This Ginger Honey Glazed Shrimp is a tasty treat! The shrimp are perfectly cooked and coated in a sweet and zesty sauce that’s bursting with flavor.
Trust me, you’ll want to put this on repeat for dinner! I love to serve it over rice or noodles—it’s a quick meal that feels fancy without too much effort!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is the star of this dish! You can use frozen shrimp too, just make sure to thaw them first. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try substituting with tofu or tempeh for a similar texture.
Ginger: Fresh ginger packs a punch in flavor. If you don’t have fresh, you could use ground ginger, but use less. For those who dislike ginger, try lemon or lime juice for a zesty kick.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness. If you’re vegan, maple syrup or agave nectar can be great substitutes. Just keep in mind that they may alter the flavor slightly.
Soy Sauce: This gives a salty, umami flavor. If you’re avoiding gluten, you can use tamari. Coconut aminos is another great alternative for a soy-free option.
Cornstarch: This is optional but helps thicken the sauce. If you’re out of cornstarch, arrowroot powder or flour can be good substitutes!
How Can I Make Sure My Shrimp Are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky, but getting it right is easy with a few tips! Start by ensuring your shrimp are dry before seasoning; moisture can prevent them from searing properly. Cook them in a single layer for even cooking.
- Heat the skillet to medium-high and wait for it to be hot before adding the shrimp.
- Cook only 2 minutes per side until they turn pink. They’ll become rubbery if overcooked, so keep an eye on them!
Once you’ve mastered this step, the shrimp will be juicy and flavorful, perfectly soaking up that ginger honey glaze!
How to Make Ginger Honey Glazed Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on if desired)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Glaze:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or olive oil)
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, finely grated
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
For Garnishing:
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (toasted, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to cook, totaling about 25 minutes. In no time, you will have a delicious shrimp dish ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper. This helps the shrimp to be flavorful as they cook!
2. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Make sure it’s hot enough to sizzle when you add the shrimp.
3. Sauté Ginger and Garlic:
Add the grated ginger and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté them for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant. Just be careful not to let them burn!
4. Cook the Shrimp:
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and are cooked through. Once done, remove the shrimp and set them aside.
5. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili flakes, and sesame oil. Stir everything together until well combined.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes so it can thicken slightly. If you like a thicker glaze, stir in the cornstarch slurry and allow it to cook until the sauce thickens further.
7. Combine Shrimp with Sauce:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss them gently to coat thoroughly with the ginger honey glaze, letting all that flavor soak in!
8. Final Touch:
Let everything cook together for another minute, so the shrimp can absorb more of the sauce.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Transfer the shrimp to a serving bowl. Garnish with sliced green onions, chopped cilantro or parsley, and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for a beautiful touch!
10. Enjoy!
Serve your Ginger Honey Glazed Shrimp immediately, ideally paired with some steamed rice for a complete meal or as a delightful appetizer!
Dig in and savor the delicious, glossy, and flavorful goodness!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the shrimp before cooking. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge them in cold water for quick thawing. Pat them dry before seasoning for best results!
Can I Substitute Honey for Another Sweetener?
Yes! If you’re looking for a vegan option, maple syrup or agave nectar works well as a substitute for honey. Just keep in mind that these may slightly alter the flavor of the dish, but they’ll still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, to ensure the shrimp don’t overcook.
What Can I Serve This Dish With?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a fresh salad or some stir-fried vegetables!
