Name: Quick Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 450 g shrimp (peeled and deveined); 1 tbsp light soy sauce; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 3-4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tbsp ginger paste (or grated ginger); 4 tbsp honey; 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional); 2 green onions (sliced for garnish)

There’s something so irresistible about the sweet and savory combo in this Quick Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe—it hits all the right notes in under 10 minutes, making weeknight dinners feel like a treat without the fuss.

A white bowl filled with white rice on the bottom layer, topped with a generous pile of shiny, orange glazed shrimp. The shrimp are coated with a glossy sauce that has small bits of red chili and is garnished with fine green onion slices scattered evenly on top. A pair of brown chopsticks rests on the edge of the bowl, which is placed on a white marbled surface. In the background, there is a blurred green bowl of leafy greens and a soft beige cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Quick Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Quick Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Quick Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I swear, this recipe has become one of my top go-tos when I want something fast but still feel like I’m treating myself. It’s packed with bold garlic and ginger flavors and that lovely honey sweetness that just clings to every shrimp perfectly.

Speedy prep: You get dinner on the table in about 10 minutes flat—perfect for busy evenings.
Velveting technique: Tossing shrimp with cornstarch and soy sauce keeps them silky tender instead of rubbery.
Simple ingredients: You probably have everything in your pantry already, making this super convenient.
Versatile flavors: Whether served over rice or tossed in a salad, it’s delicious every way you try it.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a key role here—soy sauce and cornstarch protect the shrimp’s texture, while garlic, ginger, and honey create a flavor punch that’s simultaneously sweet, savory, and slightly spicy if you go for the chili flakes.

Flat lay of peeled and deveined raw shrimp arranged neatly, a small white bowl of light soy sauce, a small white bowl of cornstarch powder, a small white bowl filled with golden honey, a few whole garlic cloves scattered naturally, a small white bowl of fresh grated ginger, a small white bowl containing bright red chili flakes, two fresh green onions with vibrant green tops and white bulbs, a small white bowl of clear vegetable oil, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Shrimp: Peeled and deveined for easy cooking and eating, shrimp are quick to cook and soak up flavors beautifully.
Light soy sauce: Adds umami depth without overpowering the dish.
Cornstarch: The secret to velveting—this stops the shrimp from drying out or getting tough.
Vegetable oil: Neutral oil with a high smoke point perfect for quick frying.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic brings that sharp pungency that cuts through the sweetness.
Ginger paste: Adds a warm, zesty kick that lifts the flavor.
Honey: The star sweetener that balances garlic and ginger with a natural smoothness.
Chili flakes (optional): For a subtle heat that makes the dish more exciting.
Green onions: Fresh garnish for a mild onion crunch and color contrast.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Quick Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe is more than just quick—it’s a great base to make your own. I often switch up the heat level or add a splash of lime juice at the end for some brightness.

Spicy twist: I’ve added sriracha or fresh chopped chilies before and loved that fiery kick.
Herb upgrade: A handful of chopped cilantro or basil stirred in right at the end really freshens things up.
Vegetable add-ins: Toss in snap peas, bell peppers, or broccoli for a one-pan meal that’s colorful and crunchy.
Gluten-free tweak: Swap soy sauce for tamari to keep this recipe gluten-free without losing flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Quick Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe

A white bowl filled halfway with fluffy white rice on the right side, topped on the left side with a generous pile of glazed shrimp in a shiny orange sauce with small bits of red chili flakes. The shrimp are arranged in layers, some overlapping, and sprinkled with small green onion slices. A pair of wooden chopsticks with green and red decorations rest on the right edge of the bowl. In the background, a beige cloth sits on a white marbled surface with a small part of a white bowl of green edamame visible at the top right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Velveting the Shrimp to Perfection

First things first, mix the light soy sauce with cornstarch in a medium bowl—this simple combo will coat your shrimp and keep them silky. Toss the shrimp well, then set them aside while you prep your aromatics. Trust me, this little extra step makes a huge difference in juicy shrimp every time.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Ginger Aromatics

Heat your vegetable oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add your minced garlic and ginger paste, and sauté for just about 30 seconds. This quick cook releases their intense flavors without burning—so keep an eye on the pan and stir constantly.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp Just Right

Next, add the shrimp to your pan. Cook 1–2 minutes on each side depending on size — you’re aiming for a pink, opaque color and a slight sear. Overcooking is the enemy here, so once you see the shrimp shape curl and color, you’re good to go.

Step 4: Coat with Honey and Chili Flakes

Finally, pour in the honey and add chili flakes if you want that little spicy zing. Toss everything gently to coat the shrimp before immediately taking the pan off the heat—too much cooking at this stage can turn the honey bitter.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with thinly sliced green onions for freshness and crunch. Serve it steaming hot over fluffy rice or alongside your favorite greens, and savor the magic you just whipped up!

Top Tip

After making this Quick Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned a few little tricks that elevate it from good to wow-worthy—things that make the process smoother and the flavors pop.

Velvet your shrimp: Don’t skip the cornstarch-soy sauce toss—it locks in moisture and creates a delicate texture that’s hard to beat.
Garlic timing: Be super quick sautéing garlic and ginger to avoid bitterness; 30 seconds max is plenty.
Use a non-stick pan: It helps the honey glaze spread evenly and makes cleanup a breeze.
Remove from heat promptly: Adding honey off-heat prevents caramelizing too much and keeps things saucy and shiny.

How to Serve Quick Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with fresh green onions for a pop of color and mild bite. Sometimes I'll throw on a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped cilantro for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Side Dishes

For sides, I usually serve it over steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which soaks up the sticky honey garlic sauce perfectly. Roasted or sautéed veggies like broccoli or snap peas also add a wonderful crunch and balance out the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I've served this shrimp over a bed of zoodles (zucchini noodles) and garnished with edible flowers and microgreens—such a beautiful, fresh presentation that impressed guests without any extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The shrimp stay moist and flavorful if reheated gently.

Freezing

This recipe freezes okay, but I prefer to freeze the shrimp separately before tossing with the sauce because the honey glaze can change texture after thawing. Just freeze cooked shrimp on a tray, then transfer to a bag.

Reheating

When reheating, warm your shrimp gently in a pan over low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep the glaze from sticking and drying out. It only takes a minute or two to warm through.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just thaw the shrimp completely and pat dry before velveting with soy sauce and cornstarch. This helps the shrimp cook evenly and results in a better texture.

What can I substitute if I don’t have ginger paste?

Fresh grated ginger works great as a substitute. If you don’t have fresh ginger, a small pinch of ground ginger can work in a pinch, but fresh or paste is best for that bright flavor.

Is this Quick Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe spicy?

The base recipe isn’t spicy, but adding the optional chili flakes gives a mild kick. You can adjust the chili amount to your heat preference, or leave them out entirely for a sweeter dish.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the light soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to keep it gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

This Quick Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe really feels like a little victory on busy days—it’s fast, flavorful, and comforting. I love how effortlessly it elevates simple ingredients into something special, and I’m excited for you to give it a try and make it your own family favorite too.