Are you searching for a meal that is incredibly delicious, lightning-fast to prepare, and packed with nutrients? If so, you have come to the right place. This incredible high-protein honey garlic shrimp recipe checks all those boxes and more. In fact, it’s a perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need to get a healthy dinner on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. The sauce is a magical combination of sweet honey and savory garlic, which perfectly coats each succulent piece of shrimp. Consequently, you get a restaurant-quality dish that is surprisingly simple to make at home. Get ready to add a new favorite to your meal rotation.
Why You’ll Love This High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
There are numerous reasons why this dish will quickly become a go-to in your household. Beyond its amazing taste, the convenience and health benefits make it a clear winner for anyone looking for balanced and easy meal options. For instance, you can have this entire meal ready in less than 20 minutes from start to finish. Therefore, it’s ideal for those evenings when time is short but you don’t want to compromise on quality.
- Incredibly Flavorful: First and foremost, the balance of sweet and savory is simply irresistible. The natural sweetness of honey, combined with the pungent kick of fresh garlic and the saltiness of soy sauce, creates a glaze that is truly addictive.
- Quick and Easy: Additionally, this is one of the fastest meals you can make. Shrimp cooks in just a few minutes, and the sauce comes together in the same pan. As a result, you save time on both cooking and cleanup.
- Packed with Protein: Furthermore, shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle building, repair, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied. This makes our high-protein honey garlic shrimp a fantastic choice for a post-workout meal or a light yet filling dinner.
- Amazingly Versatile: Finally, you can serve this dish in so many different ways. For example, pair it with rice, quinoa, noodles, or a side of steamed vegetables for a complete and balanced meal. It is also wonderful for meal prepping lunches for the week ahead.
High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp: The 15 Ultimate Steps for a Delicious, Healthy Meal
This high-protein honey garlic shrimp is sweet, savory, and ready in just 20 minutes. Juicy shrimp are coated in a sticky honey garlic glaze and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for a healthy, flavor-packed meal.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
4–5 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp water (optional, for thickening)
Garnish:
Sliced green onions
Sesame seeds
Instructions
1. Pat shrimp dry with a paper towel and season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger to make the sauce.
3. If using, mix cornstarch and water in a separate small bowl to create a slurry and set aside.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
5. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque. Do not overcrowd the pan.
6. Reduce heat to low and pour the honey garlic sauce over the shrimp.
7. If desired, stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer until sauce thickens slightly, about 1 minute.
8. Stir gently to coat all shrimp evenly in the sauce.
9. Remove skillet from heat to avoid overcooking.
10. Transfer shrimp to a serving dish.
11. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
12. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or vegetables.
13. For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
14. To meal prep, divide shrimp and sauce into containers with your choice of base.
15. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
16. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Notes
Use fresh shrimp for best texture, or thaw frozen shrimp thoroughly and pat dry before cooking.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy twist.
A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end brightens the dish.
Pairs well with rice, quinoa, soba noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Make gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
The Many Health Benefits of Eating Shrimp
Shrimp is more than just a tasty seafood option; it’s a nutritional powerhouse. For a long time, people were cautious about shrimp due to its cholesterol content. However, modern nutritional science has shown that dietary cholesterol has less impact on blood cholesterol levels than previously thought for most people. In reality, shrimp offers a variety of significant health benefits that make it a great addition to a balanced diet.
A Powerful Source of Lean Protein
As the name of our recipe suggests, shrimp is exceptionally high in protein. A single 3-ounce serving provides around 20 grams of protein for very few calories. According to Healthline, protein is crucial for weight management because it boosts metabolism and reduces appetite, keeping you fuller for longer. This high-protein content, therefore, makes our high-protein honey garlic shrimp recipe an excellent choice for anyone focused on fitness or maintaining a healthy weight. In addition to supporting muscle growth, protein is vital for nearly every function in the body.
Rich in Essential Vitamins and Minerals
Besides being a protein star, shrimp is also loaded with important vitamins and minerals. For instance, it is one of the best food sources of selenium, an antioxidant that helps fight cell damage and reduce inflammation. Moreover, shrimp provides a significant amount of Vitamin B12, which is essential for nerve function and the production of DNA and red blood cells. It also contains iodine, a mineral that is critical for proper thyroid function and brain health. As you can see, incorporating shrimp into your diet provides a wide array of micronutrients.
Low in Calories, High in Satisfaction
One of the most appealing aspects of shrimp is its low-calorie profile. You can enjoy a generous portion without consuming a large number of calories, which is a huge advantage for weight control. When you combine this with its high protein content, you get a food that is incredibly satisfying. Consequently, a meal like this high-protein honey garlic shrimp can help prevent overeating later on. For those interested in effective weight management strategies, exploring how different foods contribute to satiety is key. In fact, some people even look into unique methods like the gelatin trick for weight loss to help feel full.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, and that extends to the ingredient list. You’ll only need a handful of common pantry staples to create this mouthwatering dish. For the best results, always try to use the freshest ingredients possible, especially when it comes to the garlic and ginger.
For the Shrimp
- Large Shrimp: You will need one pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. You can use fresh or frozen; however, if you use frozen, make sure they are fully thawed before you begin.
- Olive Oil: A tablespoon of good-quality olive oil is perfect for searing the shrimp. Olive oil not only prevents sticking but also adds a subtle, fruity flavor. If you’re interested, you can learn more about the amazing benefits of olive oil for your health.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Just a pinch of each to season the shrimp before cooking.
For the Honey Garlic Sauce
- Honey: The star of the sauce, providing that signature sweetness. You’ll need about 1/3 cup.
- Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness. About 1/4 cup is needed. For a gluten-free option, you can substitute tamari or coconut aminos.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is a must for the best flavor. Use at least 4-5 cloves.
- Ginger: A teaspoon of freshly grated ginger adds a warm, zesty note that complements the garlic beautifully.
- Cornstarch (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can create a slurry with one teaspoon of cornstarch and two teaspoons of water.
- Garnish: Sliced green onions and sesame seeds add a fresh finish and a nice crunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to create this delicious high-protein honey garlic shrimp. The process is straightforward and quick, making it perfect for any skill level in the kitchen. Just follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
First, ensure your shrimp are peeled, deveined, and have their tails removed if you prefer. Then, pat them completely dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial because it helps the shrimp get a beautiful sear instead of just steaming in the pan. Next, season them lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. If you are using the optional cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce, prepare it in a separate small bowl and set it aside for later. Mixing the sauce beforehand ensures all the flavors meld together perfectly.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
After that, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the shrimp in a single layer. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan; otherwise, the shrimp will steam. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or just until they turn pink and opaque. This happens very quickly, so keep a close eye on them.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
As soon as the shrimp are cooked, reduce the heat to low. Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over the shrimp in the skillet. If you are using the cornstarch slurry, now is the time to whisk it into the sauce. Continuously stir everything together until the sauce has thickened slightly and beautifully coats every piece of shrimp. This should only take about 30-60 seconds. Remember to remove the pan from the heat immediately to prevent the shrimp from overcooking.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finally, transfer your finished high-protein honey garlic shrimp to a serving dish. Garnish generously with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This not only adds flavor and texture but also makes the dish look incredibly appetizing. Serve immediately while it’s hot and enjoy!
Tips, Variations, and Serving Suggestions
While this recipe is fantastic as is, there are many ways to customize it to your liking or to simply keep things interesting. Here are a few professional tips, creative variations, and perfect pairing ideas to elevate your high-protein honey garlic shrimp experience.
Pro Tips for the Best Shrimp
The number one rule for cooking shrimp is to avoid overcooking it. Overcooked shrimp becomes tough and rubbery. As explained by the experts at Mayo Clinic, fish and shellfish cook very quickly. Shrimp is perfectly cooked when it forms a loose “C” shape and turns from translucent to a beautiful opaque pink. Furthermore, always start with a hot pan to get that perfect, quick sear which locks in the juices and flavor.
Delicious Variations
Feel free to get creative with this base recipe. For instance, if you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. Alternatively, a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice at the very end can brighten up all the flavors. You can also turn this into a complete one-pan meal by adding some quick-cooking vegetables like broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or snow peas to the skillet along with the shrimp.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Ideas
This high-protein honey garlic shrimp is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. The classic choice is to serve it over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. For a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles are excellent alternatives. In addition, it pairs wonderfully with quinoa, soba noodles, or a simple side of steamed asparagus or green beans. For a truly comforting meal lineup, you could even serve it as a starter before a hearty bowl of something like a creamy cowboy soup recipe.
Conclusion
In summary, this high-protein honey garlic shrimp recipe offers the perfect combination of speed, flavor, and nutrition. It is an ideal dish for anyone seeking a healthy meal that doesn’t require a lot of time or effort. With its succulent shrimp and irresistible sweet and savory sauce, it is sure to please the entire family. Moreover, the versatility of this dish allows for endless variations and serving options. We encourage you to try this amazing high-protein honey garlic shrimp and discover just how simple and satisfying healthy eating can be.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely. Frozen shrimp works perfectly for this high-protein honey garlic shrimp recipe. Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way to do this is by placing the frozen shrimp in a colander and running cold water over them for a few minutes until they are no longer frozen. Afterward, pat them thoroughly dry as instructed.
How do I know when the shrimp is cooked?
Shrimp cooks very quickly, usually in just 2-3 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the color changes from grayish and translucent to pink and opaque. Another key indicator is the shape; perfectly cooked shrimp will curl into a gentle “C” shape. If it curls into a tight “O,” it is likely overcooked.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe can easily be made gluten-free. The only ingredient that typically contains gluten is soy sauce. To adapt the recipe, simply substitute the regular soy sauce with a certified gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. The taste will be just as delicious.
