High Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp: A Weeknight Wonder (Print Version)

High Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe! Create a quick, healthy weeknight dinner with juicy shrimp & a sticky, sweet-savory glaze. So easy!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Dietary: Gluten-Free (use tamari), Dairy-Free

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil

→ Sweet & Savory Glaze

03 - 1/4 cup honey
04 - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for GF)
05 - 1 tbsp rice vinegar
06 - 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
07 - 4-5 cloves garlic, minced

→ Thickener & Finish

08 - 1 tsp cornstarch
09 - 1 tbsp cold water
10 - 1 tsp sesame oil
11 - 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

→ Garnish & Serving

12 - Fresh green onions, chopped (optional)
13 - Toasted sesame seeds (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get those shrimp ready. If they're frozen, make sure they're completely thawed. Then, the most important step: pat them super dry with paper towels. Seriously, drier shrimp means a better sear and less watery sauce later. This is where I always get a little messy, with paper towel bits clinging everywhere, but it's worth it for juicy shrimp. While you're doing that, whisk together all your sauce ingredients in a small bowl – the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Set that aside; it's our liquid gold for this High Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp.
02 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil. When it’s shimmering, add your dried shrimp in a single layer. Don't overcrowd the pan, or they'll steam instead of sear – I've made that mistake too many times! Cook them for just 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. They cook super fast, so don't walk away! This is where you get those beautiful golden edges. Pull them out and set them aside on a plate; we don't want to overcook them, that's a one-way ticket to rubbery town.
03 - With the pan still warm (and maybe a tiny bit messy from the shrimp, which is fine!), pour in your prepared honey garlic sauce. Let it come to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. You'll smell that amazing aroma of garlic and ginger filling your kitchen – honestly, it's intoxicating! Keep stirring for about a minute or two until it starts to thicken slightly. This is where the magic happens, transforming those simple ingredients into a sticky, glossy glaze for your High Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp.
04 - Now for the cornstarch slurry! In a tiny bowl, whisk together a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water until it's smooth. Slowly pour this into your simmering sauce in the skillet, whisking continuously. You'll see it thicken almost instantly, becoming that glorious, irresistible glaze. Keep stirring for another minute until it's bubbly and coats the back of a spoon. If it gets too thick, a tiny splash of water can loosen it up. This step is crucial for that perfect sticky texture.
05 - Once your sauce is perfectly glossy and thick, it’s time to bring the shrimp back to the party! Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to make sure every single shrimp is beautifully coated in that sweet, savory, garlicky glaze. This is where the dish truly comes alive, looking so vibrant and smelling absolutely incredible. I always sneak a tiny piece here – quality control, right?
06 - Remove the skillet from the heat. Drizzle with a tiny bit of sesame oil for that nutty, aromatic finish. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Give it one last gentle toss, and it’s ready! The High Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp should look shiny, smell divine, and be perfectly tender. Serve immediately with your favorite sides. It's a simple dish, but it feels so special every time I make it.

# Notes:

01 - Always pat your shrimp super dry before cooking; it's the secret to a good sear and prevents watery sauce.
02 - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days; reheat gently in a skillet, not the microwave.
03 - No fresh ginger? Use 1/2 tsp dried ginger powder, it works surprisingly well in a pinch.
04 - Serve over jasmine rice or cauliflower rice, with a side salad for a complete, comforting meal.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large skillet
02 - whisk
03 - measuring spoons/cups
04 - grater (for ginger)

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 350
Total Fat: 12g
Total Carbohydrate: 25g
Protein: 30g

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