10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe

There's something magical about the sizzle of shrimp hitting a hot skillet, especially when they're about to be glazed in a sticky, sweet, and savory honey garlic sauce. In just 10 minutes, this mouthwatering dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor right from your own kitchen — no takeout menu required.

this Recipe

I first whipped this up on a weeknight when the fridge was nearly bare, and my energy was even lower. With just a handful of pantry staples and a bag of frozen shrimp, dinner was on the table faster than I could decide what to watch on Netflix. Quick, delicious, and kid-approved — it quickly earned a spot in our regular dinner rotation.

Let's dive into why this 10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp is about to become your weeknight go-to.

Why You'll Love This 10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp

Get ready to meet your new favorite fast dinner. This 10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp is the perfect mix of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness — and it couldn’t be easier to make.

First, the speed is unbeatable. This dish truly takes just 10 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for those nights when you need something fast but still crave flavor.

Second, it’s made with simple pantry ingredients. You likely already have everything on hand: honey, soy sauce, garlic, and shrimp. It’s a perfect last-minute meal that doesn’t taste like one.

It’s also incredibly budget-friendly. Shrimp might seem like a splurge, but when you use frozen shrimp and a homemade sauce, it’s surprisingly affordable — and still feels like a treat.

Lastly, this recipe is endlessly versatile. Serve it over rice, toss it with noodles, pile it into tacos, or spoon it over a salad. However you plate it, it’s guaranteed to impress.

Now let’s take a closer look at what goes into this lightning-fast dish.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe is how a few well-chosen ingredients can create such a bold, satisfying flavor. Each component brings something important to the table, and together, they strike the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami-rich.

Shrimp are the star of the show. I recommend using large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined. Frozen shrimp work perfectly — just thaw them under cold water for a few minutes and pat them dry thoroughly to help them sear nicely in the pan.

Honey adds that signature sticky sweetness that makes this sauce so irresistible. You can use whatever honey you have on hand, though a darker variety will give a richer flavor. Don’t skip it — it’s what helps the sauce caramelize slightly as it cooks.

Garlic is the flavor powerhouse here. Fresh minced garlic is ideal, as it adds a punchy, aromatic base to the sauce. I like to use at least three cloves, but you can adjust to your taste if you’re a garlic lover like me.

Soy sauce balances out the honey with its salty depth. I usually use low-sodium soy sauce to keep the salt levels in check, but regular works too. If you’re gluten-free, tamari is a perfect substitute.

You won’t need much in the way of equipment — just a large skillet, a bowl to mix your sauce, and a spatula. That’s it! Minimal tools, minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.

How To Make This 10 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp

This recipe is as easy as it gets, but it still delivers big flavor. Here's how to make it happen, step by step.

Start by mixing up your sauce. In a small bowl, stir together the honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. If you want to add a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha is a great option. Set that aside so it’s ready when you need it.

Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of oil (I like avocado or olive oil), then swirl to coat the pan. Once it’s hot and shimmering, add your shrimp in a single layer. Let them cook for 1-2 minutes without moving them — this helps them get a nice sear.

Flip the shrimp and pour the honey garlic sauce directly into the pan. The sauce will bubble and thicken quickly, coating the shrimp in that glossy, golden glaze. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the shrimp are opaque and just cooked through.

Keep an eye on the sauce — the honey can go from caramelized to burnt in seconds if the heat is too high. Stir everything gently and pull the pan off the heat as soon as the shrimp are done.

That’s it! In under 10 minutes, you’ve got juicy shrimp coated in a garlicky, sweet glaze that smells just as amazing as it tastes. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Storage Options

Leftovers of this shrimp dish store surprisingly well, though it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you do have extras, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container.

Store the cooked shrimp in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re tightly sealed to preserve their flavor and prevent them from drying out.

For longer storage, you can freeze the shrimp in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for about a month, but keep in mind that reheated shrimp can become rubbery if overcooked.

To reheat, warm the shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can customize it. Whether you’re working with dietary restrictions or just want to mix things up, here are a few fun ideas.

If shrimp isn’t your thing, try using cubed chicken breast or tofu instead. Both work beautifully with the same honey garlic sauce — just adjust the cook time accordingly.

Want to make it a full meal in one pan? Toss in some quick-cooking veggies like snap peas, broccoli florets, or bell peppers. Add them before the shrimp so they have time to soften slightly.

For a spicier kick, stir in some chili garlic sauce, sriracha, or red pepper flakes. The heat plays beautifully with the sweetness of the honey.

Looking to cut down on sugar? You can reduce the honey slightly or replace some of it with a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit syrup. The texture might change a bit, but the flavors will still shine.

Don’t be afraid to experiment. The sauce is your canvas — once you’ve mastered the basic technique, you can tweak it to suit your mood or what’s in your fridge.

Now that you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to grab that skillet and see just how easy and delicious 10-minute dinners can be.

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