This Ginger Honey Glazed Shrimp is a tasty treat! The shrimp are sweet and sticky, thanks to the mix of honey and ginger. It cooks up quickly and smells amazing!
I love making this dish when I’m in a hurry. You just fry the shrimp and glaze them, and voila—dinner is served! Don’t be surprised if you want to eat them all at once! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are perfect for this dish. You can also use shrimp that are already cooked; just toss them in the sauce for a shorter time. If you’re not a fan of shrimp, try chicken or tofu instead.
Honey: Honey gives a nice sweetness. If you’re vegan, maple syrup or agave syrup works well as a substitute. Both will give you that sweet kick without the animal products.
Ginger: Fresh ginger is best for its bright flavor. If you don’t have fresh ginger, ground ginger can work in a pinch; just use less since it’s stronger in flavor.
Vegetable Oil: Using sesame oil adds a wonderful depth. If you don’t have sesame, any neutral oil like canola or grapeseed oil will work fine. Olive oil is another option, but the flavor will be different.
Rice Vinegar: This is optional but adds a nice tang. If you don’t have it, try apple cider vinegar or omit it altogether if you prefer a sweeter dish.
How Do I Get the Shrimp Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking shrimp perfectly is key to this dish. Overcooking can lead to rubbery shrimp. Follow these tips to get it just right:
- Start with a hot pan to sear the shrimp. They should sizzle when they hit the oil.
- Cook for about 2 minutes on one side until they are pink and opaque, then flip.
- Once flipped, pour the sauce over them and stir. Cook just until they’re opaque throughout, around 2-3 minutes more.
- Shells on or off? If you like to keep the tails on, it adds a nice presentation. Just be mindful when serving!
How to Make Ginger Honey Glazed Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off as preferred)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil for more flavor)
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (optional, for a slight tang)
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, finely grated
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp red chili flakes (optional, for heat)
For Garnishing:
- 2 green onions (scallions), thinly sliced
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Cooked white rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 5-6 minutes to cook, totaling about 15-16 minutes from start to finish. You can have a delicious meal ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Begin by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels. This step helps the shrimp sear nicely in the pan. Season them lightly with salt and pepper for a pop of flavor.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar (if you’re using it), grated ginger, minced garlic, and red chili flakes (if you like it spicy). Set this flavorful sauce aside; we’ll use it shortly!
3. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable or sesame oil over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil is hot but not smoking—it’s time to add the shrimp!
4. Cook the Shrimp:
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Allow them to cook for about 2 minutes without stirring until they become pink and start to firm up. This ensures a nice sear on one side.
5. Add the Sauce:
Flip the shrimp over, then pour the honey-ginger sauce over them. Stir gently to coat all the shrimp evenly and cook for another 2-3 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they turn completely pink and the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the glazed shrimp with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a fresh finish.
7. Plate the Dish:
Serve the delicious Ginger Honey Glazed Shrimp over warm cooked white rice. Don’t forget to spoon any extra sauce from the pan over the top for a flavor boost!
8. Enjoy!
Now, sit back and enjoy your flavorful Ginger Honey Glazed Shrimp! It’s a delightful dish perfect for any occasion.
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely before using them. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed bag submerged in cold water. Pat them dry before cooking for the best results.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you’re looking for a honey alternative, maple syrup or agave syrup works wonderfully. Both options will maintain that sweet flavor while making the dish vegan-friendly!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in some veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli when adding the shrimp to the skillet. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they cook through while the shrimp are done.
