Shrimp dinners are like a breath of fresh ocean air—quick to whip up yet packed with flavor that dances on your tastebuds. Imagine coming home after a long day and, within minutes, having a vibrant dish that feels like a mini-vacation on your plate. You might find it reminiscent of summer evenings at the beach, with a hint of lemon and garlic wafting through the kitchen, ready to transport you to culinary bliss.
Steps
- In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, and optional ginger to create the marinade. Divide the mixture in half, setting aside one portion for later use during cooking.
- Place the shrimp in a large resealable container or zip-top bag. Pour half of the marinade over the shrimp, ensuring they are well-coated, then seal and refrigerate for 15 minutes to 8-12 hours. While waiting, you can start preparing side dishes like steamed vegetables or quick brown rice.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated shrimp to the skillet, discarding the used marinade, and cook for about 45 seconds on one side until they begin to turn pink.
- Flip the shrimp and pour in the reserved marinade. Continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Serve the shrimp with the cooked sauce, adding chopped green onions as an optional garnish. This dish pairs well with brown rice and steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (preferably reduced sodium)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon jarred minced garlic)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
- 1 pound medium raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- Optional for garnish: chopped green onion
FAQ
- Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but ensure they are completely thawed before marinating and cooking. If using pre-cooked frozen shrimp, just thaw, marinate, and heat them up in the sauce as directed.
- How long should I marinate the shrimp?
- You should marinate the shrimp for at least 15 minutes. However, you can leave them in the marinade for up to 8-12 hours if you prefer a stronger flavor.
- Is it possible to thicken the sauce?
- Yes, you can thicken the sauce by adding 1 teaspoon of cornstarch to the second half of the sauce before cooking. Simply dissolve the cornstarch in 1 teaspoon of warm water and stir it into the sauce.
- What do you recommend serving with honey garlic shrimp?
- This dish pairs exceptionally well with brown rice and steamed vegetables, or you could serve it over a fresh salad for a lighter option.
- Can I substitute fresh garlic with jarred minced garlic?
- Absolutely, you can substitute fresh garlic with jarred minced garlic. Use 1 teaspoon of jarred minced garlic for every 2 cloves of fresh garlic. Adjust according to your taste preference.
Tips
- Thaw and Prepare Shrimp Properly: Whether you’re using fresh or frozen shrimp, ensure they’re completely thawed, peeled, and deveined before marinating. You can choose to leave the tails on or remove them based on your preference.
- Maximize Flavor with Marinade: Use half of the marinade to soak the shrimp for at least 15 minutes. While it’s marinating, take the opportunity to prepare any side dishes like steamed vegetables or quick brown rice.
- Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, consider adding a teaspoon of cornstarch to the remaining marinade before cooking. Mix it with a teaspoon of warm water until dissolved, then incorporate it into the sauce.
- Enhance with Fresh Garnishes: Adding chopped green onions as a garnish not only provides a fresh burst of flavor but also adds a vibrant color contrast to the dish.
Equipment
- Glass Mixing Bowls
- Skillet
