10-minute honey garlic shrimp is the kind of dinner that feels like a treat but comes together faster than takeout. Juicy shrimp are tossed in a light soy-cornstarch marinade (a Chinese velveting technique), then flash-fried with garlic and ginger before being glazed in a sticky, sweet honey sauce. It’s bold, flavorful, and done in less time than it takes to order Uber Eats. Serve it over rice or noodles, or enjoy it as a spicy-sweet starter.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🍤 Ready in 10 minutes flat
- 🧄 Uses pantry-friendly Asian ingredients
- 🌶️ Sweet, savory, and just a little spicy
- 💡 Restaurant-style texture from velveting
- 🥡 Perfect for fakeaway nights
- 🧑🍳 One pan = minimal cleanup
Ingredients
- 450g (1 lb) shrimp, peeled and deveined (Argentine or any large raw shrimp)
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger (or ginger paste)
- 4 tbsp honey
- ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Velvet the Shrimp
In a bowl, mix soy sauce and cornstarch. Add the shrimp and toss to coat. Let marinate while you prep other ingredients. - Sauté Garlic & Ginger
Heat oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger. Cook for about 30 seconds—just until fragrant, not browned. - Cook the Shrimp
Add shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Don’t overcook. - Add Honey & Spice
Pour honey over the cooked shrimp. Add chili flakes if using. Toss to coat everything in the sticky glaze. Cook another 30 seconds, then remove from heat. - Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with green onions. Serve immediately over steamed rice, noodles, or as an appetizer.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 2–3 main servings (or 4 as appetizer)
- Skill Level: Beginner
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 256
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 1138mg
- Cholesterol: 286mg
Tips & Variations
- 🥄 Velveting Tip: The soy + cornstarch coating keeps shrimp tender and prevents overcooking.
- 🌶️ Want extra heat? Add sriracha or more chili flakes.
- 🍚 Serve over jasmine or coconut rice for a complete meal.
- 🥢 Add stir-fried broccoli or bok choy for crunch.
- 🧄 Always use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor—pre-minced works in a pinch, though!
FAQs
What is velveting shrimp?
Velveting is a Chinese cooking technique that coats shrimp in cornstarch and soy before cooking. It keeps them tender and moist, especially during high-heat stir-frying.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry before marinating.
Can I make this ahead of time?
This dish is best eaten fresh. If needed, refrigerate for up to 3 days and gently reheat.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it gluten-free.
10-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp
Equipment
- – Mixing bowl
- – Non-stick skillet
- Spatula
- – Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- – 450g 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- – 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- – 1 tbsp cornstarch
- – 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- – 3–4 garlic cloves minced
- – 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
- – 4 tbsp honey
- – ¼ tsp chili flakes optional
- – 2 green onions sliced
Instructions
- Mix soy sauce and cornstarch. Coat shrimp and set aside.
- Heat oil. Sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds.
- Add shrimp. Cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink.
- Pour in honey and chili flakes. Toss to coat. Cook 30 seconds more.
- Garnish with green onions. Serve over rice or noodles.
Notes
– Serve with coconut rice or stir-fried greens
– Don’t overcook—shrimp cook fast!
Conclusion
For a meal that feels indulgent yet takes just 10 minutes, this honey garlic shrimp recipe is a keeper. It’s fast, flavorful, and pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or vegetables. Whether you’re cooking for two or meal prepping lunches for the week, it’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy. Once you’ve tried it, don’t be surprised if it becomes your new weeknight addiction.