One Pan Honey Garlic Shrimp

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Introduction

One Pan Honey Garlic Shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something simple yet satisfying. The shrimp are cooked in a delicious honey garlic sauce, which gives them a perfect balance of sweetness and savory depth in every bite. It’s one of those meals that tastes like it took more effort than it actually did, making it ideal for a stress-free dinner.

I made this dish for the first time when I wanted something fast and flavorful, and it quickly became a favorite in our household. The shrimp cook up tender and juicy, perfectly coated in the sticky, sweet-savory sauce that’s bursting with garlic. The beauty of this recipe is how minimal the ingredients are, yet the flavor is so vibrant. Plus, cooking it all in one pan means cleanup is a breeze.

You can serve this dish with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or over a bed of rice to soak up all the delicious sauce. It’s a quick, simple, and impressive meal that’s sure to become a go-to in your recipe rotation!

Perfect for:

  • Weeknight dinners
  • Quick family meals
  • Meal prepping
  • Seafood lovers
  • Those who prefer minimal cleanup

Why You’ll Love This One Pan Honey Garlic Shrimp

Here’s why One Pan Honey Garlic Shrimp will become your go-to recipe:

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, making it the ideal choice for a fast meal.
  • Sweet and Savory Flavor: The honey garlic sauce brings a perfect combination of sweetness and richness.
  • Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
  • Healthy Protein: Shrimp is a great source of lean protein, low in fat but high in nutrients.
  • Versatile and Customizable: You can add veggies or serve it with rice, quinoa, or pasta for a more complete meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 calories (depending on serving size)
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 24g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 8g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your One Pan Honey Garlic Shrimp:

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Shrimp: Quick to cook and a lean source of protein, shrimp makes this dish satisfying without being heavy.
  • Honey: Adds a natural sweetness that balances the savory garlic and soy sauce in the dish.
  • Garlic: Offers bold, aromatic flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the shrimp.
  • Soy Sauce: Brings a rich umami flavor that adds depth to the honey garlic sauce.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds acidity to cut through the sweetness and balance the flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make One Pan Honey Garlic Shrimp:

Cook the Shrimp:

  1. Heat the Pan: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the shrimp.
  2. Sauté the Shrimp: Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the pan and set them aside.

Prepare the Sauce:

  1. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  2. Add the Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Combine the Shrimp and Sauce:

  1. Return the Shrimp to the Pan: Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet and toss them in the sauce to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat the shrimp through and let the flavors meld.
  2. Season: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Serve and Garnish:

  1. Serve: Remove the pan from the heat and serve the shrimp immediately. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
  2. Enjoy: Serve over rice, quinoa, or with a side of steamed veggies for a complete meal.

How to Serve One Pan Honey Garlic Shrimp

One Pan Honey Garlic Shrimp can be served in various ways:

  • Over Rice: Serve the shrimp over white or brown rice for a complete and filling meal.
  • With Vegetables: Pair the shrimp with steamed broccoli, asparagus, or roasted vegetables for a healthy, balanced dish.
  • In Tacos: For a fun twist, use the shrimp as a filling for soft corn or flour tortillas, topped with slaw and avocado.
  • On Pasta: Toss the shrimp with cooked pasta and drizzle with the remaining sauce for an easy shrimp pasta dish.

Additional Tips for One Pan Honey Garlic Shrimp

Here are some tips to make your One Pan Honey Garlic Shrimp perfect every time:

  • Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, so be sure to remove them from the pan as soon as they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking will make them tough.
  • Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dish, add a bit more honey. For less sweetness, reduce the honey slightly.
  • Add Veggies: To make this a more complete meal, add vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or spinach to the pan when you cook the garlic.
  • Make It Spicy: If you like spice, increase the red pepper flakes or drizzle some sriracha over the finished dish.
  • Meal Prep: This dish is perfect for meal prep. Simply store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Recipe Variations for One Pan Honey Garlic Shrimp

Here are 10 variations you can try for One Pan Honey Garlic Shrimp:

  1. Honey Garlic Shrimp with Veggies: Add bell peppers, onions, or broccoli to the pan for extra flavor and nutrition.
  2. Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha for heat.
  3. Garlic Butter Shrimp: Replace the olive oil with butter for a richer flavor.
  4. Honey Garlic Shrimp with Pineapple: Add chunks of fresh or canned pineapple for a sweet and tropical twist.
  5. Citrus Honey Garlic Shrimp: Add a squeeze of lime or orange juice to the sauce for a citrusy burst.
  6. Honey Garlic Shrimp with Ginger: Add a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger to the sauce for an added depth of flavor.
  7. One Pan Honey Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus: Add asparagus to the pan for a complete meal with shrimp and vegetables.
  8. Honey Garlic Shrimp with Avocado: Serve the shrimp with sliced avocado for a creamy, rich contrast to the honey garlic flavor.
  9. One Pan Honey Garlic Shrimp and Rice: Add uncooked rice to the pan with the sauce, and let it cook in the flavorful liquid for a one-pan meal.
  10. Honey Garlic Shrimp Skewers: Thread the shrimp onto skewers and grill them with the honey garlic sauce for a BBQ-friendly version.

Freezing and Storage

  • Storage: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat to prevent overcooking.
  • Freezing: You can freeze cooked shrimp for up to 2 months. To do so, place the shrimp in a freezer-safe bag and remove excess air. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Special Equipment for One Pan Honey Garlic Shrimp

Here are some special tools that can make preparing your One Pan Honey Garlic Shrimp easier:

  • Large Skillet: A large skillet ensures you have enough space to cook the shrimp and make the sauce without crowding.
  • Tongs: Use tongs to easily flip the shrimp in the pan without breaking them.
  • Garlic Press: A garlic press makes mincing garlic quick and easy.
  • Measuring Spoons: Use measuring spoons to add the right amount of honey, soy sauce, and vinegar to the sauce.
  • Chopping Board and Knife: A sharp knife and chopping board for mincing garlic and garnishing with fresh parsley.

Frequently Asked Questions for One Pan Honey Garlic Shrimp

  1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
    Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
  2. Can I use a different type of sweetener?
    Yes, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a substitute for honey if you prefer.
  3. Can I make this dish spicy?
    Absolutely! Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add hot sauce to make the dish spicier.
  4. Can I serve this over pasta?
    Yes, this shrimp goes wonderfully with pasta. Just toss the cooked shrimp with the pasta and any remaining sauce.
  5. How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery?
    Be sure to cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking can make shrimp tough and rubbery.

Conclusion

One Pan Honey Garlic Shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something simple yet satisfying. The shrimp are cooked in a delicious honey garlic sauce, which gives them a perfect balance of sweetness and savory depth in every bite. It’s one of those meals that tastes like it took more effort than it actually did, making it ideal for a stress-free dinner.

I made this dish for the first time when I wanted something fast and flavorful, and it quickly became a favorite in our household. The shrimp cook up tender and juicy, perfectly coated in the sticky, sweet-savory sauce that’s bursting with garlic. The beauty of this recipe is how minimal the ingredients are, yet the flavor is so vibrant. Plus, cooking it all in one pan means cleanup is a breeze.

You can serve this dish with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or over a bed of rice to soak up all the delicious sauce. It’s a quick, simple, and impressive meal that’s sure to become a go-to in your recipe rotation!