High Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp: Quick Weeknight Meal (Print Version)

High Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp: Quick, flavorful, and packed with protein for your busy weeknights. A sweet & savory dish your whole family will love!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Asian
Dietary: High Protein, Dairy-Free

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or frozen, thawed)
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil or neutral cooking oil

→ Honey Garlic Sauce Essentials

03 - 1/4 cup honey
04 - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
05 - 2 tbsp rice vinegar
06 - 1 tbsp sesame oil
07 - 1 tbsp cornstarch
08 - 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
09 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (or to taste)

→ Finishing Touches

11 - 1 tbsp sesame seeds, for garnish
12 - 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get those shrimp ready. If they're frozen, let them thaw completely, then pat them super dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for getting that nice sear later; wet shrimp steam, and we want a beautiful golden-brown! I've skipped this before, and my shrimp ended up rubbery, not ideal. Think of it as giving your shrimp the best start.
02 - Now for the magic! In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Give it a good, vigorous whisk until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and there are no lumps. This is where all the incredible flavors come together. I always take a little sniff at this stage; it smells so promising!
03 - Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil. Once it's shimmering, add the shrimp in a single layer. Don't overcrowd the pan, or they won't sear properly! Cook for just 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. This happens fast, so don't wander off! I've overcooked shrimp many times, and they turn into sad, little rubber bands. We want tender, juicy shrimp!
04 - Once the shrimp are mostly cooked, toss in your minced garlic. Stir it around with the shrimp for about 30 seconds until it's fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic; burnt garlic is bitter garlic, and that's just a tragedy. The smell at this point is honestly divine, pure kitchen bliss.
05 - Pour that lovely whisked sauce over the shrimp in the skillet. Bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. The sauce will thicken pretty quickly thanks to the cornstarch, coating each shrimp beautifully. Keep stirring until it's glossy and clings to the shrimp, maybe 1-2 minutes. This is the moment the High Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp truly comes alive!
06 - Remove the skillet from the heat immediately. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and some fresh chopped green onions, if you're feeling fancy. Serve your glorious High Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp hot over rice or with some steamed veggies. It’s incredible how something so quick can taste so rich and satisfying. Enjoy your hard work, friend!

# Notes:

01 - Always pat your shrimp dry before cooking; it really helps them sear instead of steam.
02 - Leftovers are best stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
03 - If you're out of rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar can work, but use a little less as it's stronger.
04 - For an extra pop of freshness, a squeeze of lime juice at the end makes this dish sing!

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large skillet or wok
02 - whisk
03 - mixing bowls
04 - measuring cups and spoons

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 350
Total Fat: 12g
Total Carbohydrate: 30g
Protein: 35g

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