This High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and satisfying, delivering bold flavor with minimal effort. If you’re looking for a fast, nutritious dinner that feels special but fits into a healthy lifestyle, this shrimp recipe checks every box.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp
This dish is designed for real life. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights, impressive enough for guests, and balanced enough for meal prep.
- Ready in under 20 minutes
- Naturally high in lean protein
- Uses pantry-friendly ingredients
- Sweet and savory without being heavy
- Pairs well with rice, veggies, or salads
Shrimp cooks quickly and absorbs flavor beautifully, making it ideal for a glossy honey garlic glaze that coats every bite.
Ingredients for High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp
Shrimp
- 1½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Honey Garlic Sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: red pepper flakes for mild heat
Ingredient Notes
- Shrimp: Fresh or frozen both work; thaw frozen shrimp completely
- Honey: Adds shine and balanced sweetness
- Soy Sauce: Coconut aminos keep it gluten-free
- No alcohol needed: Lemon juice replaces rice wine naturally
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Sauce
Whisk honey, soy sauce, garlic, lemon juice, and pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.
Step 2 – Cook the Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until just pink.
Step 3 – Glaze the Shrimp
Reduce heat to medium. Pour the sauce into the skillet and simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring gently, until thickened and glossy.
Step 4 – Finish and Serve
Remove from heat immediately to avoid overcooking. Spoon extra sauce over the shrimp before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t overcrowd the pan
- Shrimp should curl into a “C,” not an “O”
- Add sauce only after shrimp are nearly cooked
- Use fresh garlic for best flavor
- Serve immediately for best texture
Flavor Variations
- Add grated ginger for warmth
- Use lime juice instead of lemon
- Toss with steamed broccoli
- Finish with sesame seeds
- Add pineapple chunks for sweetness
Serving Suggestions
- Over jasmine or brown rice
- With quinoa or cauliflower rice
- Inside lettuce wraps
- Alongside roasted vegetables
- On top of a protein bowl
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Store in airtight container up to 3 days
- Reheat gently on stovetop
- Not freezer-friendly due to shrimp texture
High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe delivers the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavor in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or healthy meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Whisk honey, soy sauce, garlic, lemon juice, and black pepper in a small bowl and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until just pink.
- Reduce heat to medium and pour sauce into the skillet.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring gently, until the sauce thickens and coats the shrimp.
- Remove from heat immediately and spoon extra sauce over the shrimp before serving.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the pan and avoid overcooking. Shrimp are done when they curl into a C shape. Serve immediately for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~290 |
| Protein | 32g |
| Carbs | 24g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | ~620mg |
FAQ About High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw and pat dry thoroughly before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
Is this recipe healthy?
Absolutely. Shrimp is lean protein, and the sauce uses minimal added fat.
Can I make it spicy?
Yes, add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
What can I use instead of honey?
Maple syrup works well, though flavor will differ slightly.
Final Thoughts
This High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe proves that healthy meals don’t need to be boring. It’s quick, flavorful, and endlessly versatile—perfect for weeknights or meal prep.