why make this recipe
High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp is not only delicious but is also a healthy choice for many reasons. First, shrimp are a fantastic source of protein, making them great for anyone looking to build muscle or maintain a healthy weight. They are low in calories and fat, making them suitable for various diets. The sweet and savory combination of honey and garlic makes this dish incredibly appealing to the taste buds, ensuring that even those who might not love shrimp will enjoy this meal.
Additionally, this recipe is quick and easy to prepare. It generally takes around 20 minutes from start to finish, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights or last-minute meals. The ingredients are simple and often found in most kitchens, meaning you won’t have to make an extra trip to the grocery store. This dish can be served over rice or vegetables, perfect for meal prepping or simply serving a wholesome family dinner.
how to make High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp
Cooking high-protein honey garlic shrimp is straightforward. Follow these steps to create a flavorful dish that you’ll want to make over and over again.
Ingredients :
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or vegetables for serving
Directions :
Prepare the Flavors: Begin by preparing the sauce. In a moderately-sized mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup honey, 3 minced cloves of garlic, and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. Mix these ingredients well until the honey is slightly diluted and the garlic is evenly distributed in the sauce. This will create a fragrant mixture to coat the shrimp.
Heat the Olive Oil: Place a skillet or frying pan on the stove and heat up 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm for about a minute; you can tell it’s ready when it shimmers slightly.
Cook the Shrimp: Once the oil is hot, add the pound of peeled and deveined shrimp directly to the pan. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; if you have a lot of shrimp, you may want to cook them in batches. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
Add the Sauce: After about 1-2 minutes of cooking, when the shrimp start to turn pink, pour the honey garlic mixture over them. Stir the shrimp gently to make sure they are well-coated with the sauce. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the shrimp are fully cooked and opaque. The sauce should begin to thicken slightly.
Serve: When the shrimp are pink and cooked through, take them off the heat. Serve the honey garlic shrimp over steamed rice or alongside your favorite vegetables. This will help balance the dish and provide additional nutrients.
how to serve High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp
Serving High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp is simple and flexible. You can go with a basic approach or get creative. Here are some serving suggestions:
Over Rice: The classic way to serve this dish is over a bowl of steamed white or brown rice. This absorbs the delicious honey garlic sauce and complements the shrimp beautifully.
With Vegetables: Pair the shrimp with stir-fried or steamed vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas. This adds color, texture, and vital nutrients to your meal.
In a Wrap: For a fun twist, wrap the shrimp and some fresh vegetables in a tortilla or lettuce leaves. Add a drizzle of the honey garlic sauce for a tasty handheld meal.
With Noodles: Instead of rice, you can serve the shrimp over noodles like soba or rice noodles. Toss them with a little extra soy sauce for an Asian-inspired noodle dish.
Garnish: Consider garnishing with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a bit of heat.
how to store High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp
If you have leftovers or want to prepare the dish ahead of time, proper storage is key:
Refrigeration: Allow the shrimp to cool completely after cooking. Place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. They should last for about 2-3 days.
Freezing: If you want to store for longer, you can freeze the shrimp. Place the cooled shrimp in a freezer-safe container or bag. They should keep well for around 1-2 months. When you’re ready to use them, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, use the stovetop over low heat to warm the shrimp gently. You can add a splash of water or extra honey sauce to keep the dish from drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave the shrimp, but watch them carefully to prevent overcooking.
tips to make High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp
Making high-protein honey garlic shrimp is easy, but here are some tips to elevate your dish:
Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will provide the best flavor. However, if frozen shrimp are what you have, ensure they are fully thawed and drained before cooking.
Customize the Sauce: You can add red pepper flakes, ginger, or other spices to the honey garlic sauce for a little extra kick. Adjust the level of honey if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet profile.
Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook quickly. Keep a close eye on them; they are done when they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking makes shrimp rubbery and less enjoyable.
Add Fresh Herbs: Right before serving, consider sprinkling fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley over the dish for a bright burst of flavor.
Use Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: For a healthier option, choose low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
variation
There are several ways to vary this honey garlic shrimp recipe to cater to your taste or dietary needs:
Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp: Add chopped chili peppers or sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick that balances wonderfully with the sweetness of honey.
Honey Lemon Shrimp: Substitute half of the honey with fresh lemon juice to give a citrus flavor. This adds brightness and freshness to the dish.
Teriyaki Style: Swap out honey for teriyaki sauce for a different flavor profile that stays true to an Asian-inspired dish.
Vegetarian Twist: Replace shrimp with tofu or tempeh. Marinate and cook them the same way for a plant-based adaptation.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to achieve the best texture.
2. What can I use instead of honey?
If you want a different flavor, consider using maple syrup or agave syrup. These alternatives will give a different but enjoyable sweetness.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the shrimp ahead of time. Cook them fully, store them in the refrigerator, and reheat when ready to serve. However, for the freshest taste, it’s recommended to cook just before serving if possible.
4. What side dishes pair well with honey garlic shrimp?
Honey garlic shrimp pairs well with rice, steamed vegetables, or a light salad. It can also be served with noodles for a different texture.
5. Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Absolutely! Once cooked, honey garlic shrimp can be divided into meal prep containers along with your choice of side, making it convenient for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A quick and healthy dish featuring shrimp coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or vegetables for serving
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine honey, minced garlic, and soy sauce; mix well.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat for about a minute.
- Add shrimp to the pan, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1-2 minutes until they start to turn pink.
- Pour the honey garlic mixture over the shrimp and stir gently; cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until shrimp are fully cooked and sauce thickens.
- Serve over rice or vegetables.
Notes
For the best flavor, use fresh shrimp and feel free to customize the sauce with spices. Store leftovers properly to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
Keywords: shrimp, honey garlic, high-protein, quick meal, seafood