Buttery Honey Garlic Shrimp

Buttery Honey Garlic Shrimp is a quick and flavorful seafood dish that’s both sweet and savory with a hint of garlicky richness. The shrimp are pan-seared in butter, then tossed in a glossy honey garlic sauce that caramelizes beautifully in just minutes. I love how this dish turns simple ingredients into something that tastes gourmet with very little effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fast, easy, and incredibly satisfying. The combination of butter, honey, and garlic gives the shrimp a rich glaze with a perfect balance of sweetness and depth. It’s ready in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or quick entertaining. I serve it over rice, noodles, or even with crusty bread to soak up every bit of the sauce.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail on or off)

• Unsalted butter

• Garlic, minced

• Honey

• Soy sauce

• Lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Fresh parsley or green onions (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. I pat the shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.

2. In a large skillet, I melt butter over medium-high heat and add the shrimp in a single layer.

3. I cook the shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side, just until they’re pink and slightly browned, then remove them from the skillet.

4. In the same skillet, I add a bit more butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

5. I stir in the honey, soy sauce, and a splash of lemon juice, and let it simmer for 1–2 minutes to thicken slightly.

6. I return the shrimp to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce, cooking for another minute until everything is glazed and heated through.

7. I garnish with parsley or green onions if I want a fresh finish and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 8–10 minutes
Total time: 18–20 minutes

Variations

• I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

• For a citrusy twist, I swap lemon juice for orange juice or zest.

• I’ve used maple syrup in place of honey for a deeper, earthy sweetness.

• Stirring in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang to the glaze.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
To reheat, I warm the shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short bursts to avoid overcooking. The sauce can be thinned with a splash of water or broth if needed.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, I thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

What’s the best pan to use?

I prefer a nonstick or stainless steel skillet that heats evenly for the best sear on the shrimp.

Can I make this ahead of time?

This dish is best served fresh, but I’ve prepped the sauce and cleaned the shrimp ahead of time for faster cooking.

What can I serve this with?

I love it over jasmine rice, garlic noodles, or alongside sautéed greens or a fresh salad.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

I recommend raw shrimp for best flavor and texture, but if using pre-cooked, I just warm them gently in the sauce to avoid rubbery results.

Conclusion

Buttery Honey Garlic Shrimp is a fast, flavorful dish that transforms simple ingredients into a crave-worthy meal. I love how the sweet-savory glaze coats each shrimp, creating a dish that’s elegant enough for guests but easy enough for any weeknight. It’s a recipe I keep coming back to when I want something delicious in a hurry.

Buttery Honey Garlic Shrimp

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

• Author: Linda
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
• Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

Buttery Honey Garlic Shrimp is a fast and flavorful seafood dish where juicy shrimp are seared in butter and coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze. It’s simple, elegant, and ready in under 20 minutes.

---

Ingredients

• 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet, melt 1.5 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and lightly browned. Remove from skillet.
3. Add remaining butter to the skillet, then sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Return shrimp to skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for 1 more minute until heated through and glazed.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions and serve immediately.

---

Notes

• Add red pepper flakes for heat.
• Swap lemon juice with orange juice or zest for a citrus twist.
• Use maple syrup for a deeper sweetness.
• A touch of Dijon mustard adds tangy depth.

---

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
• Calories: 260
• Sugar: 13g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 180mg