Sticky Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp
The first time I tried Sticky Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp, it was like a revelation. Imagine coming home after a long day, the aroma of sweet and savory shrimp wafting through the air, instantly lifting your spirits. I had a bag of fresh, large peeled and deveined shrimp ready to go, and I couldn’t wait to see how a few simple ingredients could transform this humble seafood into something extraordinary. The combination of honey, garlic, and butter creates a sauce that clings to the shrimp perfectly, making each bite feel like a special treat. This dish has become a staple in my home, especially on busy weeknights when I want to whip up something quick yet impressive.
As I prepared the meal, I could already envision the smiles on my family’s faces as they gathered around the table. The vibrant colors of the shrimp and the fresh green onions sprinkled on top brought the dish to life. I love how easy it is to make Sticky Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp shine as the star of any dinner. It’s perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to a delicious meal. Whether served over rice or alongside a fresh salad, this shrimp dish is always a hit. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love cooking so much—it’s about creating memories and sharing joy through food.
Recipe Snapshot
20 mins
5 mins
15 mins
Medium
250 kcal
20 g
Keto, Gluten-Free
8 g
Skillet, Frying Pan, Wooden Spoon, Chef’s Knife, Whisk, Mixing Bowl, Peeler
The Appeal of This Sticky Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp
1. Quick and Easy Preparation
One of the best things about Sticky Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp is how quickly it comes together. In just minutes, you can have a gourmet meal on the table. Perfect for those busy evenings when you don’t have much time to cook but still want something flavorful.
2. Irresistible Flavor Combination
The blend of honey, garlic, and butter creates a mouthwatering sauce that perfectly complements the shrimp. This dish is a delightful mix of sweet and savory, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s the kind of flavor that lingers in your memory long after the meal is over.
3. Versatile Serving Options
Sticky Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp can be served in various ways. You can pair it with fluffy rice, toss it into a fresh salad, or even serve it over pasta. It’s versatile enough to suit any occasion, from casual family dinners to elegant gatherings.
4. Health Benefits of Shrimp
Shrimp is not just delicious; it’s also packed with nutrients. Low in calories and high in protein, shrimp makes for a healthy choice that’s good for you and tastes fantastic. It’s an excellent option for those looking to maintain a balanced diet without sacrificing flavor.
5. Perfect for Meal Prep
This recipe is great for meal prepping. You can marinate the shrimp in advance and store it in the fridge. This way, when you’re ready to cook, all you need to do is toss it in the skillet. It’s a time-saver that makes busy weeks a lot easier.
6. Family-Friendly Dish
This dish appeals to all ages. Children love the sweet flavors, while adults appreciate the more sophisticated elements. It’s a great way to introduce seafood to young eaters who might be hesitant at first.
Essential Ingredients for Sticky Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp
To create the magic behind Sticky Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp, you’ll need a few key ingredients that work beautifully together. The balance of sweet and savory flavors from the honey and garlic combined with the richness of butter brings out the best in the shrimp. Each ingredient plays a vital role, harmonizing to create a dish that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing.
- 1 pound large peeled and deveined shrimp: The star of the dish, shrimp is rich in protein and cooks quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- ½ cup honey: Adds sweetness that caramelizes beautifully when cooked, enhancing the flavor of the shrimp.
- ¼ cup soy sauce: Provides a savory depth and umami flavor that balances the sweetness of the honey.
- 3 cloves minced garlic: Infuses the dish with aromatic flavor, creating a wonderful base for the sauce.
- 1 juice of one lemon: Brightens up the dish and adds a refreshing acidity that cuts through the richness.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds a creamy texture and rich flavor, making the sauce silky and enticing.
- Chopped green onions: For garnish, they add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the dish.
Step by Step Instructions for Sticky Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp
Cooking Sticky Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp is straightforward and a lot of fun. Once you have your ingredients ready, follow these simple steps to create this flavorful dish that will impress everyone at the table.
- Start by preparing your marinade. In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup honey, ¼ cup soy sauce, 3 cloves minced garlic, and the juice of 1 lemon. This combination will create a beautifully balanced sauce.
- Put the marinade into a sealable container and add 1 pound large peeled and deveined shrimp. Seal it tightly and let it marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to penetrate the shrimp.
- After marinating, heat a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter to the skillet, letting it melt completely before proceeding.
- Once the butter is melted, add the marinated shrimp to the skillet, saving the marinade for later. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper to taste, giving them an extra layer of flavor.
- Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque. Keep an eye on them—they cook quickly!
- After the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the skillet and place them on a plate. Set them aside while you prepare the sauce.
- In the same skillet, pour in the reserved marinade. Cook over medium-high heat for about 2 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. This will intensify the flavors.
- Once the sauce is ready, return the shrimp to the skillet. Toss them in the sauce to ensure they are well-coated and heated through.
- Finally, garnish with chopped green onions before serving. The fresh onions will add color and crunch to your dish.
- Serve hot, either over rice or on its own, and enjoy every delicious bite of your Sticky Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp!
Things Worth Knowing
- Marination Time: Allowing the shrimp to marinate is key. The longer it sits, the more flavorful it becomes. However, even 30 minutes will do wonders!
- Heat Management: Keep a close watch on the shrimp while cooking. Overcooking can make them tough. It’s best to remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink.
- Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh garlic and shrimp will greatly enhance the flavor. Whenever possible, opt for fresh ingredients.
Helpful Hints
Cooking is all about exploration, and Sticky Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp is no exception. Here are some hints to help you along the way:
- Storage: Leftover shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.
- Freezing: You can freeze marinated shrimp for later use. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking.
- Pairing: Serve this dish with steamed rice or a fresh vegetable stir-fry for a complete meal.
- Variations: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas to the skillet for a colorful and nutritious twist.
- Serving: This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests. Serve it with a nice salad or bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Cooking Tools: A non-stick skillet is ideal for this recipe to prevent the shrimp from sticking and to help with even cooking.
Side Dish Ideas for Sticky Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp
When it comes to serving Sticky Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp, the options are endless. Here are some fabulous ideas to elevate your dining experience:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: A classic pairing that soaks up the flavorful sauce beautifully. It’s a perfect base for the shrimp.
- Garlic Noodles: Tossed with a bit of butter and garlic, these noodles are a delightful side that complements the shrimp.
- Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the shrimp, adding a refreshing element to your meal.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: Broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots stir-fried with a hint of soy sauce make for a colorful and nutritious side.
- Quinoa: This protein-packed seed works well as a gluten-free grain option, offering a nutty flavor that pairs nicely with the shrimp.
- Seasonal Roasted Veggies: Roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts add a hearty touch and vibrant color to your plate.
- Garlic Bread: A side of warm garlic bread is perfect for mopping up the sweet and savory sauce.
FAQ
Conclusion
In summary, Sticky Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp is a fantastic dish that combines simplicity with amazing flavors. It makes weeknight dinners enjoyable and is sure to become a favorite at your table. I encourage you to try it out for yourself tonight—you won’t regret the deliciousness that awaits!
Sticky Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by preparing your marinade. In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup honey, ¼ cup soy sauce, 3 cloves minced garlic, and the juice of 1 lemon. This combination will create a beautifully balanced sauce.
- Put the marinade into a sealable container and add 1 pound large peeled and deveined shrimp. Seal it tightly and let it marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to penetrate the shrimp.
- After marinating, heat a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter to the skillet, letting it melt completely before proceeding.
- Once the butter is melted, add the marinated shrimp to the skillet, saving the marinade for later. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper to taste, giving them an extra layer of flavor.
- Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque. Keep an eye on them—they cook quickly!
- After the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the skillet and place them on a plate. Set them aside while you prepare the sauce.
- In the same skillet, pour in the reserved marinade. Cook over medium-high heat for about 2 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. This will intensify the flavors.
- Once the sauce is ready, return the shrimp to the skillet. Toss them in the sauce to ensure they are well-coated and heated through.
- Finally, garnish with chopped green onions before serving. The fresh onions will add color and crunch to your dish.
- Serve hot, either over rice or on its own, and enjoy every delicious bite of your Sticky Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp!
Notes
- Storage: Leftover shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.
- Freezing: You can freeze marinated shrimp for later use. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking.
- Pairing: Serve this dish with steamed rice or a fresh vegetable stir-fry for a complete meal.
- Variations: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas to the skillet for a colorful and nutritious twist.
- Serving: This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests. Serve it with a nice salad or bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Cooking Tools: A non-stick skillet is ideal for this recipe to prevent the shrimp from sticking and to help with even cooking.
