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Honey Garlic Butter Ginger Shrimp

A quick and comforting shrimp dish with a glossy sauce made from honey, garlic, butter, and ginger, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Healthy
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail on or off), patted dry
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (or ghee for nutty flavor)
  • 3 tablespoons honey reduce for less sweetness or swap for sugar-free syrup for low-carb
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free; coconut aminos for soy-free)
  • 2 tablespoons freshly minced garlic (about 4 cloves)
  • 1 tablespoon freshly minced ginger (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger in a pinch)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lemon juice brightens the sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil (vegetable, avocado, or olive oil) for searing
  • Green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
  • Sesame seeds and lemon zest (optional garnish)
  • Cooked rice, noodles, cauliflower rice, or greens for serving

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil. Heat until shimmering.
Cooking
  1. Add shrimp in a single layer (don’t overcrowd). Cook 1.5–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Transfer to a plate — they will finish cooking in the sauce.
  2. Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the same skillet. Add garlic and ginger and sauté for about 30–45 seconds until fragrant — don’t let the garlic burn.
  3. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar (and red pepper flakes if using). Bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Let sauce simmer for 1–2 minutes, stirring, until it slightly reduces and becomes glossy. If it’s too thin, simmer an extra 30–60 seconds.
  5. Return shrimp to the pan and toss to coat for 30–60 seconds until heated through and well glazed. Remove from heat.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning. Sprinkle with green onions, sesame seeds, and a little lemon zest if you like. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or greens.

Notes

Watch closely while cooking as shrimp cooks quickly and overcooking makes them rubbery. For a healthier version, replace rice with cauliflower rice or serve on a bed of sautéed greens. Can be made gluten-free with tamari or coconut aminos.