them dry before cooking.
Is there a substitute for honey?
Agave syrup or maple syrup can be used as a substitution if you do not have honey. Note that these alternatives may slightly alter the flavor profile and thickness of the sauce.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Absolutely! You can whisk the honey garlic sauce together a day in advance. Store it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator and give it a good shake before adding it to the skillet.
What sides go well with this dish?
Fluffy white rice, quinoa, or a simple cucumber salad are excellent choices to complement the sweet and savory notes of the shrimp.
Can I make this dish in larger quantities?
Yes, this recipe is very easy to scale. Simply double or triple the ingredients. If cooking a large batch, you may need to sear the shrimp in multiple turns to avoid crowding the pan.