How to Make the Perfect Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp
Asian-American · Easy · 15 min · 4 servings
Plump shrimp are coated in a sticky sweet and savory honey garlic butter glaze that comes together in just 15 minutes. Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal that the whole family will love.
Why this recipe works
This Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 15 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 310 calories with 28g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 8 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 lbs large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Pat Shrimp Dry
Pat shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step is critical for getting a good sear rather than steaming the shrimp.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 minute per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet melt remaining butter over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice.
Step 4: Glaze the Shrimp
Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the honey garlic sauce. Cook for 1 additional minute until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the shrimp.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- honey → maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness
- soy sauce → coconut aminos for a gluten-free option
- fresh lemon juice → rice vinegar for an Asian-style tang
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Skipping the step of patting shrimp dry causes them to steam instead of sear and results in rubbery texture
- Overcooking shrimp even by 30 seconds makes them tough so remove them the moment they curl into a C shape
- Crowding the pan drops the temperature and prevents proper caramelization of the honey glaze
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 310 calories, 28g protein, 18g carbs, 14g fat, 1g fiber.
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