Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp Quick and Flavorful Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that packs a flavorful punch in no time, you’ve found it! This Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe is quick and easy. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a meal that’s sweet, spicy, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re a cooking newbie or a kitchen pro, follow me as I guide you through making this tasty shrimp dish that will impress anyone at your table. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

– 3 tablespoons honey

– 2 tablespoons soy sauce

– 3 cloves garlic, finely minced

– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 1 tablespoon sesame oil

– 2 green onions, finely chopped (for garnish)

– Sesame seeds (for garnish)

– Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste

This recipe calls for simple and fresh ingredients. The shrimp should be large and peeled. Honey adds sweetness, while soy sauce gives depth. Minced garlic and ginger bring flavor and aroma. Red pepper flakes add heat, so adjust to your taste. Olive and sesame oils create a rich base for cooking. Green onions and sesame seeds are perfect for garnish. Don’t forget salt and pepper for seasoning!

Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. They help each bite burst with flavor. You can find these items at your local store. If you prefer, you can also order some online.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Spicy Honey Garlic Sauce

To make the sauce, grab a small mixing bowl. Add 3 tablespoons of honey. Then, pour in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. Next, add 3 cloves of finely minced garlic. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for heat. Finally, add 1 tablespoon of finely grated ginger. Whisk all these ingredients until they mix well. This sauce packs flavor and sweetness.

Cooking the Shrimp

First, take 1 pound of large shrimp that are peeled and deveined. Pat them dry with paper towels. This helps them sear nicely. Lightly season the shrimp with salt and freshly cracked pepper on both sides. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Let the oils heat until they shimmer. Then, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook them without stirring for about 2-3 minutes. You want them to turn pink and curl at the edges. Carefully flip each shrimp over. Pour the prepared spicy honey garlic sauce over the shrimp. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring often. The shrimp should be fully cooked and coated in sauce.

Finishing Touches

After cooking, remove the skillet from heat. Let the shrimp rest in the sauce for a minute. This allows them to soak up all the flavors. Just before serving, garnish the shrimp with finely chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. These add extra texture and flavor. Enjoy the dish over fluffy jasmine rice or with steamed veggies.

Tips & Tricks

Achieving the Perfect Sear

To get a great sear on shrimp, start by drying them well. Use paper towels to pat the shrimp. The dryer they are, the better they will cook. After drying, season them lightly with salt and pepper. This helps bring out their natural flavor and adds a nice crust.

Adjusting Spice Levels

If you like spice, add more red pepper flakes. For a milder taste, reduce or skip the flakes. You can also add sweet elements like more honey to balance heat. This way, you can create a dish that fits your taste.

Making the Sauce Ahead of Time

You can make the sauce in advance. Mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, red pepper flakes, and ginger in a bowl. Store it in a sealed container in the fridge. This makes cooking quick and easy on a busy night. Just remember to give it a stir before using it!

Variations

Adding Vegetables

You can add vegetables to make your dish more colorful and healthy. Great options include:

– Bell peppers

– Broccoli

– Snap peas

– Carrots

– Zucchini

Cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Stir-fry them in the pan before adding the shrimp. This way, they stay crisp and fresh.

Alternative Protein Options

If you don’t have shrimp, you can use other proteins. Chicken and tofu work well in this recipe.

– For chicken, use boneless, skinless breasts. Cut them into small pieces. Cook them until they’re golden brown and fully cooked.

– For tofu, use firm or extra-firm tofu. Press it to remove extra water, then cut it into cubes. Pan-fry until golden before adding the sauce.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

Making this dish gluten-free is easy. Just swap regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. Both options add great flavor without gluten. Always check labels to ensure they are gluten-free.

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

Store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and safe. Place the shrimp in the fridge within two hours of cooking. Try to eat them within three days for the best taste.

Freezing Instructions

To freeze spicy honey garlic shrimp, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze them for up to three months. For best flavor, use them sooner rather than later.

Reheating Tips

Reheat shrimp in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or oil to keep them moist. Stir gently until hot. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the shrimp rubbery. Enjoy your meal again with great flavor!

FAQs

How long do I cook shrimp?

You should cook shrimp for about 4 to 6 minutes. Start with 2 to 3 minutes on one side. When they turn pink and curl, flip them over. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes after adding the sauce. They are done when they look opaque.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. The best way is to place them in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, run them under cold water for about 10-15 minutes. Pat them dry before cooking to get a nice sear.

What can I serve with spicy honey garlic shrimp?

You can serve this dish with jasmine rice. It soaks up the sauce well. Another great option is steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas. You can also try it in a fresh salad for a lighter option. Enjoy the flavors together!

This blog post shared an easy recipe for spicy honey garlic shrimp. We covered ingredients, step-by-step cooking, tips, and variations. Remember, you can tweak the spice and add veggies or other proteins. Storing leftovers safely keeps flavors fresh for later meals. Try this dish with rice or noodles for a great meal. Enjoy making it your own and impressing your guest