Ginger Honey Glazed Shrimp is a tasty dish that combines sweet honey and zesty ginger. The shrimp are cooked until plump and coated in a shiny, flavorful glaze!
It’s super quick to make—perfect for busy days! I love serving it over rice or noodles, making dinner both easy and delicious. Trust me, you’ll find yourself going back for seconds! 🍤✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are ideal for this dish, as they hold the glaze well. If you can’t find fresh shrimp, frozen works just fine! I always recommend buying shrimp that’s already peeled and deveined to save time.
Honey: This is what gives the shrimp that delicious glaze. If you’re looking for a lower-sugar option, you could use maple syrup or agave syrup instead. However, honey adds a unique flavor that’s hard to beat!
Ginger: Fresh ginger is best for that spicy kick. If you don’t have any, you can use ground ginger as a last resort, but it won’t be quite the same. I love grating ginger right before using it for maximum freshness.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce works well, but you can switch to low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the salt. Alternatively, coconut aminos is a great gluten-free substitute!
Rice Vinegar: This adds a nice tang, but you can skip it if you don’t have it on hand. A squeeze of lime juice can also add a similar brightness to the dish.
How Do I Get the Shrimp to Cook Just Right?
Cooking shrimp perfectly is key to avoiding rubbery texture. Here are my tips:
- Start by making sure your shrimp are dry. Pat them with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Use high heat. This helps the shrimp sear quickly and caramelize nicely.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook shrimp in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Watch the color! Shrimp turn pink when cooked. Aim for just 2-3 minutes per side; they cook fast!
By following these tips, you’ll get juicy and flavorful shrimp coated in that tasty ginger honey glaze!
How to Make Ginger Honey Glazed Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
- 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, finely grated
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (optional, for a slight tang)
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Cooked white rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish takes about 10 minutes of preparation time and another 10 minutes for cooking, so you’ll be enjoying this meal in around 20 minutes! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels. This will help them sear nicely in the pan. Season the shrimp lightly with salt and pepper, just enough to enhance their natural flavor.
2. Make the Glaze:
In a small bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar (if you’re using it), and crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat). Whisk everything together until it’s well mixed, then set it aside. This glaze is what will give your shrimp that delicious flavor!
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until they’re fragrant—just be careful not to let them burn!
4. Cook the Shrimp:
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook them for 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink and start to caramelize. Then flip the shrimp over to cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the Glaze:
Now, pour the honey-soy mixture over the shrimp. Stir occasionally for about 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked and the sauce has thickened and glazed them beautifully.
6. Finish and Serve:
Sprinkle the sesame seeds and green onions over the shrimp and give everything a gentle toss to combine. Remove the skillet from heat, and serve immediately over cooked white rice with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing.
Enjoy your sweet, savory, and slightly spicy Ginger Honey Glazed Shrimp, packed with flavor and ready to impress your family and friends!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can do this by leaving them in the fridge overnight or by placing them in a sealed bag and submerging them in cold water for about 30 minutes. Pat them dry after thawing to ensure they sear well.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you’re looking to substitute honey, maple syrup or agave syrup works well as alternatives. Keep in mind, though, that the flavor will vary slightly. You can also use a mixture of brown sugar and water if you need a quick fix!
How Should I Store Leftover Ginger Honey Glazed Shrimp?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep them moist.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Recipe?
Definitely! Veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli can be sautéed alongside the shrimp. Just add them in when cooking the garlic and ginger to ensure they’re tender and flavorful by the time the shrimp are done.
