High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp is a fast, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a protein-packed dinner. Juicy shrimp are sautéed to perfection, then coated in a sticky honey garlic glaze that is both sweet and savory. This dish is naturally high in protein, low in carbs, and can easily be paired with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Shrimp cook incredibly fast, making this a 20-minute recipe that delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home. The combination of honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of sesame oil creates a glaze that clings to each shrimp for maximum taste. Topped with sesame seeds and green onions, it’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

High in protein: Perfect for fitness enthusiasts and anyone looking to boost protein intake.
Quick and easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, ideal for weeknight dinners.
Low-carb and healthy: Can be served with veggies for a guilt-free meal.
Flavor-packed: Sticky, sweet, savory, and aromatic all in one.

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp honey
2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tsp sesame oil
½ tsp red chili flakes (optional, for heat)
Juice of ½ lemon
1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry for thickening, optional)
2 tbsp chopped green onions
1 tsp sesame seeds

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add shrimp and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, lemon juice, and chili flakes. Stir to combine and simmer for 1–2 minutes.
Optional: Add cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Cook for an additional 30 seconds.
Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the honey garlic glaze.
Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Tips for Perfect Shrimp

Do not overcook shrimp; they cook quickly and become rubbery if left too long.
Use peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience and uniform cooking.
Adjust honey or soy sauce to taste for your preferred balance of sweetness and saltiness.
Serve immediately for the best glaze texture.

Variations

Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp: Add 1 tsp sriracha or more chili flakes.
Garlic Butter Shrimp: Replace honey with melted butter for a savory version.
Sheet Pan Option: Toss shrimp and sauce on a sheet pan and broil 4–5 minutes for a hands-off approach.
Meal Prep Friendly: Store cooked shrimp and sauce separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Serving Suggestions

Over steamed jasmine or brown rice
With sautéed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas
As a protein-packed topping for quinoa bowls or salad bowls
Wrapped in lettuce leaves for a low-carb meal

Fun Fact

Shrimp are naturally low in calories yet packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, making them an excellent choice for anyone seeking nutrient-dense meals without sacrificing flavor.