Quick & Healthy Dinner: 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Introduction
This quick and healthy honey garlic shrimp recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The sweet and savory sauce pairs beautifully with tender shrimp for a meal that’s both simple and satisfying.

Ingredients
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (reduced sodium recommended)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 teaspoon jarred minced garlic)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
- 1 lb medium uncooked shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- Optional for garnish: chopped green onion
Instructions
- Step 1: Whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger (if using) in a medium bowl. Set half of this mixture aside for cooking the shrimp later.
- Step 2: Place the shrimp in a large sealable container or zipped-top bag. Pour half of the marinade over the shrimp, shake or stir to coat evenly, then refrigerate for 15 minutes or up to 8-12 hours. Cover and refrigerate the remaining marinade for cooking.
- Step 3: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp (discard the marinade used for marinating) and cook until pink on one side, about 45 seconds. Flip the shrimp and pour in the reserved marinade. Cook for 1-2 more minutes until shrimp is cooked through and sauce is heated.
- Step 4: Serve the shrimp with the cooked marinade sauce and garnish with chopped green onions if desired. This dish pairs well with brown rice and steamed vegetables.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Use fresh ginger instead of jarred for a brighter, more aromatic taste.
- Try substituting shrimp with scallops or chicken for different protein options.
Storage
Store leftover shrimp and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, thaw frozen shrimp completely before marinating and cooking to ensure even cooking and best texture.
What can I serve with honey garlic shrimp?
This dish is great served over brown rice, quinoa, or alongside steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for a balanced meal.
PrintQuick & Healthy Dinner: 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
This Quick & Healthy Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner, ready in just 20 minutes. Succulent shrimp are marinated in a flavorful blend of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and optional fresh ginger, then quickly cooked in a skillet for a deliciously sticky and savory meal. Serve it over brown rice and steamed vegetables for a balanced plate that’s both satisfying and wholesome.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Marinade & Sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 teaspoon jarred minced garlic)
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger (optional)
Shrimp
- 1 lb medium uncooked shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
Garnish
- Chopped green onion (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and fresh ginger if using. Divide the mixture in half—set one half aside for cooking later.
- Marinate Shrimp: Place the shrimp in a large sealable container or zipped-top bag. Pour half of the marinade over the shrimp, toss or shake to coat evenly, then refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 8-12 hours for deeper flavor. Cover and refrigerate the remaining marinade for the cooking step.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer, discarding the marinade used for soaking. Cook shrimp on one side until pink and opaque, about 45 seconds. Flip shrimp over, pour in the reserved marinade, and cook everything together until shrimp are completely cooked through, about 1-2 more minutes. The sauce will thicken and coat the shrimp beautifully.
- Serve: Plate the shrimp with the cooked marinade sauce spooned over. Garnish with chopped green onion if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with brown rice and steamed vegetables for a wholesome meal.
Notes
- Marinating shrimp longer (up to 8-12 hours) enhances the flavor but 15 minutes works well for a quick meal.
- To save time, steam vegetables and cook rice while shrimp marinates.
- Use reduced sodium soy sauce to keep sodium levels moderate.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
- Fresh ginger is optional but adds a bright, zesty flavor.
- Reserve marinade separately for cooking to avoid contamination risk from raw shrimp.
Keywords: honey garlic shrimp, quick dinner, healthy shrimp recipe, 20 minute meal, easy shrimp skillet, weeknight dinner

