A quick, healthy shrimp meal you can make in about 20 minutes.
INTRODUCTION
This High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp is a fast and tasty dish. It uses simple ingredients and gives you a mix of sweet and savory flavors. The shrimp cooks quickly, so this meal is great for busy nights. You can serve it over rice or with vegetables to make a full plate. If you like bowls, try a version that layers the shrimp over rice and greens with a few slices of avocado for texture like these honey garlic shrimp bowls.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this recipe because it is fast, high in protein, and very simple. The honey gives a gentle sweet taste while the garlic adds a strong savory note. Shrimp is lean and cooks fast. This recipe uses pantry staples so you can make it on short notice. It keeps well for quick lunches or dinners and works with many sides. The flavor is bright and balanced, so even picky eaters often enjoy it. You get a restaurant-style meal with little work.
HOW TO MAKE High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp
This recipe is easy. You mix the sauce, let the shrimp sit for a short time, then cook the shrimp in a hot skillet. The heat seals the flavor and keeps the shrimp juicy. The whole process takes about 15–20 minutes, including marinating time. Use fresh or thawed shrimp for the best texture. Keep an eye on the shrimp as they turn pink quickly. Overcooking makes them rubbery.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Medium bowl for the marinade
- Whisk or fork to mix the sauce
- Large skillet or nonstick pan
- Spatula or tongs to turn the shrimp
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plate or shallow dish for marinating
- Serving bowls or plates
Ingredients You’ll Need :
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, 1/4 cup honey, 3 cloves garlic, minced, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon olive oil, Salt and pepper to taste, Cooked rice or steamed vegetables for serving
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- In a bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Add the shrimp to the marinade and let it sit for 15-30 minutes.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the marinated shrimp.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the shrimp is pink and opaque.
- Serve over cooked rice or with steamed vegetables.
HOW TO SERVE High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp
Serve the shrimp hot over plain or seasoned rice for a filling meal. You can also place the shrimp on top of mixed greens for a lighter plate. For a clean and simple side, steam broccoli or green beans and place them beside the shrimp. If you like a saucier dish, warm a small pan of the leftover marinade until it thickens and pour it over the shrimp. For a complete meal with grains and vegetables, follow some of the methods shown in these easy shrimp and rice recipes that balance texture and flavor.
STORAGE & FREEZING : High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp
Store cooled shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short bursts to avoid overcooking. Avoid reheating multiple times. For freezing, place the cooked shrimp in a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as possible and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. If you want to freeze raw marinated shrimp, freeze in a sealed bag and use within 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Steamed white rice or brown rice for a simple plate.
- Quinoa or couscous for a nutty twist.
- Stir-fried vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots.
- A green salad with cucumber and a light vinaigrette for contrast.
- Serve with lime wedges for a fresh citrus lift.
For a bowl-style meal with layered textures, consider the one-pan approach that pairs well with honey-garlic flavors like this one-pan honey butter garlic chicken rice—it gives ideas for balancing sauce and grain.
VARIATIONS
- Spicy: Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a squirt of sriracha to the marinade.
- Citrus: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon or lime juice for brightness.
- Teriyaki style: Swap soy sauce for low-sodium teriyaki and skip the olive oil.
- Herby: Stir in chopped parsley or cilantro after cooking for fresh color.
- Keto-friendly: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
- Extra protein: Add edamame or steamed white beans on the side for more protein variety.
These small swaps keep the base flavor but change the final tone to fit your mood or diet.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes. Thaw the shrimp fully in the refrigerator before marinating. Pat dry to help the sauce stick.
Q: How long can I marinate the shrimp?
A: 15–30 minutes is best. A short soak gives good flavor. Do not marinate more than 1 hour because the acid in the sauce can change the shrimp texture.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead?
A: Yes. Mix the honey, garlic, soy sauce, and oil and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add the shrimp only when you are ready to cook.
Q: What if my shrimp overcook?
A: Overcooked shrimp get tough. If that happens, slice them or chop them and mix into rice or a salad with a little extra sauce to soften the bite.
Q: Is this recipe high in protein?
A: Yes. Shrimp is low in fat and high in protein. One pound of shrimp provides a good amount of protein per serving.
Q: Can I use other sweeteners instead of honey?
A: You can try maple syrup or agave. The flavor will change slightly but the cooking method stays the same.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp
- Prep the sauce in advance and store it in a jar in the fridge. This saves time when you cook.
- Peel and devein shrimp ahead of time and keep them in a sealed container in the fridge for a day.
- Cook rice or steam vegetables earlier and store them in the refrigerator for quick assembly.
- If you want a full meal ready fast, cook the shrimp and keep it cool in the fridge for up to one day. Reheat gently before serving.
- For meal prep, divide shrimp and sides into single portions. This helps with easy lunches and dinners.
Conclusion
This High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp is simple, fast, and full of flavor. It works well for weeknights and meal prep. If you want more ideas or similar recipes, check out the recipe for Honey-Garlic Shrimp for another easy take. For a version with clear step photos and tips, see the Honey Garlic Shrimp – Downshiftology page. If you want a lighter and healthy spin, read the notes on Healthy Honey Garlic Shrimp – Kim’s Cravings.
High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Add the shrimp to the marinade and let it sit for 15-30 minutes.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the marinated shrimp.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the shrimp is pink and opaque.
- Serve the shrimp hot over plain or seasoned rice or atop mixed greens.