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This honey garlic butter shrimp recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in just 15 minutes. The combination of sweet honey, rich butter, and fresh garlic creates an irresistible glossy sauce that perfectly coats each tender shrimp. With minimal ingredients but maximum flavor, this dish proves that simple cooking can yield spectacular results.
Key Ingredients
- Large shrimp - provides the ideal meaty texture and sweet seafood flavor
- Unsalted butter - creates a rich, smooth sauce base
- Fresh garlic - adds essential aromatic flavor
- Local honey - brings natural sweetness and helps thicken the sauce
- Light soy sauce - contributes savory umami depth
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Essential Cooking Steps
- Prepare the Base:
- Heat skillet until butter melts and begins to foam slightly.
- Build the Sauce:
- Incorporate honey, minced garlic and soy sauce until well combined.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- Add shrimp in a single layer, allowing proper space between pieces.
- Monitor Doneness:
- Cook until shrimp form a C-shape and turn pink throughout.
- Final Toss:
- Combine shrimp and sauce with a final gentle stir.
Mastering the Technique
Success with this dish comes from understanding the timing of each step. The initial butter heating sets the foundation, while proper heat management ensures the garlic becomes fragrant without burning. Pay attention to visual cues like the sauce consistency and shrimp color for best results.
Sauce Development
The magic happens when the honey meets hot butter, creating an emulsion that carries the garlic and soy flavors. This combination produces a sauce with the perfect consistency - thick enough to coat the shrimp but not overly heavy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve over steamed jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sauce. For a lighter option, pair with zucchini noodles. Steamed broccoli or asparagus make excellent side dishes that complement the rich flavors.
Recipe Variations
Consider adding red pepper flakes for heat, or substitute maple syrup for honey. A splash of white wine adds complexity, while sautéed mushrooms bring extra texture and earthiness to the dish.
Storage Guidelines
Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days. Reheat gently on low heat to maintain the sauce consistency and prevent the shrimp from becoming tough.
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Professional Tips
Monitor cooking sounds for proper temperature control.
Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
Keep ingredients moving for consistent sauce coverage.
This recipe demonstrates how a few quality ingredients, proper technique, and careful timing can produce exceptional results. The combination of tender shrimp and flavorful sauce creates a memorable dish suitable for any occasion.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I cook this with frozen shrimp?
- Absolutely, just thaw them fully first and dry them with a paper towel. This will help them get that nice golden sear.
- → Is this dish keto-friendly?
- It can be! Replace the honey with sugar-free syrup or a keto-friendly honey alternative.
- → How do I store any leftovers?
- Keep leftovers in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Warm it back up gently over the stove instead of the microwave for best results.
- → What goes well with this shrimp?
- It’s great with rice, noodles, pasta, steamed veggies, or even cauliflower rice as a lighter option.
- → Is this recipe gluten-free?
- Yep! Just swap out the soy sauce for a gluten-free variety or tamari.
Fast Garlic Honey Shrimp
Tender shrimp in a delectable mix of honey, garlic, and butter. Takes 15 minutes and uses one pan—perfect for busy evenings.
Ingredients
→ Main Ingredients
→ Optional Garnishes
Steps
Warm up a big cast-iron skillet on medium-high heat. Drop in half the butter and let it fully melt.
Mix garlic, soy sauce, and honey into the melted butter. Stir now and then until you see the sauce start to thicken, which should take 1-2 minutes. Pour it into a small dish and set it aside.
Toss half the shrimp into the skillet and cook for around 2 minutes. Flip them over, then cook another 1-2 minutes until they turn pink and curl into a ‘C.’ Move them to a plate.
Melt the rest of the butter in the pan. Now cook the other half of the shrimp until they’re done. Add the first batch back into the skillet, pour in the set-aside sauce, and mix everything until it’s coated well.
Sprinkle fresh lime juice over the shrimp if you like, add some chopped green onions or sesame seeds as garnish, and serve it piping hot.
Notes
- This can be either a starter—keep the tails on—or a main meal if you prefer the tails off.
- Try serving it with things like rice, cauliflower rice, pasta, noodles, steamed vegetables, tortillas, or bread.
- If you're cutting carbs, swap regular honey for sugar-free maple syrup or a low-carb honey alternative.
- Put leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, or keep them in the freezer for as long as 2 months.
Required Tools
- A large cast-iron skillet
- A small bowl for the sauce
Allergy Information
Check each ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
- This contains shellfish (shrimp).
- Soy is present in the soy sauce used.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
These details are provided for informational purposes and aren't a substitute for medical advice.
- Calories: 347
- Fats: 14 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Proteins: 37 g