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Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls: Sweet, Savory, and Ready in 20 Minutes
If you’re craving a meal that’s bold, satisfying, and lightning fast to make, these Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls are exactly what you need. Sweet, savory, slightly sticky, and packed with flavor, this easy shrimp dinner recipe comes together in just 20 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meal prep.
Juicy shrimp are coated in a glossy honey garlic sauce, then layered over fluffy rice with crisp-tender vegetables. The result? A balanced bowl that feels both comforting and fresh.
Let’s dive into why this 20 minute shrimp meal deserves a permanent spot in your rotation.
Why You’ll Love These Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls
There are plenty of shrimp recipes out there, but this one checks every box:
- Ready in just 20 minutes
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Sweet and savory flavor balance
- High in protein
- Customizable with your favorite veggies
- Perfect for meal prep
Shrimp cooks incredibly fast, making it one of the best proteins for quick meals. When paired with honey, garlic, and soy sauce, it creates a sauce that’s sticky, glossy, and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
For the Honey Garlic Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
For the Bowls
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (or brown rice)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and sesame oil.
- Make cornstarch slurry. In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch with water until smooth. Set aside.
- 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 pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Add sauce. Pour the honey garlic mixture into the same skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken the sauce. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Return shrimp. Add shrimp back into the skillet and toss until fully coated in the sticky sauce.
- Steam vegetables. While the shrimp cooks, lightly steam broccoli until crisp-tender (about 3–4 minutes).
- Assemble bowls. Divide rice into bowls, top with honey garlic shrimp, broccoli, shredded carrots, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve immediately and enjoy.
Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls: Sweet, Savory, and Ready in 20 Minutes
A quick and flavorful honey garlic shrimp bowl made with tender shrimp, fluffy rice, and crisp vegetables, ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whisk honey, soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil.
- Cook shrimp 1–2 minutes per side until pink.
- Simmer sauce in skillet.
- Add cornstarch slurry and thicken.
- Return shrimp and coat in sauce.
- Assemble bowls with rice and vegetables.
Notes
Do not overcook shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
Flavor Profile: Sweet Meets Savory
What makes this dish shine is the balance:
- Honey brings natural sweetness.
- Garlic adds bold depth.
- Soy sauce provides savory umami.
- Sesame oil adds nutty richness.
The glaze clings to the shrimp beautifully, creating that classic sweet and savory shrimp flavor that pairs perfectly with rice.
Tips for Perfect Shrimp Every Time
1. Don’t Overcook
Shrimp cook fast — usually 2–3 minutes total. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery.
2. Use Large Shrimp
They’re easier to cook evenly and stay juicy.
3. Pat Dry Before Cooking
Removing excess moisture helps shrimp sear instead of steam.
4. Add Sauce After Cooking
Cooking shrimp directly in sugary sauce can cause burning. Always cook shrimp first.
Make It Healthier
If you’re looking to make this healthy shrimp rice bowl even lighter:
- Swap white rice for cauliflower rice.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce.
- Add extra veggies like snap peas or bell peppers.
- Reduce honey slightly for fewer sugars.
Meal Prep Friendly
These honey garlic shrimp bowls store beautifully.
- Refrigerator: Up to 3 days in airtight containers.
- Reheat: Microwave in 30-second intervals until warm.
- Freezer: Not ideal, as shrimp can become rubbery after thawing.
For best results, store sauce and rice separately if prepping ahead.
Delicious Variations
Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp
Add:
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon sriracha
Teriyaki Twist
Replace soy sauce with teriyaki sauce for a slightly different sweet-savory balance.
Low-Carb Version
Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Why Shrimp Is Perfect for Quick Dinners
Shrimp is one of the fastest-cooking proteins available. It’s:
- Lean and high in protein
- Low in calories
- Rich in selenium and vitamin B12
- Naturally quick to prepare
That’s why easy shrimp dinner recipes are a lifesaver on busy nights.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your bowl with:
- A squeeze of fresh lime
- Extra sesame seeds
- A drizzle of spicy mayo
- A side of cucumber salad
For a restaurant-style finish, sprinkle with fresh cilantro or thinly sliced chili peppers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
Can I substitute chicken?
Absolutely. Thinly sliced chicken breast works well but requires longer cooking time.
Is this gluten-free?
Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to keep it gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
These Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls: Sweet, Savory, and Ready in 20 Minutes prove that fast food at home can still be flavorful, fresh, and satisfying. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this dish strikes the perfect balance between comfort and nutrition.
Once you try this recipe, you’ll see just how easy it is to create restaurant-quality shrimp bowls right in your own kitchen — in less time than it takes to order takeout.