Craving something that feels like a coastal escape without leaving your kitchen? These shrimp dinner recipes are like a burst of oceanic delight—quick to whip up and even quicker to devour. Picture this: the sizzle of shrimp hitting the pan, the aroma of garlic mingling with citrusy zest—it’s like a mini-vacation on a plate.
Steps
- Mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger (if desired) in a medium bowl. Divide the mixture in half to use for marinating the shrimp and for cooking.
- Place the shrimp in a sealable container or bag and add half of the marinade. Shake or stir to coat, then refrigerate for 15 minutes to 12 hours. Reserve the other half of the marinade for later use.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and discard the used marinade. Cook for about 45 seconds until pink on one side, then flip.
- Pour the reserved marinade over the shrimp and continue cooking for 1-2 minutes until fully cooked.
- Serve the shrimp with the cooked sauce, garnished with green onions if desired. This 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 of jarred minced garlic)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 pound medium raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- Optional garnish: chopped green onions
FAQ
- Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use pre-cooked shrimp. Just thaw them first, marinate as directed, and then cook briefly in the sauce to heat through.
- How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too watery?
- To thicken the sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 teaspoon of warm water, then stir it into the sauce during cooking.
- Is it necessary to use fresh ginger in the marinade?
- Fresh ginger is optional in this recipe. It adds extra flavor, but the dish is still delicious without it.
- Can I marinate the shrimp for longer than 15 minutes?
- Yes, you can marinate the shrimp for up to 8-12 hours for more infused flavor, but 15 minutes is sufficient if you’re short on time.
- What are some recommended side dishes to serve with honey garlic shrimp?
- This dish pairs well with brown rice and steamed vegetables or can be served over a fresh salad for a lighter option.
Tips
- Thaw and Prep Shrimp: If you’re using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed before marinating. Be sure to peel and devein them for the best texture and flavor.
- Efficient Marinating: Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 15 minutes, but if you have more time, marinate them for up to 8-12 hours for enhanced flavor. Use this marinating time to prepare side dishes, such as steaming vegetables or cooking instant brown rice.
- Enhance Sauce Thickness: To prevent the sauce from being too watery, consider adding a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with warm water to the second half of the sauce before cooking the shrimp. This will thicken the sauce, providing a more robust coating.
- Garnish for Freshness: Adding chopped green onions as a garnish provides a fresh pop of color and complements the honey garlic flavors beautifully.
Equipment
- Glass Mixing Bowls – Useful for preparing and mixing the marinade.
- Skillet – A good quality skillet is essential for cooking the shrimp evenly.
