Save This honey garlic shrimp and rice bowl has become my weeknight dinner hero when I need something impressive yet effortless. The sweet and savory sauce coats each succulent shrimp perfectly, creating a restaurant-quality meal that comes together faster than delivery could arrive at your door.
I first created this recipe when my sister dropped by unexpectedly for dinner. With just shrimp in the freezer and basic ingredients in the pantry, this dish was born out of necessity but has since become our most requested family meal.
Ingredients
- Large shrimp peeled and deveined: for quick cooking and maximum flavor absorption. Look for sustainably sourced options with a firm texture and mild ocean scent.
- Honey: creates the sweet foundation of our sauce. Choose a pure variety rather than honey blends for the richest flavor.
- Low sodium soy sauce: provides savory depth without making the dish too salty. The umami elements balance perfectly with the sweetness.
- Fresh garlic minced: finely gives this dish its signature aroma and flavor. Fresh is absolutely essential here rather than pre-minced options.
- Fresh ginger: adds a warming spicy note that elevates the entire sauce. Look for firm pieces with smooth skin for the freshest flavor.
- Olive oil: for cooking the shrimp helps achieve a beautiful golden exterior.
- White or brown rice: serves as the perfect base to soak up all that delicious sauce. Brown offers more nutrition while white provides a classic texture.
- Cornstarch: optional but recommended for creating that restaurant quality thick glaze that clings to each shrimp.
- Green onions: add a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor as garnish.
- Sesame seeds: provide a subtle nutty crunch and visual appeal as the finishing touch.
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice:
- Cook your rice according to package directions while preparing the rest of the meal. For extra flavor, consider using chicken broth instead of water. Fluff with a fork just before serving to ensure each grain remains distinct and fluffy.
- Create the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- Whisk together honey, low sodium soy sauce, freshly minced garlic, and grated ginger until completely combined. The sauce should look glossy and smell intensely aromatic. If using cornstarch for thickening, mix it with water to create a slurry before adding to the sauce mixture. This prevents any lumps from forming in your final sauce.
- Cook the Shrimp to Perfection:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan which would cause steaming rather than searing. Cook for approximately 2 minutes until the bottom side turns pink with slight golden edges. Flip each shrimp and cook for another 2 minutes. The perfect shrimp should be opaque throughout with a slight C shape.
- Combine Shrimp with Sauce:
- Pour your prepared honey garlic sauce over the perfectly cooked shrimp in the hot pan. Allow everything to simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes, occasionally stirring gently to coat each piece evenly. The sauce will begin to bubble and thicken, transforming into a glossy glaze that clings beautifully to the shrimp. When done, the sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
Save The fresh ginger truly makes this dish special in my opinion. I discovered its importance when I once substituted powdered ginger in a pinch. While still delicious, it lacked that bright zingy quality that fresh ginger imparts. My husband now insists I always keep fresh ginger in the freezer for this very recipe.
Perfect Shrimp Selection
Choosing the right shrimp makes a significant difference in this recipe. Look for shrimp labeled 16/20 or 21/25, which indicates the count per pound. These medium to large sizes cook evenly and quickly while maintaining their juicy texture. Always purchase shrimp that smells clean and oceanic, never fishy or ammonia-like. If using frozen shrimp, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or under cold running water for the best texture results. Pat them completely dry before cooking to ensure proper browning rather than steaming.
Simple Substitutions
This recipe welcomes adaptations based on what you have available. For a gluten free version, simply substitute coconut aminos for the soy sauce. No fresh ginger on hand? Use 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger instead. The honey can be replaced with maple syrup or brown sugar dissolved in a tablespoon of water for a different but equally delicious flavor profile. For those who enjoy heat, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a squirt of sriracha to the sauce. The rice can be swapped for quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even noodles depending on your preference.
Serving Suggestions
While delicious on its own, this honey garlic shrimp bowl pairs beautifully with simple sides. Add steamed broccoli or sautéed bok choy for a green vegetable component that complements the flavors perfectly. For a complete meal experience, consider starting with a light miso soup or ending with fresh orange slices for dessert. This dish also works wonderfully with a cold Asian cucumber salad on the side to provide refreshing contrast to the sweet and savory main dish.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors actually develop overnight making next day leftovers particularly delicious. When reheating, add a splash of water to the shrimp and sauce to prevent drying out. Warm gently in a covered skillet over medium low heat just until heated through, about 3 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating if possible as it can make the shrimp rubbery. For best results, store rice separately from the shrimp and sauce, combining only when ready to serve.
Save This honey garlic shrimp bowl is a weeknight winner that's both impressive and easy to make. Enjoy this flavorful and quick meal anytime!
Recipe Questions
- → Can I use frozen shrimp for this dish?
Yes, thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure they sear well and absorb the sauce.
- → What type of rice works best?
Both white and brown rice are great options; use your favorite, or try jasmine for extra fragrance.
- → How can I make the sauce thicker?
Add the cornstarch and water slurry to the sauce while cooking, stirring until it reaches your preferred consistency.
- → Are there alternatives to soy sauce?
Low-sodium tamari or coconut aminos can replace soy sauce for a similar umami flavor profile.
- → How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?
Cook shrimp just until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side, and remove from heat to avoid rubbery texture.