why make this recipe
This dish is quick, tasty, and full of protein. You get lean shrimp with a sweet and savory sauce in minutes. It is great for busy nights or when you want a light but filling meal. If you like other honey-garlic dishes, try a rib version like this rib recipe for a different meal idea.
introduction
High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp uses simple ingredients you likely have at home. The sauce is just honey, soy, and garlic. Shrimp cooks fast and holds the sauce well. This recipe fits a healthy weeknight plan and works with rice or vegetables. For another easy chicken option, see this crockpot honey garlic chicken.
how to make High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp
Follow these steps to cook the shrimp fast and keep the sauce glossy.
Ingredients :
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Steamed rice or vegetables for serving
Directions :
- In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through.
- Pour the honey garlic sauce over the shrimp and cook for another minute, stirring to coat.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve over steamed rice or alongside your favorite vegetables.
how to serve High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp
Serve the shrimp over steamed rice, quinoa, or alongside steamed broccoli and carrots. Garnish with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds. For a casual plate, add a simple salad and crusty bread.
how to store High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp
Let the shrimp cool to room temperature, then place in an airtight container. Store in the fridge up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to keep the sauce from burning. Do not freeze cooked shrimp; it will become rubbery.
tips to make High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp
- Use fresh or thawed shrimp for even cooking.
- Do not overcook the shrimp — 2-3 minutes per side is enough.
- Warm the sauce before adding if you want a quicker finish.
- If the sauce is too thin, simmer a bit longer off the shrimp to thicken.
- For a full meal plan, pair with a side like cheesy spaghetti and garlic bread on a different night.
variation (if any)
- Make it spicy: add red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha.
- Make it lower sodium: use low-sodium soy sauce.
- Add vegetables: toss in snap peas or bell peppers in the skillet and cook with the shrimp.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes. Thaw fully and pat dry before cooking to avoid extra water in the pan.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Not with regular soy sauce. Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead?
A: Yes. Mix the sauce and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Warm before adding to cooked shrimp.
Q: How do I keep the shrimp from sticking?
A: Make sure the skillet and oil are hot before adding shrimp and do not overcrowd the pan.
Conclusion
For more ideas and similar recipes, you can check the classic Honey-Garlic Shrimp, a lighter take at Healthy Honey Garlic Shrimp – Kim’s Cravings, or another easy version at Honey Garlic Shrimp – Downshiftology.

High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients
For the sauce
- 1/4 cup honey Use pure honey for the best flavor.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce Use low-sodium for a healthier option.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Freshly minced garlic gives more aroma.
For the shrimp
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined Fresh or thawed shrimp work best.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing shrimp.
- Salt and pepper to taste Adjust according to preference.
- Steamed rice or vegetables for serving Serve with your choice of carbohydrates.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Cooking
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through.
- Pour the honey garlic sauce over the shrimp and cook for another minute, stirring to coat.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving
- Serve the shrimp over steamed rice or alongside your favorite vegetables.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds.