Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for my honey garlic shrimp recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
How To Make Honey Garlic Shrimp
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
Use raw shrimp, and thaw it first. Precooked shrimp will overcook when you try to cook it again, plus it won’t absorb the marinade flavors very well. And if you’ve got frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw and dry well before marinating. A quick 10-minute marinating time is all you need. But since the marinade doesn’t contain any acidic ingredients, you can marinate it for up to 2 hours if you like. Use a cast iron skillet if you can. I use and love this enameded cast iron pan. Another type will work, but I find that cast iron heats the best and thickens the sauce more quickly, so your shrimp won’t overcook. Work quickly to flip and add the reserved marinade to avoid overcooking. Shrimp cooks fast! By the time you arrange all the pieces on the first side, it’s usually time to start flipping the first ones you put in. Too sweet for you? You can mellow out the sauce by serving with lime or lemon wedges to cut the sweetness.
You can also use fresh cauliflower rice, plain white or brown rice, my easy fried rice, or even serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. For other quick veggies, try my smashed cucumber salad, Asian salad, or roasted bok choy. Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email.
Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to ensure your honey garlic shrimp turns out, juicy, not rubbery, and how to cut the sweetness if you find it too sweet. Store: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3-4 days. Reheat: Warm the shrimp in a skillet for a couple of minutes. Freeze: Not as good as fresh, but it will last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Nutrition info does not include the optional green onions, and uses my Wholesome Yum Zero Sugar Honey. As always, feeling grateful for quick meals — and sometimes it’s nice not to have to plan ahead. I can throw this recipe together quickly without any advance prep. 🙌
