Name: Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 2 large oranges (zested and juiced); 1 tablespoon honey; 2 tablespoons reduced or gluten-free sodium soy sauce; 1 tablespoon unseasoned rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon water (for cornstarch paste); 32 jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined (18 ounces total); 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon canola oil, divided; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon finely minced fresh ginger; 2 scallions, whites thinly sliced and greens cut into 2-inch lengths; 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; Cooked rice

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 50 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with vibrant flavors and ready in a flash, you’ve just got to try this Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe. Tender shrimp coated in a luscious sauce that’s perfectly balanced with sweet honey, zesty oranges, aromatic garlic, and a hint of spicy red pepper flakes makes every bite a delightful adventure. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or impressing friends over a casual meal, this recipe combines simplicity and flavor in the most irresistible way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white plate filled with raw shrimp stacked loosely, showing their pale pink and translucent gray shells with some tail sections dark brown. The shrimp are unevenly layered, with the curve of their bodies creating a soft texture. In the blurred background, a small white bowl of orange dipping sauce and scattered pieces of garlic are visible on a white marbled surface, with some green onions placed near the plate's edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe plays a vital role, contributing layers of taste, texture, and color. The list is short but powerful, showcasing fresh citrus, savory elements, and just the right spices to keep your shrimp juicy and the sauce incredibly flavorful.

2 large oranges: Fresh juice and zest provide natural sweetness and bright citrus notes.
1 tablespoon honey: Adds a smooth, sweet finish that balances the tang of soy and vinegar.
2 tablespoons reduced or gluten-free soy sauce: Gives a salty, umami boost without overpowering the dish.
1 tablespoon unseasoned rice vinegar: Lends a gentle acidity to lift the flavors.
1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to a perfect glaze consistency.
32 jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein, juicy and tender when cooked just right.
1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt: Enhances the natural taste of the shrimp.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth.
1 tablespoon canola oil, divided: For cooking the shrimp and aromatics without overpowering flavors.
6 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers that signature pungent punch essential for this dish.
1 tablespoon finely minced fresh ginger: Brings warmth and a slight zing that pairs beautifully with garlic.
2 scallions: Whites provide crunch and aroma, greens add fresh color and mild oniony notes.
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Just enough heat to keep things exciting.
Cooked rice, for serving: The perfect canvas to soak up all that glorious honey garlic sauce.

How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Orange Sauce

Start by zesting one orange to grab about 2 teaspoons of zest—this is where intense citrus flavor hides! Juice both oranges to yield about 3/4 cup of fresh orange juice. In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon water for a harmonious base. Then, mix cornstarch with a bit of the orange-soy liquid to make a smooth paste before whisking it back in. This will help your sauce thicken beautifully and cling to the shrimp.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Shrimp

Pat your shrimp dry to ensure they sear nicely, then season with salt and black pepper. Heat 1 teaspoon of canola oil in your largest skillet over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering. Place half the shrimp in a single layer and cook until the underside turns a bright pink, about 1 to 1½ minutes. Flip and cook another minute, then transfer to a plate. Repeat with the remaining shrimp and oil, setting them aside once cooked.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Finish the Sauce

In the same skillet, add the last teaspoon of oil, followed by minced garlic, ginger, scallion whites, and red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant—this only takes 30 seconds to a minute. Pour in your orange-soy mixture, add the orange zest, and stir as the sauce thickens, around 1 to 2 minutes. This step lets all the flavors meld into one irresistible glaze.

Step 4: Combine and Toss

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, toss in the scallion greens, and stir well so every piece gets coated with that luscious honey garlic sauce. The shrimp should be shiny, vibrant, and packed with flavor at this point. Serve immediately for the best experience.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe

A black cast iron pan is filled with shiny cooked shrimp, showing their pink and white colors, mixed with small green onion slices and thin slices of orange carrot. The shrimp have a glossy look from a sauce that coats them, with small dark specks suggesting seasoning. The pan handle is partially visible, and the pan sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh scallion greens adds a pop of color and a gentle crunch that complements the tender shrimp. If you like a little extra zing, a few toasted sesame seeds scattered on top also work wonders and add a mild nuttiness that elevates the whole dish.

Side Dishes

Steamed jasmine or basmati rice is a classic choice, perfect for soaking up every bit of that honey garlic sauce. For a veggie boost, try stir-fried broccoli, snap peas, or sautéed bok choy dressed lightly with garlic and soy sauce—they all pair beautifully and keep the meal balanced and satisfyingly fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress? Serve this Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe over a bed of coconut rice with a wedge of lime on the side for extra zest. You can also pile it atop crispy noodles for a delightful textural contrast or even wrap it all in lettuce cups for a fun, handheld dinner that’s both light and flavorful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover shrimp and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 2 days, making it an excellent option for next-day lunches or quick dinners. Just be mindful that shrimp can become a bit firmer after refrigeration, so handle gently when reheating.

Freezing

Freezing cooked shrimp with sauce is possible but not ideal, as the texture can suffer slightly after thawing. If you do freeze leftovers, place them in a freezer-safe airtight container and consume within a month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat to prevent the shrimp from toughening. Add a splash of water or extra orange juice to loosen the sauce if it thickened too much in the fridge. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the shrimp quickly.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to get that perfect sear and avoid sogginess. Using fresh or fully thawed shrimp makes a big difference in texture and flavor.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy swap that keeps the dish delicious.

Can I adjust the spice level?

Definitely. The red pepper flakes add a subtle kick, but you can scale them back or increase them according to your heat preference. For a milder version, skip the flakes altogether.

What can I substitute if I don’t have fresh ginger?

If fresh ginger isn’t on hand, ground ginger works in a pinch—use about a quarter of the amount called for fresh to avoid overpowering. However, fresh ginger delivers the best aroma and flavor for this recipe.

How long does this Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe take to prepare?

This dish comes together in approximately 15 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something tasty and speedy.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe enough if you want a quick, delicious meal that feels special every time. It’s easy to make yet delivers bright, layered flavors that will keep you coming back for more. So grab those shrimp and oranges, and start cooking – your taste buds will thank you!