This Ginger Honey Glazed Shrimp is a sweet and tangy treat that’s quick to cook! With juicy shrimp tossed in a lovely glaze made of ginger and honey, it’s hard to resist.
Honestly, it’s the perfect dish for impressing guests or just treating yourself. I love serving it over rice—easy and loads of flavor in each bite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh, large shrimp are ideal here. If you can’t find fresh, frozen shrimp work great as well. Just make sure they’re thawed and drained before cooking!
Honey: Honey gives the dish its sweet base. If you’re looking for a sugar-free option, agave syrup or maple syrup can be used instead. They will give a similar sweetness!
Ginger: Freshly grated ginger adds a bright flavor. If you only have ground ginger, you can use it sparingly, but fresh is definitely the way to go for maximum flavor!
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is a great choice if you’re watching salt intake. You can also use tamari for a gluten-free option. Both add a lovely umami flavor!
Rice Vinegar/Lemon Juice: Rice vinegar adds a mild tang, but lemon juice works nicely too, bringing a zesty freshness to the dish!
How Do I Make My Shrimp Cook Perfectly?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky since they can go from tender to tough quickly. The key is to cook them just until they turn pink and opaque, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Pat the shrimp dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture that can steam them.
- Make sure the oil is hot but not smoking before adding the shrimp; this helps achieve that lovely golden color.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
Once the shrimp are done, toss them in the glaze for a quick finish. The glaze will also thicken slightly with the heat, coating the shrimp beautifully!
Ginger Honey Glazed Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on for presentation)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (scallions), for garnish
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes for preparation and about 10 minutes for cooking, making the total time approximately 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove any extra moisture. This helps them cook evenly. Season the shrimp lightly with salt and pepper for added flavor.
2. Whisk Together the Glaze:
In a small bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, rice vinegar (or lemon juice), and red pepper flakes. Whisk together until well blended and set this flavorful glaze aside.
3. Heat the Oil:
Take a large skillet and place it over medium-high heat. Add in the oil and let it heat up until it shimmers. This is the perfect time to add our shrimp!
4. Cook the Shrimp:
Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Let them cook for about 2 minutes on one side until they turn pink and slightly golden. This should be quick!
5. Add the Glaze:
Carefully flip the shrimp over and pour the honey ginger glaze over them. Give them a gentle toss and let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes. The glaze will thicken a bit as it heats, coating the shrimp beautifully.
6. Finish Up:
Once the shrimp are fully cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Transfer the delicious ginger honey glazed shrimp to a serving bowl.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle the chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the shrimp for a pop of color and crunch. If you’d like, serve with lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over the dish for a refreshing touch. Enjoy your dish immediately, either as a tasty appetizer or over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal!
Enjoy your flavorful ginger honey glazed shrimp that combines sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy notes with tender shrimp in every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the frozen shrimp before cooking. The best way to thaw them is to place them in the fridge overnight, or you can quickly submerge them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you’re looking for a different sweetener, you can use maple syrup or agave syrup as alternatives. They’ll give you a similar sweetness with a slightly different flavor profile.
How Do I Store Leftover Ginger Honey Glazed Shrimp?
To store leftovers, place the shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat them gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a little splash of water or broth to keep them moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Absolutely! If you love heat, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or even add a dash of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce to the glaze. Adjust to your taste for the perfect kick!