High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp: Sweet, Savory & Packed with Protein

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If you need a dinner that’s fast, flavorful, and actually satisfying, this is it.

This High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe delivers that perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a sticky garlic glaze that clings to every shrimp. It tastes like restaurant-quality takeout — but it’s ready in under 25 minutes and made with clean, simple ingredients.

Even better? Shrimp are naturally high in protein and low in calories, making this one of the easiest ways to build a healthy, high-protein meal without heavy sauces or complicated prep.

Let’s get into it.

Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Shrimp

This recipe hits every major dinner requirement:

  • ✔ High in protein
  • ✔ Ready in under 25 minutes
  • ✔ Minimal ingredients
  • ✔ One-pan friendly
  • ✔ Meal prep approved
  • ✔ Naturally gluten-free (with simple swaps)

It’s sweet, savory, garlicky, slightly sticky — and ridiculously good over rice, quinoa, or vegetables.

The Protein Power of Shrimp

Shrimp are one of the most underrated protein sources.

A 3-ounce serving contains around:

  • 20 grams of protein
  • Very low fat
  • Minimal carbohydrates
  • Essential minerals like selenium and iodine

That makes this high-protein shrimp recipe ideal for muscle support, weight management, and balanced eating.

And unlike heavier meats, shrimp cook fast — which means dinner happens quickly.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker sauce)
  • 2 tablespoons water (if using cornstarch)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Ingredient Breakdown

Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps create caramelization.

Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami.

Garlic: The backbone of the flavor — don’t skimp.

Lemon Juice: Brightens and balances sweetness.

Cornstarch (Optional): Creates that glossy, restaurant-style sauce.

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Set aside.
  2. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Season lightly with black pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
  5. Reduce heat to medium. Pour honey garlic sauce into the skillet.
  6. If using cornstarch, mix it with water and stir into the sauce. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  7. Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook 1–2 additional minutes.
  8. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp: Sweet, Savory & Packed with Protein

Quick and flavorful honey garlic shrimp coated in a sticky sweet-savory glaze, packed with protein and ready in under 25 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian-Inspired
Calories: 290

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1.5 pounds large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 tsp cornstarch optional
  • 2 tbsp water for cornstarch slurry
  • 2 tbsp green onions chopped
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Large skillet
  • Whisk
  • Knife and cutting board

Method
 

  1. Whisk together honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, and garlic.
  2. Cook shrimp in olive oil 1–2 minutes per side.
  3. Remove shrimp and simmer sauce.
  4. Thicken sauce if desired.
  5. Return shrimp and toss to coat.
  6. Garnish and serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcook shrimp. Serve immediately for best texture.

Pro Tips for Perfect Shrimp

1. Don’t Overcook

Shrimp cook fast. Once they turn pink and curl slightly, they’re done.

2. Use Large Shrimp

They stay juicier and hold sauce better.

3. Pat Dry Before Cooking

Moisture prevents proper searing.

4. Cook in Batches if Needed

Crowding the pan causes steaming instead of caramelizing.

Serving Ideas

This sweet and savory shrimp works beautifully with:

  • Steamed jasmine rice
  • Brown rice
  • Cauliflower rice
  • Quinoa
  • Stir-fried vegetables
  • Rice noodles

For a full high-protein plate, pair with roasted broccoli or snap peas.

Meal Prep & Storage

Refrigerator: Store up to 3 days in airtight container.
Reheat: Warm gently in skillet to avoid overcooking.
Freezing: Not recommended — shrimp texture can change.

Easy Variations

Make It Spicy

Add sriracha or extra red pepper flakes.

Add Veggies

Stir in bell peppers or zucchini during sauce stage.

Make It Low-Carb

Swap honey for a sugar-free alternative.

Add Extra Protein

Serve over high-protein rice or add edamame.

Why This Recipe Works

The balance of honey and soy sauce creates depth without overwhelming sweetness. Garlic adds aroma and richness. Lemon keeps everything bright.

Cooking shrimp separately prevents overcooking, and reducing the sauce afterward ensures the glaze thickens properly.

It’s simple, intentional cooking — and it shows.

Final Thoughts

When you want something fast but still crave flavor, this High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp delivers.

It’s sweet. It’s savory. It’s glossy and satisfying. And it supports your protein goals without feeling like “diet food.”

This is one of those recipes you’ll memorize after making it twice.

Quick. Balanced. Packed with protein.

Dinner solved.

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