Why You’ll Love Hot Honey Shrimp Recipe
-
The contrast of sweet honey with a hint of heat gives the dish an exciting flavor profile.
-
It’s extremely quick — just about 10 minutes from start to finish.
-
It’s versatile — you can serve it over rice with veggies, on tortillas as tacos, or as an appetizer.
-
With minimal ingredients and simple technique, it’s approachable even for less experienced cooks.
-
You can adapt it for dietary needs (for example, use gluten‑free soy sauce) without losing much of the flavor.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
-
1 lb uncooked shrimp (peeled and deveined; tails on or off)
-
Salt and pepper
-
1 tbsp oil (or butter, your choice)
-
3 tbsp hot honey
-
1 tbsp soy sauce (for gluten‑free, swap to a gluten‑free soy sauce)
-
1 clove garlic, minced (or ~¼ tsp garlic powder)
-
1 tbsp lime juice (about ½ a lime)
-
Garnish & serving ideas: chopped scallions, toasted sesame seeds, cooked rice, stir‑fried veggies, or tortillas + guacamole
Directions
-
Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel; season lightly with salt and pepper.
-
In a small bowl, combine the hot honey, soy sauce, lime juice, and minced garlic to make the sauce. Mix well.
-
Preheat a large skillet over high heat. Add your oil (or butter) and allow it to heat/melt. Add the shrimp and let them cook undisturbed on one side (about 1 minute).
-
Add the hot honey sauce to the skillet, flip the shrimp, reduce heat to medium, and cook for about 1 more minute or until the shrimp are fully cooked.
-
Remove the shrimp from the skillet. If you like, continue simmering the remaining sauce for about 1 minute until it thickens a bit (watch it so it doesn’t burn).
-
Serve by pouring the thickened sauce over the shrimp. Garnish with chopped scallions and optionally drizzle extra hot honey on top.
-
If you’d like to add veggies: after removing the shrimp, add sliced zucchini, yellow squash, grated carrot, snow peas, or lightly steamed broccoli to the skillet. Stir fry them in the sauce for a few minutes on lower heat, to avoid burning the sauce.
Servings and timing
-
Servings: 4 people
-
Prep time: 5 minutes
-
Cook time: 5 minutes
-
Total time: 10 minutes
Variations
-
Vegetable‑packed variation: Add stir‑fried veggies such as zucchini, snow peas, carrots, or broccoli for extra color and nutrition.
-
Protein swap: Replace shrimp with bite‑sized pieces of chicken or firm tofu for a different take, adjusting the cook time as needed.
-
Spice level: Increase the heat with extra hot honey or a pinch of cayenne; reduce for a milder taste.
-
Flavor twist: Add sesame oil or toasted sesame seeds for depth, or sprinkle fresh herbs like cilantro for brightness.
-
Serving style: Use cauliflower rice for a low‑carb meal, or serve in lettuce wraps for a light and crunchy option.
Storage/Reheating
-
Storage: Store leftover shrimp and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
-
Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium‑low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or oil if the sauce thickens too much.
-
Note: Reheated shrimp may lose some texture, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
FAQs
How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?
Shrimp are ready when they turn pink, opaque, and curl into a “C” shape. Avoid overcooking to keep them tender.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw them completely, drain, and pat dry before cooking to ensure a good sear and concentrated sauce.
What is “hot honey”?
Hot honey is honey infused with chili peppers for a sweet‑spicy kick. You can make your own by combining honey with cayenne or red pepper flakes.
Is this recipe gluten‑free?
It can be gluten‑free if you use a gluten‑free soy sauce or coconut aminos.
Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, use tofu, tempeh, or cauliflower instead of shrimp, and ensure the hot honey is plant‑based or use agave with chili flakes.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
You can mix the sauce ahead and refrigerate it. Cook the shrimp fresh for the best results.
How spicy will this be?
It’s mildly spicy from the hot honey, but the heat level can be adjusted by using more or less or modifying the chili content.
What side dishes pair well with this?
Pair it with rice, stir‑fried or steamed vegetables, tortillas with guacamole, or a green salad.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double all ingredients. Use a larger skillet or cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Will the sauce thicken over time?
Yes, the sauce thickens as it simmers or cools. To thin it when reheating, add a splash of water or broth.
Conclusion
This Hot Honey Shrimp is a flavorful, quick, and adaptable recipe perfect for any night of the week. The bold sweet‑spicy glaze brings restaurant‑style flavor to your table in just 10 minutes. Whether you enjoy it over rice, in tacos, or with fresh veggies, it’s bound to become a go‑to favorite for its taste and simplicity.
Hot Honey Shrimp
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This Hot Honey Shrimp recipe features tender shrimp coated in a sweet and spicy sauce made with honey, sriracha, and garlic. It’s a quick and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or serving as an appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in honey, sriracha, and lime juice. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until heated through.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley or green onions, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the spice level.
- This dish pairs well with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad.
- Use raw shrimp for best results; pre-cooked shrimp can become rubbery when reheated.
- Lime juice adds brightness but can be substituted with lemon if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
