Name: Easy 20-min. Honey Garlic Shrimp
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb jumbo shrimp (peeled, deveined, rinsed & strained); 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or any neutral oil); 1/8 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon water (cold or room temperature); 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or tapioca starch); 5 cloves garlic (minced); 1/3 cup honey; 2.5 tablespoon regular soy sauce (or light soy sauce); 1 tablespoon water (cold or room temperature); 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar / white vinegar); 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil (or any neutral oil); 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch (or tapioca starch); 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or any neutral oil); 1 green onion (finely chopped); 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 21 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a weeknight dinner that feels like a splurge but only takes a few minutes from start to finish, then you’ll absolutely love this Easy 20-min Honey Garlic Shrimp. Juicy, pan-seared shrimp are smothered in a glossy, garlicky honey sauce that begs for a bowl of fluffy rice. Everything sizzles together in a single skillet, and with just 20 minutes from prep to plate, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with takeout. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a couple of hungry friends, this recipe is about to become your go-to for lightning-fast flavor that’s anything but boring.

Easy 20-min. Honey Garlic Shrimp
- Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Easy 20-min recipe shines because every ingredient has a special role, from the luscious honey that glazes each shrimp to the pop of green speckled on top at the end. Don’t be tempted to skip or swap much—each component brings something delicious to the table!

Jumbo shrimp: Fresh or thawed, peeled and deveined—these are the centerpiece of the dish and cook up tender and juicy.
Vegetable oil: A neutral oil lets the honey-garlic sauce flavors really stand out while helping the shrimp sear and not stick.
Green onion: These are finely chopped for garnish, adding both color and a gentle bite of fresh flavor to finish.
Sesame seeds: Optional, but they add a bit of crunch and classic finishing touch—highly recommended for maximum appeal.
Cornstarch (or tapioca starch): Used both in the marinade and the sauce; it gives the shrimp a lovely light coating and creates a silky, thick sauce.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that boost all the flavors in the marinade and ensure every bite is savory.
Water: Just a splash for the marinade and sauce, helping everything come together smoothly.
Garlic: Loads of fresh minced garlic brings that signature bold flavor that makes this dish so irresistible.
Honey: The real star for sweetness—it makes the sauce sticky, shiny, and utterly addictive.
Soy sauce: A splash of umami-rich soy sauce balances out the honey and adds depth to the glaze.
Rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar / white vinegar): This brightens up the sauce with just a touch of tang to keep things lively.
Sesame oil (or any neutral oil): Just a hint for nutty aroma, making the finished dish smell totally mouthwatering.

How to Make Easy 20-min

Step 1: Prep and Dry the Shrimp

Start by giving your shrimp a little spa treatment—place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a large bowl, give them a rinse with cold water, and then lay them on paper towels. Patting them dry is key, since this helps them sear instead of steam (the secret to that perfect gentle bite). Bonus tip: don’t skip drying or the Easy 20-min adventure will yield soggy shrimp!

Step 2: Marinate for Flavor and Tenderness

Now it’s marinade time! Sprinkle your shrimp with the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and a little water, tossing well to coat every piece. Let them hang out for about 15 minutes. This brief wait infuses them with flavor and helps the cornstarch form a light, protective coating that keeps the shrimp tender once they hit the pan.

Step 3: Prepare the Sticky Honey Garlic Sauce

While your shrimp are marinating, combine the garlic, honey, soy sauce, water, vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch more cornstarch in a small bowl. Stir until the honey is fully dissolved—this is when the magic starts! The sauce should look glossy and smell amazing already. Set it aside so it’s ready to go when things get sizzling.

Step 4: Sear the Shrimp (Quick and Hot!)

Heat that trusty skillet over medium heat and swirl in the oil. When it shimmers, lay the shrimp in a single layer. Let them cook just until they’re mostly pink (about 60 to 90 seconds total), flipping halfway so both sides get some love. They’ll finish cooking in the sauce, so don’t worry if they still look a bit translucent—remove them promptly to avoid overcooking.

Step 5: Simmer and Thicken the Easy 20-min Honey Garlic Sauce

Pour your prepared honey garlic sauce directly into the same pan and bring it to a gentle simmer. Watch as it thickens right before your eyes! When you can drag a spoon across the sauce and it clings, resisting the urge to immediately run back to the pan, you know you’re set. This thick, glossy sauce is what makes Easy 20-min Honey Garlic Shrimp totally irresistible.

Step 6: Toss, Coat, and Finish

Add your almost-cooked shrimp back to the pan, tossing them gently in the thick honey garlic sauce. In about 20 seconds, the shrimp will turn fully pink, juicy, and coated in sticky goodness. Remove the pan from heat and immediately sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Your Easy 20-min Honey Garlic Shrimp is ready to dazzle!

How to Serve Easy 20-min

Garnishes

The power of a simple garnish can’t be overstated! Sprinkle the shrimp with plenty of fresh green onions for a pop of color and a little bite. If you love a bit of crunch and subtle nuttiness, shower on those sesame seeds just before serving. It takes your Easy 20-min Honey Garlic Shrimp from home-cooked to restaurant-worthy in a hurry.

Side Dishes

This shrimp is fantastic with a bowlful of steamed white or brown rice to soak up every last drop of that sticky-sweet sauce. Steamed veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy round out the plate perfectly. For a low-carb take, scoop it over cauliflower rice or even a fresh salad for a light, summery meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, stack your shrimp on skewers for party-ready appetizers, or serve them over noodles for an Easy 20-min shrimp stir-fry. Tucked inside lettuce cups, wrapped in tortillas for fusion tacos, or piled over garlic bread—this sauce turns anything into a showstopper!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Easy 20-min Honey Garlic Shrimp, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to 2 days, and the flavors will deepen a bit overnight (if you can resist eating it all!).

Freezing

Freezing cooked shrimp in this sauce is possible, though best only if necessary. Place cooled shrimp and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag, squeezing out as much air as you can. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw gently in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

The gentlest way to reheat your Easy 20-min shrimp is on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally just until warmed through—shrimp cook fast, so avoid overcooking or they’ll turn rubbery. The microwave works in a pinch but use short intervals and stir often.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Easy 20-min recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp first (overnight in the fridge or under cold running water), then pat them dry as directed. This helps them cook evenly and pick up the marinade and sauce flavors.

Is it okay to use pre-minced garlic or jarred garlic?

You can, but freshly minced garlic truly makes this Easy 20-min dish pop. The flavor is sharper and brighter. If using jarred, you may need a bit more for the same punch.

What’s the best way to avoid overcooking the shrimp?

Keep your eye on the pan! Shrimp cooks fast, and you want them just barely pink before tossing in the sauce. Pull them out as soon as they turn opaque and finish them in the sauce for the ideal, tender result.

Can I substitute chicken or tofu for the shrimp?

Definitely! Small pieces of chicken breast or extra-firm tofu, tossed in cornstarch first, work excellently. Just increase cooking time for chicken and make sure tofu is nicely browned for that Easy 20-min flavor experience.

Is this dish gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, swap regular soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Always double-check your cornstarch and vinegar brands to be sure they’re gluten-free as well!

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about whipping up a meal that feels special in almost no time at all. This Easy 20-min Honey Garlic Shrimp promises big flavors and minimal fuss—perfect for busy weeknights or a delicious dinner any day of the week. Give it a try soon, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new favorite shrimp recipe!