This Ginger Honey Glazed Shrimp is a quick and tasty dish! The shrimp are coated in a sweet and spicy glaze made from fresh ginger and honey, giving it a delicious kick.
Shrimp cooks so fast that you could make this meal in no time. Trust me, you’ll be making this again and again—it’s a real crowd-pleaser! 🍤
I love serving this shrimp over rice or noodles, soaking up that yummy glaze. It’s a simple way to impress dinner guests or just treat yourself on a weekday!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are the star of this dish. If you can’t find them, go for medium shrimp; just adjust the cooking time slightly. You could also use shrimp without tails for easier eating.
Fresh Ginger: Fresh ginger gives the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, you can substitute ground ginger. Use about 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger for each tablespoon of fresh ginger.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and creates that lovely glaze. If you’re looking for a different sweetness, agave syrup or maple syrup works well, but the flavor will vary slightly.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce works great, but if you’re worried about sodium, low-sodium soy sauce is a good alternative. For gluten-free, use tamari.
Rice Vinegar: This tangy addition brightens up the dish. If you don’t have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar or white vinegar can do the trick, though rice vinegar is milder.
How Can I Achieve Perfectly Cooked Shrimp?
Getting perfectly cooked shrimp is key for this dish. You want them tender but not overcooked, as they can turn rubbery. Here’s how to get it right:
- Make sure the shrimp are patted dry; this helps them sear better in the pan.
- Cook the shrimp in a single layer to ensure even cooking. If your skillet is small, cook them in batches.
- Watch for color changes: shrimp turn pink and opaque as they cook—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Don’t let them sit for too long!
- As soon as they are fully opaque, remove them from the heat to prevent overcooking.
Ginger Honey Glazed Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to cook, giving you a total of about 20 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s great for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water, making sure they’re clean. After rinsing, pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps to get a nice sear when cooking.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar (or lime juice), minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Whisk everything together until it’s well mixed and set this aside.
3. Heat the Pan:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil is hot and shimmering, which usually takes a minute or two.
4. Cook the Shrimp:
Add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes on one side until they begin to turn pink. This quick cooking ensures they stay juicy.
5. Add the Sauce:
Carefully flip the shrimp over and pour the prepared honey-ginger sauce into the pan. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are fully cooked (they will be opaque) and the sauce has thickened, creating a lovely glaze.
6. Serve It Up:
Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Transfer the glazed shrimp to a serving bowl, placing it over a bed of cooked rice or noodles for a complete meal.
7. Garnish:
Top your dish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor and a nice presentation.
8. Enjoy!
Serve the Ginger Honey Glazed Shrimp immediately while it’s warm, and indulge in the sweet and spicy flavors. Happy eating!
This recipe produces a glossy, flavorful shrimp dish that’s easy to make and delicious, making it an excellent choice for a quick weeknight meal!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp before cooking. The safest way is to leave them in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, you can place them in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for about 15-20 minutes until thawed.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you’re looking for a honey alternative, agave syrup or maple syrup works well. However, keep in mind that each sweetener will slightly alter the taste profile of the dish. Use the same amount as listed for honey in the recipe.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover Ginger Honey Glazed Shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Absolutely! If you want more heat, consider increasing the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce or add a dash of sriracha or chili sauce when cooking. Adjust according to your personal spice preference!
