This Hot Honey Shrimp recipe is a tasty mix of sweet and spicy! The shrimp get a delicious glaze from honey and a kick from hot sauce, making every bite exciting.
It’s perfect for a quick dinner or a tasty snack. I could eat these shrimp all day long—just grab some napkins! 🍤❤️
What I love is how quick it is to whip up. Just a few ingredients and a little time, and you have a dish everyone will enjoy. Serve with rice or a salad for a yummy meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are the best choice for this dish. If you’re short on fresh shrimp, frozen shrimp work well too, just make sure to thaw them properly! You could also use chicken if you’re looking for a different protein option.
Honey: Honey is what gives this dish its signature sweetness. If you need a substitute, maple syrup or agave nectar can do the trick. I think honey adds a nice depth of flavor, but if you’re avoiding sugar, try using coconut nectar.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce adds umami to the dish. If you’re gluten-free, feel free to use tamari instead. For a less salty option, you can use low-sodium soy sauce. Some folks prefer using coconut aminos for a sweeter flavor!
Rice Vinegar/Lime Juice: Both add acidity to balance the sweetness. If you don’t have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar can be a good swap. Lime juice is an excellent choice if you’re in the mood for a little zest!
How Can You Ensure Perfectly Cooked Shrimp?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky! You want them juicy and tender, not rubbery. Here are some tips to get it right:
- Pat the shrimp dry before cooking. This helps them sear nicely and not steam.
- Cook in a hot pan with oil, but don’t overcrowd it; it should sizzle nicely!
- Keep an eye on the shrimp—they cook quickly! Usually, 2-3 minutes per side works well.
- Remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque, and they’re done!
Following these tips will help you achieve perfectly cooked shrimp every time!
Hot Honey Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1 red chili pepper, thinly sliced (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Cooked jasmine or white rice, to serve
Time Estimate:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have delicious Hot Honey Shrimp ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them sear better. Season the shrimp lightly with salt and pepper, ensuring they’re all coated!
2. Cook the Shrimp:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Sauté Aromatics:
In the same skillet, if needed, add a little more oil. Then, toss in the minced garlic, chopped shallot, and sliced red chili pepper. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until everything is fragrant and the shallot is softened.
4. Make the Sauce:
Now, stir in the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar (or lime juice), and if you like heat, add the crushed red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently for 1-2 minutes to let it thicken slightly.
5. Combine Shrimp and Sauce:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the shrimp evenly in the hot honey sauce. Cook together for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
6. Finish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the shrimp. Serve the hot honey shrimp over cooked jasmine or white rice. Don’t forget the lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top—it adds a wonderful zing!
Now, enjoy the sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors of this quick and delicious Hot Honey Shrimp! Perfect for impressing your family or friends with minimal effort!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. The best way is to place them in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, you can also thaw them by placing the shrimp in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for about 30 minutes.
What if I Don’t Have Honey?
No problem! You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar sweetness. If you’re looking for a sugar-free option, consider using a sugar substitute that measures like honey.
How Can I Adjust the Heat Level?
If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of red chili pepper or omit the crushed red pepper flakes. Alternatively, if you love a spicy hit, add more chili pepper or even a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the shrimp and sauce ahead of time, storing them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat them in a skillet over low heat, mixing until warmed through before serving.
