Asian Honey Garlic Shrimp with Rice
In just 15 minutes, you can create an unforgettable meal with this Honey Garlic Shrimp Skillet recipe. A dinner with delightful flavors and quick prep.
Ingredients
For the Base Recipe
- 1 pound large raw shrimp peeled and deveined
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 4-5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional for heat
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch to thicken sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or neutral cooking oil
- 3 cups cooked rice white or brown for serving
- Garnishes: sliced green onions sesame seeds, chopped peanuts (optional)
For Variations:
- Add vegetables such as broccoli asparagus, or bell peppers to the stir-fry for a more substantial dish.
- Substitute or add toasted sesame oil 1 teaspoon for more depth.
- Add orange zest or juice for a citrusy twist.
- Use tamari for gluten-free soy sauce.
Instructions
Base Recipe
- Prepare the shrimp and sauce: Pat 1 pound of raw shrimp (peeled and deveined) dry with paper towels. In a bowl, combine 1/3 cup honey, 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce, 4-5 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional). Mix well and set aside.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil or neutral cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for about 1.5 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
(Optional) Cook vegetables:
- Make the sauce: Pour the honey-garlic mixture into the same skillet and bring to a simmer over medium heat. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to create a slurry. Slowly add the cornstarch slurry to the simmering sauce, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Combine shrimp (and vegetables): Return the cooked shrimp (and vegetables if using) to the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly with the thickened sauce. Cook for an additional 1 minute to heat through.
- Garnish and Serve: Spoon the glazed shrimp and vegetables over 3 cups of cooked rice (white or brown). Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or chopped peanuts if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp (frozen or fresh) for the best flavor and texture. Opting for responsibly sourced shrimp will enhance the quality of your dish.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to maintain their tender texture.
- Adjust the honey and soy sauce to your taste. Prefer it sweeter? Try adding more honey for that perfect balance!
- For a little kick, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic; they’ll elevate the flavor and add a delightful spiciness.
- Make sure to stir frequently to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.