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    Home » Recipes » Main Dishes

    Published: Sep 26, 2023 · Modified: May 20, 2025 by AshleyFreeman ·

    Easy Skillet Shrimp with Homemade Honey Garlic Sauce

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Discover my recipe for easy skillet shrimp with homemade honey garlic sauce; it's a great solution for busy weeknights and so much better than take-out. Fresh shrimp are sautéed in a simple, sticky honey garlic sauce that's perfect for spooning over cooked white rice. Serve with steamed broccoli, green beans, or hibachi-style vegetables, and dinner is done!

    Easy Skillet Shrimp with Homemade Honey Garlic Sauce in a blue handled pan.

    Now that school is back in session, I'm always looking for healthy recipes and quick meals that my whole family loves. With a prep and cooking time of less than 30 minutes, this recipe fits the bill.

    And, it's also customizable if you're not in the mood for shrimp. Boneless skinless chicken breast, chicken thighs, boneless pork chops, or pork tenderloin sliced into medallions are all great substitutions.

    Looking for other easy weeknight recipes that are ready in less than an hour? Be sure to check out my Easy New Orleans-Style Skillet Barbecue Shrimp, Harvest Grain Bowl, Mediterranean Bowls, Chicken Cobbler with Red Lobster Cheddar Biscuit Topping, and Cast Iron Chicken Parm recipes.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Substitutions
    • Variations
    • Bonus: hibachi-style vegetables recipe
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • Tasty tip
    • Frequently asked questions
    • Related
    • Even more
    • 🍽Get the recipe
    • Recipe guidelines and test kitchen tips
    • Food safety

    Ingredients

    First, let's gather all the ingredients needed for this recipe:

    Ingredients for Easy Skillet Shrimp with Homemade Honey Garlic sauce.
    • fresh shrimp
    • fresh garlic cloves
    • fresh ginger
    • honey
    • soy sauce
    • brown sugar
    • vegetable oil (or other neutral oil)
    • dark sesame oil
    • rice vinegar
    • crushed red pepper flakes
    • corn starch
    • green onions
    • sesame seeds

    (See recipe card for quantities.)

    Instructions

    Now that we've got all our ingredients, it's time to get cooking!

    Whisking the stir fry sauce in a white bowl on a wooden board.

    First, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and crushed red pepper flakes.

    Sautéing garlic and ginger in a two-handled skillet.

    Then, heat the vegetable oil and sesame oil in a large skillet, add the garlic and ginger, and sauté until fragrant.

    Cooking the shrimp and honey garlic sauce.

    Next, add the shrimp and soy sauce mixture and cook until the shrimp turn pink and the sauce is thickened.

    Stirring in green onions and sesame seeds.

    Finally, stir in the green onions and sesame seeds and serve over white rice.

    Hint: To get 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp, be sure to buy 1 ¼ pounds to account for the weight of the shells. Or, to save time buy already peeled and deveined shrimp.

    Substitutions

    Looking for ways to make this recipe your own? Check out these substitution options:

    • Protein - instead of shrimp, use chicken breast, boneless chicken thighs, or boneless pork chops.
    • Gluten-free - use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make this gluten-free.
    • Noodles - instead of cooked white rice, you can also use cooked rice noodles.

    Variations

    Here are even more ways to change up this recipe:

    • Spicy - stir in chile-garlic paste to the sauce to give the honey garlic sauce even more of a kick.
    • Wings - make honey garlic wings. Heat the sauce ingredients in a small saucepan until thickened and then toss or serve with your favorite crispy chicken wings.
    • Kid friendly - omit the crushed red pepper flakes for a spice-free kiddo version.

    Bonus: hibachi-style vegetables recipe

    I love to make hibachi-style vegetables to serve with this recipe; it's one of my favorite no-recipe recipes using a handful of simple ingredients. First, I cut a yellow onion, a container of whole mushrooms, and two zucchini into chunks. Then I sauté the vegetables in hot oil, in that order, adding a little kosher salt while cooking to help release the liquid and soften the veggies.

    Once they begin to brown, I add a little butter and soy sauce and cook until the vegetables are tender and caramelized. Combined with the sweet and savory sauce from the shrimp, the rice, and some yum-yum sauce...oh man, it's delicious.

    Easy Skillet Shrimp with Homemade Honey Garlic Sauce over rice on a white plate with a bowl of hibachi vegetables on the side.

    Equipment

    Here's what you'll need to make this recipe:

    • whisk
    • liquid measuring cups
    • small bowl
    • cast-iron skillet
    • measuring spoons
    • zester
    • rice cooker

    Storage

    If you have any leftovers, separate the shrimp and sauce from the rice, and store them separately in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

    I don't recommend freezing the leftovers. The sauce tends to separate and the shrimp become rubbery.

    Tasty tip

    Try not to overcook the shrimp. They only take a couple of minutes to cook so keep a close eye on them.

    Frequently asked questions

    What does this honey garlic sauce taste like?

    This simple stir fry sauce is sweet and sour and perfect for shrimp, chicken breasts, chicken wings, or even pork chops.

    How do you thicken this honey soy sauce?

    For this recipe, I use cornstarch as the thickener.

    What is the quickest and most flavorful way to cook shrimp?

    I think sautéing shrimp is the way to go. For best results, while they're cooking, I like to add the homemade honey garlic sauce to the shrimp and let it thicken. That way the shrimp don't get overcooked.

    Does honey and garlic taste good together?

    You bet! And, what I love most about this shrimp recipe is that it is ready in a snap and requires only a handful of pantry staples that you most likely have on hand.

    How long does homemade honey garlic sauce last in the fridge?

    If you want to make this stir fry sauce by itself, it'll last for about 2 weeks in the fridge. Keep in mind though that once you add protein or veggies to it, it'll only last a couple of days.

    Related

    Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

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      The Ultimate No Bake Turtle Pie with Chocolate Crust
    • Three plates with slices of homemade Publix key lime pie with a blue rimmed enamel pie pan of key lime pie to the side.
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    Here are more of my favorite recipes:

    • Metal surface topped with Roger Wood sausage Low Country Boil, two cans of beer, and metal containers of tartar sauce and cocktail sauce.
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    🍽Get the recipe

    Easy Skillet Shrimp with Homemade Honey Garlic Sauce in a blue handled pan.

    Easy Skillet Shrimp with Homemade Honey Garlic Sauce

    Discover my recipe for easy skillet shrimp with homemade honey garlic sauce; it's a great solution for busy weeknights and so much better than take-out.
    5 from 17 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Chinese, Japanese
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4

    Equipment

    • whisk
    • liquid measuring cups
    • small bowl
    • cast-iron skillet
    • measuring spoons
    • zester
    • rice cooker

    Ingredients

    • ⅓ cup soy sauce
    • ¼ cup honey
    • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
    • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
    • 2 teaspoon cornstarch
    • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
    • 2 tablespoon vegetable oil (or other neutral oil)
    • 1 teaspoon dark sesame oil
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 (1-inch) piece ginger, peeled and grated
    • 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp
    • Sliced green onions and sesame seeds
    • Hot cooked white rice

    Instructions

    • Whisk together the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using), in a small liquid measuring cup or bowl. Set aside.
    • Heat the vegetable oil and sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
    • Add the shrimp and soy sauce mixture and cook until the shrimp turn pink and the sauce is thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes. (Add a little water, 1 tablespoon at a time if the sauce gets too thick before the shrimp are cooked.)
    • Stir in the green onions and sesame seeds and serve with hot-cooked white rice.

    Recipe guidelines and test kitchen tips

    When developing and testing recipes, here are some key things that I do for more success in the kitchen:

    • Be sure to use dry measuring cups for things like flour, sugar, and mayonnaise and a liquid measuring cup for things like water, milk, and broth.
    • When measuring dry ingredients like flour and powdered sugar that can pack down, spoon the ingredient into a dry measuring cup and level with a knife as opposed to scooping the measuring cup into the ingredient.
    • I test and develop recipes using a standard electric oven and standard gas stovetop. Be aware that if you use an electric stovetop or convection oven, your bake times will be different.
    • When recipes call for kosher salt, I use Diamond Crystal kosher salt.

    Food safety

    Finally, don't forget to keep these food safety tips in mind when making this recipe.

    • Be sure to cook the shrimp to a minimum temperature of 145°F.
    • Do not use the same utensils on cooked food that previously touched raw seafood/meat.
    • Wash your hands after touching raw seafood/meat.
    • Don't leave leftovers sitting out at room temperature for extended periods of time.
    • Never leave cooking food unattended.
    • Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lynn Hagan says

      January 27, 2025 at 2:00 pm

      I just made this and it is definitely a keeper! My husband usually just likes fried or grilled shrimp. He loved this! I made the zucchini/onion side dish. A perfect meal in a few minutes. I had an afternoon meeting so I prepped everything before I left. When I came home I just heated two skillets and it took no time. (I had rice leftover.)
      I’m going to definitely share this one!
      Thank you!

      Reply
      • AshleyFreeman says

        January 28, 2025 at 7:23 am

        Yay! This makes me so happy!

        Reply
    2. Eden says

      July 29, 2024 at 6:49 pm

      5 stars
      Dinner was delicious! Honey garlic shrimp is one of my favorite take out dishes, so glad I found your recipe to make it at home.

      Reply
      • AshleyFreeman says

        July 30, 2024 at 6:55 am

        Yes! Love when you can make take-out at home 🙂

        Reply
    3. Loreto and Nicoletta says

      July 29, 2024 at 9:28 am

      5 stars
      Tjis shrimp recipe is a great quick, weekday meal! 👍 Thr flavor combinations are spot on, and I love the garlic and honey. perfect dish to serve on a bed of white steamed rice!, Very yummy! ❤️ 😍 😋 👌

      Reply
      • AshleyFreeman says

        July 30, 2024 at 6:54 am

        Hooray! My family loves it too!

        Reply
    4. Cathleen says

      July 28, 2024 at 3:15 pm

      5 stars
      My husband hates shrimp, but I made this for dinner anyways because it looked so good haha. Let me just say, you have converted him! Thank you for such a great recipe 🙂

      Reply
      • AshleyFreeman says

        July 30, 2024 at 6:53 am

        Well that is the best review ever! So glad he saw the light 😉

        Reply
    5. Julie says

      July 28, 2024 at 2:38 pm

      5 stars
      What an easy way to elevate shrimp night with this simple dish! The honey garlic sauce really takes this next level. So easy to make and the family loved it.

      Reply
      • AshleyFreeman says

        July 30, 2024 at 6:53 am

        Hooray! I'm so glad everyone liked it!

        Reply
    6. Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer says

      July 28, 2024 at 1:17 pm

      5 stars
      Oh my word is this scrumptious! It’s crazy easy to make and truly was the star of dinner! Definitely making this again!

      Reply
      • AshleyFreeman says

        July 30, 2024 at 6:53 am

        Woohoo! Glad it was a hit!

        Reply
    7. Tammy says

      July 28, 2024 at 12:31 pm

      That glaze!!! How divine...nothing beats takeout made at home. I love the sound of that honey garlic sauce. My mouth is watering and I cannot wait to make this for the family now!

      Reply
      • AshleyFreeman says

        July 30, 2024 at 6:52 am

        Thanks Tammy! It's great on chicken and pork too!

        Reply
    8. Marie says

      July 27, 2024 at 8:50 am

      5 stars
      This is such a family-friendly recipe! My son loves sweet, Asian-inspired flavors, so I knew I had to give this a try. We all loved it, and we adults doused the shrimp with spicy sauce. It's a winning dish all around!

      Reply
      • AshleyFreeman says

        July 30, 2024 at 6:51 am

        Yay! I'm so happy to hear that Marie!

        Reply
    9. veenaazmanov says

      July 26, 2024 at 9:28 pm

      5 stars
      Thanks for such a delicious and flavorful Honey Garlic Sauce recipe. This recipe is so easy and Shrimps are my family favorite too. Plan to get going this weekend.

      Reply
      • AshleyFreeman says

        July 27, 2024 at 8:33 am

        Yay! Hope y'all love it!

        Reply
    10. Lauren says

      July 26, 2024 at 9:40 am

      5 stars
      The honey garlic sauce in this recipe is SO good! Of course it tasted great with the shrimp, but I also want to try it with chicken next time - thanks!

      Reply
      • AshleyFreeman says

        July 27, 2024 at 8:31 am

        That's a great option--great on so many things!

        Reply
    11. Adriana says

      July 26, 2024 at 1:16 am

      5 stars
      The honey garlic sauce is finger-licking. It goes very well with veggies, salmon, and chicken, too. I am so glad I stumbled upon this recipe.

      Reply
    12. Juyali says

      July 25, 2024 at 12:18 am

      5 stars
      Holy shrimp, this recipe is insanely good! The honey garlic sauce is the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Perrrrfect over jasmine rice. Delish! I might just eat this every night. 😉

      Reply
    13. Juyali says

      June 05, 2024 at 4:13 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is a winner. So delicious and easy. We had dinner on the table in less than 45 minutes. Thanks for all the great tips too!

      Reply
      • AshleyFreeman says

        June 07, 2024 at 10:57 am

        Woohoo! That's a win in my book!

        Reply
    14. Beth says

      May 23, 2024 at 12:54 pm

      5 stars
      MmmMMM. Honey garlic shrimp is such a great dish, and I love how FAST this is. Winner!

      Reply
      • AshleyFreeman says

        May 24, 2024 at 12:36 pm

        Me too, Beth! On crazy weeknights, I'm often scrambling to get something on the table--this is a go-to for sure!

        Reply
    15. Charah says

      May 23, 2024 at 10:43 am

      5 stars
      Delicious and easy, thanks for sharing this recipe

      Reply
      • AshleyFreeman says

        May 24, 2024 at 12:36 pm

        Awesome! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    16. Holley says

      May 23, 2024 at 10:30 am

      5 stars
      My family and I LOVE shrimp recipes and this one is an absolute winner! So easy to make and the kids loved it!

      Reply
      • AshleyFreeman says

        May 24, 2024 at 12:35 pm

        So glad it was a hit for the whole family! We love it too!

        Reply
    17. Andrea says

      May 23, 2024 at 10:11 am

      5 stars
      Simple ingredients and simple to make, this incredible shrimp dish is perfect for my family. I am looking forward to making it.

      Reply
      • AshleyFreeman says

        May 24, 2024 at 12:35 pm

        Yes! My kind of recipe!

        Reply
    18. Paula says

      May 23, 2024 at 9:29 am

      5 stars
      The honey garlic paired with shrimp was SO DELICIOUS!!! This recipe was so easy to make too!

      Reply
      • AshleyFreeman says

        May 23, 2024 at 9:42 am

        Great! I'm so glad to hear!

        Reply
    19. Ned says

      May 23, 2024 at 9:17 am

      5 stars
      What?! The flavors are unreal in this awesome recipe! I loved using my cast iron for it too! Thank you so much, can't wait to make it again!

      Reply
      • AshleyFreeman says

        May 23, 2024 at 9:42 am

        Thanks for the great review, Ned! I use my cast-iron skillet on the daily 😉

        Reply
    5 from 17 votes

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    Photo of Ashley Strickland Freeman in a kitchen.

    Hi, I'm Ashley, "your best friend in the kitchen." I'm a food stylist, culinary producer, editor, travel junkie, and author of The Duke's Mayonnaise Cookbook from Charleston, SC. Thanks for stopping by Little Black Skillet!

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