SPREAD LOVE

High Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

Name: High Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1/4 cup honey; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce (non-alcohol alternative); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped green onions for garnish

This bright, friendly take on honey garlic shrimp delivers big flavor with minimal fuss—sweet honey, punchy garlic, and juicy shrimp come together in minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a protein-forward dish without a lot of cleanup. If you enjoy rich garlic sauces, try a creamy partner like this creamy garlic parmesan spaghetti for another crowd-pleasing weeknight favorite.

Why make this recipe
This dish stands out because of its balance of sweet and savory, its speed, and the high protein content provided by plump shrimp. What makes it special is the incredibly simple sauce—honey and soy sauce glaze with fresh garlic—that clings to the shrimp, delivering restaurant-style results at home with only a handful of pantry ingredients and about 15 minutes of active time.

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 cup honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce (non-alcohol alternative)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped green onions for garnish

Step-by-Step Guide to Making High Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp

Prepare your ingredients. Gather all ingredients. Peel and devein the shrimp if they aren’t already prepared. Mince the garlic and chop the green onions so everything is ready to go—shrimp cooks fast, so mise en place is helpful.
Preheat the pan. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. A wide skillet gives the shrimp room to sear rather than steam.
Sear the shrimp. Add the shrimp in a single layer (don’t overcrowd the pan) and cook for 2–3 minutes on the first side until the underside turns pink and begins to firm. Flip each shrimp and cook another 1–2 minutes until opaque and just cooked through. Shrimp will curl into a C-shape when done; avoid letting them curl tightly into an O, which signals overcooking.
Sauté the garlic. Lower the heat to medium-low, then add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly so the garlic softens and becomes fragrant but does not brown. Burned garlic turns bitter, so keep a close eye.
Make the glaze. Pour in the 1/4 cup honey and 2 tablespoons soy sauce. Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently to combine and let the mixture simmer for 1–2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and coats the shrimp evenly. If the sauce becomes too thick, a splash of water or a teaspoon of soy sauce can loosen it while keeping flavor.
Finish and garnish. Remove the skillet from heat. Plate the shrimp, spooning any remaining glaze over the top, and finish with chopped green onions for color and a fresh bite.

Notes on timing and doneness: total cook time is very short—plan on 6–8 minutes of active stovetop cooking once the pan is hot. Overcooking shrimp will make them rubbery; remove from heat as soon as they’re pink and opaque.

Why this is high-protein and healthy: a 1-pound portion of large shrimp provides a substantial amount of lean protein with relatively low calories and fat, making this recipe a great option for protein-focused meals.

Best Way to Store High Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp

Refrigerator: Store covered in an airtight container for 2 days at 40°F (4°C) or below.
Freezer: For longer storage, flash-freeze cooked shrimp in a single layer, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, and keep for up to 1 month at 0°F (-18°C). Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating tip: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or briefly in the microwave to avoid overcooking; adding a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil helps maintain moisture.

Serving Suggestions for High Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp

Over rice: Spoon the honey garlic shrimp over steamed jasmine or brown rice so the glaze soaks into the grains.
With noodles: Toss with soba, udon, or linguine and a drizzle of sesame oil for a more substantial, noodle-forward meal.
On a salad: Chill the cooked shrimp and add to a bed of mixed greens, sliced cucumber, and shredded carrots for a refreshing protein-packed salad.
As tacos or wraps: Warm tortillas, add a handful of slaw and the shrimp for quick fish-taco style sandwiches.
With roasted veggies: Pair with roasted broccoli or asparagus to add fiber and color for a complete plate.

Tips to make High Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp (Q&A style)
Q: How do I keep the shrimp moist?
A: Don’t overcook—shrimp cook very quickly. Remove them from the pan as soon as they’re opaque. Rest them briefly in the residual sauce off the heat so they stay juicy.

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water before drying thoroughly and cooking.

Q: What if my sauce is too thin or too thick?
A: Too thin: simmer a little longer, or whisk in a small cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) to thicken briefly. Too thick: add a teaspoon or two of water or soy sauce and gently heat to loosen.

Variation (Substitutions and swaps)

Swap the protein: Use scallops or cubed chicken breast in place of shrimp. Adjust cooking time—chicken needs longer to reach a safe internal temp, about 165°F (74°C).
Make it gluten-free: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative without sacrificing umami.

Additional cooking pointers and flavor boosts:

Add citrus: A squeeze of lemon or lime just before serving brightens the glaze.
Toasted sesame seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for aroma and crunch.
Herb finish: Finish with chopped cilantro for a fresh, herbaceous lift.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is honey garlic shrimp healthy?
A: Yes — shrimp are a lean source of protein and this recipe uses modest amounts of honey and olive oil. Pairing with whole grains and vegetables keeps the meal balanced.

Q: Can I make this spicy?
A: Absolutely. Increase the red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of sriracha to the glaze for more heat.

Q: How can I prep ahead?
A: Mince the garlic and chop green onions up to 24 hours ahead. You can also mix the honey-soy sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge; add it to the pan when cooking the shrimp.

What to do if shrimp smell fishy

Fresh shrimp should have a clean, slightly briny smell. If shrimp smells distinctly fishy or off, discard them. When in doubt, buy from reputable sources and check the sell-by date.

Nutrition and portioning (practical notes)

A typical serving (about 4–6 ounces of cooked shrimp) provides roughly 20–25 grams of protein depending on shrimp size. This makes the dish especially good for those aiming to increase protein intake without too many calories. To make a filling meal for two to three people, serve the full pound over rice or with sides.

Presentation and plating tips

Use contrast: place shrimp on a bed of white rice and finish with green onions and sesame seeds for visual pop.
Sauce pool: Spoon extra warm glaze around the shrimp rather than over them for an elegant restaurant-style presentation.
Timing for guests: Because the shrimp are best served immediately after cooking, plan to have sides hot and ready so the shrimp can be plated and served right away.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Overcrowding the pan: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure a good sear.
Burning the garlic: Add garlic after flipping the shrimp and lower the heat to avoid bitterness.
Over-sugaring the dish: If the glaze becomes cloyingly sweet, add a splash of soy sauce or a squeeze of citrus to balance it.

Quick meal prep and scaling

To scale up for meal prep, cook shrimp in batches and cool quickly before refrigerating. Use airtight containers and portion with rice and roasted veggies for grab-and-go lunches that reheat well. For meal prep calories under 350 per serving, keep rice portions moderate and bulk with vegetables.

Variation (comparison-style)

Honey vs. maple syrup: Honey gives a classic floral sweetness and a glossy finish; maple syrup will add a deeper, slightly smoky sweetness. Both work, but honey tends to create the familiar sticky glaze most people expect.

More ideas for customization

Add ginger: For a more Asian-inspired profile, sauté 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger with the garlic.
Make it herby: Toss finished shrimp with chopped basil or cilantro for a fresher, herb-forward flavor.

FAQs (bolded questions)
How long does this recipe take from start to finish?
About 20 minutes total: 5–10 minutes prep and 6–8 minutes cooking time.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but cook the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and losing the sear.

Is there a low-sodium option?
Use low-sodium soy sauce or dilute your soy sauce with a little water and add extra garlic and acid (citrus) to maintain flavor.

Closing notes on technique

High heat and a hot pan are your friends for searing shrimp. However, once the shrimp are nearly done, lower the heat before adding honey so the sugars in the honey don’t scorch. A gentle simmer helps the honey and soy emulsify into a glossy glaze.

Conclusion

If you want more meal-prep friendly versions and calorie-conscious takes on honey garlic shrimp, check out this helpful Honey Garlic Shrimp Meal Prep (Under 350 Calories!) for ideas on portions and sides. For a quick variation and timing tips, this 10-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp – Vikalinka walkthrough is a great short read with alternative serving suggestions.