High Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp: A Quick 20 Minute Healthy Dinner

Name: High Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper, to season; 1/3 cup honey; 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten free); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp grated fresh ginger; 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water; Red pepper flakes, optional

By:

Ruby Bennett

Published:

June 13, 2026

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

The Key Ingredients for Honey Garlic Shrimp

This high protein honey garlic shrimp comes together with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. The real magic is in the sauce. It uses pantry staples like honey, soy sauce, and garlic to create a sticky, glossy glaze that clings to every piece of shrimp.

In just 20 minutes you can have this sweet and savory dinner on the table. The lean protein from the shrimp makes it a satisfying meal that keeps you full without weighing you down. For a gluten free version, swap the soy sauce for tamari and you are good to go.

For the Shrimp:

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to season

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten free)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water
Red pepper flakes, optional

Jump to:

Step by Step Instructions

This dish moves fast, so have all your ingredients prepped before you turn on the stove. The shrimp cook in just a few minutes and the sauce comes together even faster. Follow these four simple steps and you will have a glossy, sticky high protein honey garlic shrimp dinner ready to serve.

Step	Action
1	Prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. In a separate tiny bowl, stir the cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Set both aside.
2	Sear the shrimp. Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels, then season with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until shimmering. Add the shrimp in a single layer (do not overcrowd the pan) and sear for 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
3	Combine and thicken. Reduce the heat to low. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the shrimp and stir gently for 30 seconds. Give the cornstarch slurry a quick stir and drizzle it into the pan. Cook for another minute, stirring, until the sauce thickens and turns glossy.
4	Serve right away. Remove from heat immediately to stop cooking. Transfer to plates and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Shrimp

The difference between tender, juicy shrimp and a rubbery mess comes down to a few small details. First, never walk away from the skillet. Shrimp cook in the time it takes to grab a drink from the fridge. Watch for the moment they turn from grayish to pink and opaque. When the edges curl into a loose “C” shape, they are ready. If they curl into a tight “O” they are already overdone.

Always pat the shrimp dry before seasoning. Extra moisture creates steam, which prevents that gorgeous golden sear. Use a skillet that is screaming hot before the shrimp go in. A nonstick or cast iron pan works beautifully. And for the best flavor, use freshly minced garlic and freshly grated ginger. Jarred versions just do not have the same punch.

If you love fast, high protein seafood dinners, you might also enjoy Low Carb Shrimp And Broccoli. It is another 20 minute meal that fits right into a busy weeknight rotation.

Serving Suggestions

This high protein honey garlic shrimp is incredibly versatile. The sticky sauce begs for something to soak it up, so a bed of fluffy jasmine rice, nutty quinoa, or brown rice is always a winning choice. For a low carb option, pile the glazed shrimp over a heap of zucchini noodles or steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or bok choy. The heat from the veggies wilts slightly under the warm sauce and tastes amazing.

You can also turn the shrimp into noodle bowls or tuck the pieces into crisp lettuce wraps for a refreshing crunch. Try a side of steamed edamame tossed with a pinch of sea salt or a simple green salad with a light sesame dressing. The natural sweetness of the honey balances the garlic perfectly, so you do not need heavy sides to round out the meal.

For another easy dinner idea, check out this high protein honey garlic shrimp recipe from EatingWell for even more tips on keeping the meal light and healthy.

Storage and Meal Prep Instructions

This recipe is a meal prep hero. You can cook a double batch on Sunday and have high protein lunches ready for the next three days. Let the shrimp cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave using short 30 second bursts. Going slow prevents the shrimp from turning tough. For grab and go lunches, portion the shrimp into containers with a scoop of cooked rice and blanched broccoli. The sauce flavors everything beautifully as it sits, making the next day’s lunch even more delicious.

If you are making it strictly for meal prep, consider High Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp your new weekly staple.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this honey garlic shrimp recipe high in protein?

Shrimp is naturally a lean protein source, with about 20 grams of protein per 3 ounce serving. Combined with honey and garlic, this recipe provides a high protein, low fat meal option.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this high protein honey garlic shrimp recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp works well. Thaw them in a colander under cold running water or in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Pat dry to avoid excess water in the sauce.

How long does it take to cook shrimp in the honey garlic sauce?

Shrimp cooks very quickly, usually in 2 to 4 minutes per side over medium high heat. The total cooking time is about 6 to 8 minutes, depending on the size of the shrimp.

How can I tell when the shrimp is fully cooked?

Shrimp turns from gray to pink and becomes opaque throughout. The flesh curls slightly, and it feels firm to the touch. Undercooked shrimp is translucent; overcooked becomes rubbery.

What kind of shrimp is best for this high protein honey garlic shrimp recipe?

Choose large or jumbo raw shrimp, peeled and deveined. For easy prep, use pre peeled tail on or tail off shrimp. Fresh or frozen both work, but avoid precooked or breaded varieties.

Can I make this honey garlic shrimp recipe ahead of time for meal prep?

Yes, it works well for meal prep. Cook the shrimp, cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave to avoid overcooking.