High Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp brings together the perfect balance of sweet and savory in one skillet. I still remember the first time I made this dish for my grandchildren – they couldn’t stop talking about how the honey caramelized with the garlic, creating that glossy sauce that clung to every plump shrimp.
There’s something special about a recipe that comes together in less time than it takes to set the table. Growing up in the Midwest, seafood wasn’t always on our weekly menu, but when Mama brought home fresh shrimp from the market, it was cause for celebration. She’d stand at the stove, tossing those pink beauties in a hot skillet while the whole house filled with the aroma of garlic and something sweet – usually a drizzle of honey from the jar we kept by the stove.
This high protein honey garlic shrimp reminds me of those special evenings, except now I’ve perfected the technique to get that sauce just right every single time. The shrimp cook quickly, the sauce thickens beautifully, and before you know it, you’ve got a restaurant-quality meal that your family will request again and again. Time to get those skillets heated.
What Makes This High Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp So Special
This isn’t just another shrimp recipe – it’s the kind of dish that solves your busy weeknight dinner dilemma while delivering serious nutrition. After years of cooking for my family and testing countless variations, I’ve learned what makes this honey garlic shrimp stand out from all the rest.
Here’s why this recipe belongs in your regular rotation:
- Ready in 20-25 minutes total, making it perfect for those evenings when everyone’s hungry and time is short
- Packed with 220 calories and lean protein per serving, supporting your health goals without sacrificing flavor
- Uses simple pantry staples like honey, garlic, and soy sauce that you likely already have on hand
- Requires just one skillet, which means minimal cleanup and more time enjoying your meal
- Delivers that perfect sweet-savory balance that appeals to both adults and picky eaters
- Adapts beautifully whether you’re serving it over rice, with vegetables, or alongside a fresh salad
I’ve served this high protein honey garlic shrimp to everyone from my grandchildren to dinner party guests, and the response is always the same – empty plates and requests for seconds. The honey creates a beautiful glaze while the garlic adds depth, and together they transform ordinary shrimp into something truly memorable.
Ingredient Spotlight
Understanding your ingredients makes all the difference in how a dish turns out. Let me walk you through what goes into this recipe and why each component matters.
Large Shrimp: The star of our dish, large shrimp provide lean protein and cook quickly without becoming rubbery when you follow the timing correctly. I always choose shrimp that are already peeled and deveined to save precious time on busy evenings.
Honey: This natural sweetener does double duty by adding sweetness and helping create that gorgeous glossy coating that makes the dish so appealing. In my kitchen, I prefer using raw honey for its richer flavor, though any honey you have works beautifully.
Fresh Garlic: Minced garlic cloves bring aromatic depth and savory notes that balance the honey’s sweetness perfectly. I’ve found that fresh garlic makes all the difference compared to the jarred variety – it’s worth those extra few minutes of mincing.
Soy Sauce: This ingredient adds umami richness and a touch of saltiness that rounds out the flavor profile while helping the sauce cling to each piece of shrimp. I typically use regular soy sauce, but low-sodium works if you’re watching your salt intake.
Olive Oil: Used both for cooking the shrimp and in the sauce mixture, olive oil adds healthy fats and prevents sticking while contributing a subtle richness to the final dish.
Cornstarch: This optional thickening agent helps create that restaurant-style glossy sauce that coats the shrimp instead of pooling at the bottom of the skillet. Betty’s tip: mix it with the sauce before adding to avoid lumps.
Green Onions and Sesame Seeds: These garnishes aren’t just for looks – the green onions add a fresh, mild onion flavor while sesame seeds contribute a nutty crunch that elevates the entire presentation.
How to Make High Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp
Let me guide you through the process that I’ve refined over countless family dinners. This method ensures tender shrimp with perfectly caramelized sauce every single time.
Step 1. I always start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water and patting them completely dry with paper towels – this simple step prevents excess moisture from diluting your sauce and helps achieve better browning.
Step 2. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and olive oil until well combined. Betty’s tip: if you want a thicker sauce that really clings to the shrimp, stir in the cornstarch now to avoid lumps later.
Step 3. Heat your large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil, swirling to coat the bottom evenly. After years of making this, I’ve learned that getting the pan properly hot before adding the shrimp is crucial for that beautiful sear.
Step 4. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the hot skillet without overcrowding – work in batches if necessary. Through trial and error, I discovered that crowding the pan creates steam instead of the sear we’re after.
Step 5. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper to taste and let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until the bottoms turn pink and develop a slight golden color.
Step 6. Pour the honey garlic mixture over the shrimp and toss everything together using tongs or a spatula, making sure each piece gets coated in that beautiful sauce.
Step 7. Lower the heat to medium and let the shrimp simmer in the sauce for 3-5 minutes, tossing occasionally, until they’re cooked through and the sauce has thickened to a glossy glaze. I’ve found that shrimp are done when they curl into a C-shape – if they curl into an O, you’ve gone too far.
Step 8. Remove the skillet from heat immediately to prevent overcooking, then garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that finishing touch that makes the dish look as good as it tastes.
Keeping This High Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp Fresh
Proper storage ensures you can enjoy this delicious dish beyond the initial meal, though in my experience, there are rarely leftovers to worry about.
Refrigerator Storage: I typically store any leftover honey garlic shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The shrimp will stay fresh, though the sauce may thicken as it cools – simply add a splash of water when reheating. Betty always uses glass containers because they don’t absorb odors and make it easy to see what’s inside.
Freezing Considerations: While you can technically freeze cooked shrimp, I don’t recommend freezing this particular dish because the texture of the shrimp becomes rubbery and the sauce separates upon thawing. If you must freeze it, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month, but know that the quality won’t match the freshly made version.
Reheating Methods: For the best texture, I reheat the shrimp gently in a skillet over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes, adding a tablespoon of water to help loosen the sauce. You can also use the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through. Through experience, I’ve learned that slow, gentle reheating prevents the shrimp from becoming tough and maintains that wonderful sauce consistency.
Perfect Partners for Honey Garlic Shrimp
This versatile dish pairs beautifully with so many sides that complement its sweet and savory profile. Here are my favorite combinations that create a complete, satisfying meal.
- Steamed White or Brown Rice: The fluffy grains soak up every drop of that honey garlic sauce, making sure nothing goes to waste. My family always asks for extra rice when this shrimp is on the menu. If you’re looking for more high-protein rice dishes, try my high protein garlic chicken rice.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: Crisp bell peppers, snap peas, and broccoli add color, crunch, and nutrition while balancing the richness of the shrimp with fresh vegetable flavors. My garlic butter chicken with broccoli uses a similar cooking method for vegetables.
- Asian Noodles: Toss your honey garlic shrimp with rice noodles or ramen for a complete meal. For noodle lovers, my high protein honey garlic ramen uses similar flavors in a warming soup bowl.
- Cauliflower Rice: For a lower-carb option that still captures all that delicious sauce, cauliflower rice has become a favorite among my health-conscious grandchildren.
- Asian Cucumber Salad: The cool, refreshing crunch of marinated cucumbers provides a perfect contrast to the warm, sweet shrimp and helps cleanse the palate between bites.
- Sheet Pan Vegetables: Roasted broccoli and bell peppers make an excellent side. You can check out my sheet pan chicken fajitas for inspiration on roasting vegetables.
- Protein Bowls: Turn this into a complete bowl meal with quinoa or rice. My Korean ground beef bowl shows how to build a balanced high-protein bowl.
Betty’s family preference has always been serving this high protein honey garlic shrimp over jasmine rice with a side of roasted asparagus – the combination never fails to impress dinner guests while remaining simple enough for Tuesday night.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? I recommend thawing frozen shrimp completely before cooking by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or running them under cold water for 15-20 minutes. Pat them very dry before cooking to achieve the best sear and prevent the sauce from becoming watery.
What can I substitute for honey in this recipe? To maintain the sweet glaze, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar in equal amounts, though the flavor profile will be slightly different. Betty’s solution when she runs out of honey is to use brown sugar dissolved in a tablespoon of water.
How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked? Many home cooks find success with the C-shape rule – properly cooked shrimp curl into a loose C shape and turn opaque pink throughout. Overcooked shrimp curl tightly into an O shape and become rubbery in texture.
High Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat completely dry with paper towels. This prevents excess moisture from diluting the sauce.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and olive oil. If using cornstarch for a thicker sauce, stir it in now until well combined.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil, swirling to coat the bottom evenly.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the hot skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook shrimp undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until the bottoms turn pink and develop a slight golden color.
- Pour the honey garlic mixture over the shrimp and toss everything together using tongs or a spatula, ensuring each piece gets coated.
- Lower heat to medium and let the shrimp simmer in the sauce for 3-5 minutes, tossing occasionally, until cooked through and sauce has thickened to a glossy glaze. Shrimp are done when they curl into a C-shape.
- Remove from heat immediately and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve warm over rice or with your favorite sides.
