Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Shrimp: These should be peeled and deveined for convenience and better flavor absorption.

Honey: Adds a natural sweetness to the dish, balancing out the savory elements.

Low sodium soy sauce: Provides a salty, umami flavor without overwhelming the dish with sodium.

Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the sauce with a robust, aromatic flavor.

Olive oil: Used for cooking the shrimp, it adds a subtle richness to the dish.

Red pepper flakes: Optional, but they add a nice touch of heat to balance the sweetness of the honey.

Green onions: Chopped and used as a garnish, they add a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.

When cooking shrimp, make sure to not overcrowd the skillet. This ensures that each piece cooks evenly and achieves a nice sear. If the shrimp are too close together, they will steam rather than sear, resulting in a less desirable texture. Cook in batches if necessary to maintain the right temperature and achieve the best results.

• Shrimp - Substitute with chicken breast: Chicken breast can mimic the texture and absorb the flavors well, making it a good alternative for those who don't eat seafood.

• Honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a similar sweetness and consistency, making it a great alternative for honey.

• Low sodium soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that offers a similar umami flavor profile.

• Garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, slightly sweeter flavor, which can be a good alternative if garlic is too strong.

• Olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it suitable for cooking shrimp.

• Red pepper flakes - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper offers a similar level of heat and can be used in smaller quantities to achieve the desired spiciness.

• Green onions - Substitute with chives: Chives provide a similar mild onion flavor and can be used as a garnish in the same way.

• Allow the shrimp to cool completely before storing. This helps to prevent condensation, which can make the shrimp soggy.

• Transfer the cooled shrimp into an airtight container. If you have a lot of shrimp, consider dividing them into smaller portions to make reheating easier.

• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the shrimp within 3-4 days. This keeps the shrimp fresh and flavorful.

• For longer storage, place the shrimp in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.

• Label the container or bag with the date so you can keep track of how long the shrimp has been stored. Frozen shrimp can be kept for up to 3 months.

• When ready to use, thaw the shrimp in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.

• Reheat the shrimp gently in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to help rehydrate the sauce and keep the shrimp moist.

• Alternatively, you can reheat the shrimp in the microwave. Place them in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or wrap, and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

• Garnish with fresh green onions and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before serving to revive the dish's vibrant flavors.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Once the oil is hot, add the leftover shrimp.
  4. Stir occasionally and cook for about 3-4 minutes until the shrimp are heated through.
  5. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it up.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the shrimp in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap (leave a small corner open to vent).
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Stir the shrimp halfway through to ensure even heating.
  5. Check if the shrimp are heated through; if not, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Place the shrimp in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Heat in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the shrimp are warmed through.
  5. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Fill a pot with a small amount of water and bring it to a simmer.
  2. Place the shrimp in a steamer basket over the simmering water.
  3. Cover and steam for about 3-5 minutes until the shrimp are heated through.
  4. Be careful not to over-steam, as this can make the shrimp rubbery.

• Mixing bowl: Use this to whisk together the honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic.

• Whisk: This will help you combine the honey, soy sauce, and garlic smoothly.

• Skillet: Heat the olive oil and cook the shrimp in this.

• Spatula: Use this to flip the shrimp and ensure even cooking on both sides.

• Measuring cups: These will help you measure out the honey and soy sauce accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Use these to measure the minced garlic and olive oil.

• Knife: This will be needed to mince the garlic and chop the green onions.

• Cutting board: Use this as a surface to mince the garlic and chop the green onions.

• Tongs: These can be used to handle the shrimp while cooking.

• Serving dish: Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to this for serving.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Peel and devein the shrimp ahead of time to save minutes during cooking.

Use pre-minced garlic: Opt for store-bought minced garlic to cut down on prep time.

Make the sauce ahead: Whisk together the honey, soy sauce, and garlic earlier in the day and store in the fridge.

Quick cooking: Shrimp cooks quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Garnish ready: Chop the green onions in advance and store in a small container until needed.