High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp is a simple dish that feels like a treat. Bright garlic and sweet honey meet juicy shrimp, and the sauce coats each bite. This high protein shrimp recipe is great for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a fast dinner that still feels special. It’s a crowd-pleaser because it is tasty, quick to make, and pairs well with many sides. Get ready to make a meal that tastes like you spent hours, even when you did not.
How to prepare High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients (simple, basic)
- 1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp honey
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (optional, for thicker sauce)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onion or parsley for garnish
Directions
- Pat the shrimp dry and season with a little salt and pepper.
- Mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, and vinegar in a small bowl.
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook 1 to 2 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp to a plate.
- Lower the heat to medium. Add the honey garlic mix to the pan. Let it bubble for 30 seconds, then add the cornstarch slurry if you like a thicker sauce. Stir until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute.
- Return the shrimp to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook another 30 seconds so flavors combine.
- Serve hot, garnish with green onion or parsley. Enjoy with rice, salad, or vegetables.
Why You’ll Love High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp
- It is high in protein, thanks to the shrimp, so you feel full longer.
- The flavor is bold but simple, sweet honey and savory garlic work well together.
- It cooks in minutes, so it is perfect for fast dinners or when you want an easy healthy shrimp recipe.
- It fits many diets, low carb if you skip the starch, and high protein for muscle fuel.
Tips for success
- Use fresh or fully thawed shrimp so they cook evenly.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp, they go from perfect to rubbery fast.
- Taste the sauce before adding shrimp back, adjust honey or soy sauce to your liking.
- If you want more protein, serve over quinoa, edamame, or a bed of greens.
- For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over steamed rice or quinoa for a filling meal.
- Toss with zucchini noodles or whole grain pasta for a lighter option.
- Add steamed broccoli or snap peas on the side for color and crunch.
- Make bowls with mixed greens, avocado, and a squeeze of lemon for a fresh, high-protein lunch.
FAQs
Q: How long does shrimp take to cook?
A: Shrimp cooks fast, usually 1 to 2 minutes per side depending on size. When it turns pink and opaque, it is done.
Q: Can I make this ahead and reheat it?
A: Yes, you can make it ahead. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan so shrimp does not overcook.
Q: Is this recipe low carb?
A: Yes, it can be low carb if you skip the cornstarch and serve over greens or low-carb sides.
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes, just thaw fully and pat dry before cooking for best results.
Q: What can I use instead of soy sauce?
A: Use tamari for gluten-free, or coconut aminos for a milder, slightly sweet flavor.
Conclusion
If you want another simple take on this flavor combo, check this recipe for ideas and notes on honey garlic shrimp: Honey Garlic Shrimp – Wholesome Yum.
High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients
Method
- Pat the shrimp dry and season with a little salt and pepper.
- Mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, and vinegar in a small bowl.
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook 1 to 2 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp to a plate.
- Lower the heat to medium. Add the honey garlic mix to the pan. Let it bubble for 30 seconds, then add the cornstarch slurry if you like a thicker sauce. Stir until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute.
- Return the shrimp to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook another 30 seconds so flavors combine.
- Serve hot, garnish with green onion or parsley. Enjoy with rice, salad, or vegetables.
