Ingredients for High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp

• 1.5 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off: The star protein for this High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp. Choose large, fresh shrimp for succulence. Avoid overcooking to prevent rubbery texture.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or neutral oil like avocado oil): Used for searing the shrimp to golden perfection and building flavor. A neutral oil like avocado oil also works well.
• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce: Forms the savory foundation of our sticky honey garlic sauce. Opt for low-sodium to control saltiness. Tamari works for gluten-free.
• 1/4 cup honey: Provides the essential sweetness and sticky glaze for the ultimate Honey Garlic Shrimp. Use good quality local honey for best flavor.
• 4-5 cloves garlic, minced: Crucial aromatic for that classic honey garlic flavor profile. Freshly minced garlic yields superior taste over pre-minced jars.
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated: Adds a zesty, warm undertone that perfectly complements the garlic and shrimp. Freshly grated ginger offers the most vibrant flavor.
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Adds a subtle tanginess, balancing the sweetness of the honey. Don’t skip this for a well-rounded flavor profile.
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil: Imparts a rich, nutty aroma and depth to the sauce. Use toasted sesame oil for maximum flavor impact.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: This is the secret to a perfectly thick, glossy, and sticky sauce. Mix with cold water first to prevent lumps.
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional: Introduces a gentle heat, if desired, to cut through the richness. Adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste: An essential seasoning that enhances all the other flavors in the dish. Adjust to taste, especially with low-sodium soy sauce.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste: Adds a subtle hint of warmth and mild spice to the High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp. Freshly ground is always best.
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced: Provides a fresh, crisp finish and a pop of color as a garnish. Slice thinly for an elegant presentation.
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted: Offers a delightful nutty crunch and visual appeal as a finishing touch. Lightly toast them for enhanced flavor.

How to Make High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp

Prep Ingredients:

Start by peeling and deveining your shrimp. In a medium bowl, whisk together all honey garlic sauce ingredients until smooth. This base is crucial for your delicious High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp.

Season Shrimp:

Pat the prepped shrimp very dry with paper towels, then toss them evenly with salt and black pepper. Drying helps achieve a beautiful sear and prevents rubbery texture.

Sear Shrimp:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and sear for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Avoid overcrowding the pan.

Thicken Sauce:

Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce into the skillet with the cooked shrimp. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens and beautifully coats everything. This creates the sticky glaze for your High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp.

Coat & Finish:

Ensure all shrimp are well-coated in the sticky, caramelized sauce. Cook for another minute to allow the sauce to fully adhere, making sure not to overcook this High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp.

Garnish & Serve:

Transfer the High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp to a serving dish. Garnish generously with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately for a satisfying, quick dinner.

How to Store High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp

To keep your High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them promptly. They will remain delicious for 3-4 days. Beyond that, the shrimp texture can degrade, becoming tough. Always check for an off smell or slimy texture before eating; don’t make my mistake of eating questionable leftovers!

You can easily prep the honey garlic sauce up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate it. Peel and devein the shrimp 1 day in advance. Cook and combine everything just before serving for the best, fresh results.

For reheating, gently warm on the stovetop or microwave until just heated through to maintain tenderness.

What to Serve with High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp

To serve your High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp, spoon it generously over a bed of fluffy white rice or quick-cooking noodles. For a beautiful presentation, especially for gatherings, garnish with extra green onions and toasted sesame seeds. This dish is perfect served immediately while warm. Pair it with steamed broccoli or a crisp green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

My favorite way to enjoy this High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp is over warm jasmine rice. The rice perfectly soaks up the incredible sticky sauce, making every bite a burst of flavor and a truly comforting experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe gluten-free?

Yes, absolutely! To make High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp gluten-free, simply substitute low-sodium soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Ensure all other ingredients, like cornstarch, are certified gluten-free for a delicious, safe meal.

→ What if I don’t have rice vinegar for the honey garlic sauce?

You can substitute rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar in a pinch. Start with a slightly smaller amount, about 1 tablespoon, and adjust to taste. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious.

→ How do I prevent rubbery shrimp when cooking The Ultimate High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp?

The key is not to overcook them! Sear shrimp for only 1-2 minutes per side until just pink and opaque. Also, pat them very dry before cooking. Overcooking was my frequent mistake, leading to tough, rubbery results.

→ How long can I store leftover High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp in the fridge?

You can safely store leftover High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Beyond that, the texture can become less appealing. Always check for freshness before reheating and eating.

→ Can I make the honey garlic sauce ahead of time for this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely make the honey garlic sauce up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate it. Whisk it well before adding to the pan. I don’t recommend freezing the cooked shrimp, as the texture degrades upon thawing.