When you need a dinner that’s both impressive and incredibly easy, these Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls deliver on every front. With their perfect balance of sweet honey, savory garlic, and tender shrimp, these bowls transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that’s ready in just 20 minutes. Whether you’re rushing through a busy weeknight or meal prepping for the week ahead, this versatile recipe adapts to your schedule and preferences.
Table of contents
- Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowl Recipe
- Essential Ingredients for Perfect Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls
- Step-by-Step: How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls
- Expert Tips & Variations for Your Honey Garlic Shrimp
- Nutrition Information
- Reader Questions & Reviews
- More Delicious Dinner Recipes You’ll Love
The magic happens in the sauce – a glossy, sticky glaze that coats each plump shrimp with layers of flavor. Served over your choice of rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice, and topped with crisp vegetables and fresh herbs, these bowls offer endless customization possibilities while maintaining their irresistible appeal.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowl Recipe
Unbeatable Flavor: Sweet, Savory, and Garlicky
The star of this dish is undoubtedly the honey garlic sauce. This savory-sweet glaze strikes the perfect balance between rich umami flavors and natural sweetness. Fresh garlic provides aromatic depth, while a hint of ginger adds warmth and complexity. The sauce clings beautifully to each shrimp, creating that coveted sticky coating that makes every bite memorable.
Unlike heavy, cream-based sauces, this Asian-inspired glaze feels light yet satisfying. The honey caramelizes slightly during cooking, creating deeper flavor notes that complement the shrimp’s natural sweetness without overwhelming it.
Fast & Fuss-Free: On Your Table in About 20 Minutes
Time-strapped home cooks will appreciate how quickly this meal comes together. The entire process – from prep to plate – takes approximately 20 minutes. The shrimp cook in just 2-3 minutes per side, while the sauce reduces to perfect consistency in mere moments.
Most of the prep work involves simple mixing and chopping, making this an ideal recipe for beginners or anyone looking to minimize kitchen stress. The straightforward technique ensures consistent results every time.
Healthy & Versatile for Any Meal
Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, containing all essential amino acids while remaining low in calories and saturated fat. When paired with nutrient-dense vegetables and served over healthy grains like brown rice or quinoa, these bowls provide a well-balanced meal that satisfies without weighing you down.
The recipe easily adapts to various dietary needs. Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free options, use cauliflower rice for low-carb meals, or add extra vegetables to boost fiber and nutrients.
Perfect for Weeknight Dinners & Meal Prep
This recipe excels in both immediate satisfaction and forward planning. For busy weeknights, the quick cooking time means dinner can be ready faster than most delivery options. For meal preppers, the components store well separately and reheat beautifully throughout the week.
Prepare several portions at once, storing the shrimp, sauce, and accompaniments in separate containers. When ready to eat, simply reheat and assemble for a fresh-tasting meal that rivals any restaurant dish. For more meal prep inspiration, try our Turkey Burrito Bowls or Chicken Sweet Potato Rice Bowl.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls
Choosing the Right Shrimp (Raw vs. Cooked, Size, Peeled & Deveined)
The Foundation: Raw Shrimp Start with raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best results. Raw shrimp absorb the marinade flavors more effectively and won’t become rubbery from overcooking. Look for shrimp labeled “21-25 count” (medium-large) or “16-20 count” (large) – these sizes provide substantial bites without cooking too quickly.
Fresh vs. Frozen Both fresh and previously frozen shrimp work excellently in this recipe. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely in cold water, then pat dry with paper towels before marinating. Avoid pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe, as they’ll become tough when heated again.
Quality Indicators Choose shrimp that smell like the ocean – fresh and briny, never fishy or ammonia-like. They should appear translucent with a slight pearl-like sheen. Avoid shrimp with black spots, excessive ice crystals, or slimy texture.
Crafting the Irresistible Honey Garlic Sauce
The Sweet Base: Honey Use pure honey rather than honey-flavored syrup for the best flavor and consistency. Wildflower honey provides excellent balance, while clover honey offers milder sweetness. Local honey adds unique floral notes that can elevate the entire dish.
The Umami Element: Soy Sauce Options
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Provides classic flavor with better salt control
- Tamari: Gluten-free option with slightly richer taste
- Coconut aminos: Soy-free alternative with subtle sweetness
- Fish sauce: Add just 1/2 teaspoon for deeper umami complexity
Aromatic Powerhouses: Garlic and Ginger Fresh garlic is non-negotiable – minced garlic from a jar lacks the pungent bite that makes this sauce special. Use 4-5 large cloves, minced finely to distribute evenly. Fresh ginger, grated or minced, adds warmth and prevents the sauce from becoming cloying.
Heat and Brightness Red pepper flakes provide gentle heat that builds gradually. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to taste. A splash of fresh lemon juice or rice vinegar brightens the overall flavor profile and prevents the honey from overwhelming the palate.
Your Favorite Bowl Bases & Veggies
Grain Options
- Brown rice: Nutty flavor and fiber-rich nutrition
- White jasmine rice: Light, fluffy texture that absorbs sauce well
- Cauliflower rice: Low-carb alternative with mild flavor
- Rice noodles: Asian-inspired option with silky texture
- Quinoa: Protein-rich grain with pleasant bite
Vegetable Additions
- Snow peas and snap peas: Sweet crunch and vibrant color
- Bell peppers: Any color works; red and yellow add sweetness
- Broccoli florets: Steam lightly for tender-crisp texture
- Bok choy: Traditional Asian green with mild flavor
- Zucchini and yellow squash: Quick-cooking and sauce-absorbent
- Shredded cabbage: Adds crunch and volume
- Baby spinach: Wilts quickly and boosts iron content
Fresh Garnishes
Fresh garnishes transform these bowls from good to exceptional. Green onions (scallions) provide sharp bite and beautiful color contrast. Fresh cilantro adds brightness and herbaceous notes, while chopped parsley offers a milder alternative. Sesame seeds contribute nutty flavor and visual appeal.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls
Prepare Your Base (Start cooking rice or other grains)
Begin by starting your chosen grain or base. Rice typically takes 15-20 minutes, so getting it started first ensures everything finishes simultaneously. For brown rice, use a 2:1 water-to-rice ratio. For white rice, use 1.5:1 ratio. Add a pinch of salt to the cooking water for better flavor.
If using cauliflower rice, you can prepare it quickly at the end. For rice noodles, follow package instructions, usually involving soaking in hot water rather than active cooking.
Whisk Together the Marinade/Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
Whisk thoroughly until the honey is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth. The oil helps the marinade coat the shrimp evenly and prevents sticking during cooking.
Marinate the Shrimp (Recommended times, important notes on discarding used marinade)
Add 1.5 pounds of peeled, deveined shrimp to the marinade. Toss to coat completely, ensuring each shrimp is well-covered. Marinate for 10-15 minutes at room temperature, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor penetration.
Critical Safety Note: Never reuse marinade that has contacted raw shrimp. The marinade becomes contaminated and must be discarded after removing the shrimp. Reserve a portion of fresh sauce separately for finishing the dish.
Cook the Shrimp to Perfection (Pan searing, quick cooking, avoiding overcooking)
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and swirl to coat. Remove shrimp from marinade using tongs, allowing excess to drip off. Discard used marinade immediately.
Add shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom is golden and slightly caramelized. Flip and cook another 1-2 minutes until the second side is golden and shrimp are just cooked through.
Perfect Doneness: Properly cooked shrimp will be pink and opaque throughout, with a slight curve (C-shape). Overcooked shrimp become tight, rubbery, and curl into tight rings (O-shape).
Reduce the Sauce for a Sticky Glaze (When to add, optional thickening with cornstarch)
If desired, prepare fresh sauce for finishing: combine 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 tablespoon water in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Optional Thickening: For an extra-glossy glaze, whisk 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 2 teaspoons cold water to create a slurry. Stir into the simmering sauce and cook for 30 seconds until thickened. Drizzle over cooked shrimp and toss gently.
Assemble and Serve Your Bowls
Divide cooked rice or grain bases among serving bowls. Top with honey garlic shrimp, arranging them attractively over one section of the bowl. Add your chosen vegetables, either raw for crunch or quickly sautéed for tender texture.
Drizzle any remaining sauce over the entire bowl. Garnish generously with sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, and sesame seeds. Serve immediately while the shrimp are hot and the flavors are bright.
Expert Tips & Variations for Your Honey Garlic Shrimp
Making the Sauce Thicker (Cornstarch slurry details)
For those who prefer a thicker, more restaurant-style glaze, the cornstarch slurry technique is invaluable. Mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 2 teaspoons cold water until completely smooth – any lumps will create an unpleasant texture in the final sauce.
Add the slurry to simmering sauce gradually while stirring constantly. The sauce will thicken within 30 seconds. If it becomes too thick, thin with a tablespoon of water or chicken broth. Remember that the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, so err on the side of slightly thin rather than too thick.
Handling Frozen & Pre-Cooked Shrimp
Frozen Shrimp: Thaw completely in cold running water for 10-15 minutes, or in the refrigerator overnight. Pat completely dry with paper towels before marinating. Excess water will dilute the marinade and cause splattering during cooking.
Pre-Cooked Shrimp: While not ideal for this recipe, pre-cooked shrimp can work in a pinch. Skip the marinating step and instead toss cooked shrimp with the sauce in a hot pan for just 30-60 seconds to warm through and coat with glaze. Be extremely careful not to overcook.
Grilling Your Honey Garlic Shrimp
Transform this recipe for outdoor cooking by threading marinated shrimp onto metal skewers or soaked wooden skewers. Preheat grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates well to prevent sticking.
Grill shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, brushing with reserved fresh sauce during the final minute. The high heat creates beautiful caramelization while the honey in the sauce may char slightly, adding smoky complexity.
Substituting Other Proteins (Chicken, Tofu)
Chicken: Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces. Marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Cook in the same manner, but increase cooking time to 5-7 minutes per side, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F. For more chicken bowl ideas, explore our Cilantro Lime Chicken Bowl or Greek Chicken Bowls.
Tofu: Use extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed. Marinate for at least 30 minutes. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. The marinade caramelizes beautifully on tofu’s surface.
Salmon: Cut salmon fillets into 1-inch cubes. Marinate briefly (10-15 minutes) and cook for 2-3 minutes per side. Salmon pairs exceptionally well with the honey garlic combination. For more salmon inspiration, try our Honey Sriracha Salmon Bowl or Salmon Sweet Potato recipes.
Adjusting Sweetness and Spice
Reducing Sweetness: If the honey flavor becomes overpowering, balance with additional soy sauce, lemon juice, or rice vinegar. You can also reduce the honey to 1/4 cup and add 1 tablespoon brown sugar for more complex sweetness.
Increasing Heat: Beyond red pepper flakes, try fresh sliced jalapeños, sriracha sauce, or a dash of cayenne pepper. Gochujang (Korean chili paste) adds heat with fermented depth that complements the Asian-inspired flavors.
Umami Boost: Add 1 teaspoon fish sauce or 1 tablespoon oyster sauce to the marinade for deeper savory notes.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Refrigerator Storage: Store components separately for best results. Cooked shrimp keeps for 2-3 days, while rice and vegetables last 3-4 days. Store sauce separately to prevent sogginess.
Reheating: For shrimp, use gentle heat to prevent overcooking. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between, or warm quickly in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce consistency.
Freezing: While possible, freezing isn’t recommended as shrimp texture deteriorates significantly when frozen after cooking.
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4):
- Calories: 385
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Sugar: 28g
Note: Nutrition values vary based on specific ingredients and serving bases used. Using brown rice and extra vegetables increases fiber content, while cauliflower rice reduces carbohydrates significantly.
Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls
Equipment
- Large skillet or wok
- Medium mixing bowl
- whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Rice cooker or medium saucepan
- Tongs
- Small saucepan (optional, for sauce reduction)
Ingredients
For the Honey Garlic Shrimp:
- 1½ pounds raw shrimp peeled and deveined (21-25 count)
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 large garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil divided
For Serving:
- 2 cups cooked rice brown or white jasmine
- 2 cups mixed vegetables snow peas, bell peppers, broccoli florets
- 3 green onions thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- Lime wedges for serving
Optional Sauce Thickener:
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons cold water
Instructions
- Start the rice: Cook rice according to package directions. For brown rice, use 2:1 water ratio; for white rice, use 1.5:1 ratio. Set aside.
- Make marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ginger, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and 2 tablespoons of oil until well combined and honey is dissolved.
- Marinate shrimp: Add shrimp to the marinade, toss to coat completely, and let sit for 10-15 minutes at room temperature. Do not marinate longer than 2 hours.
- Heat the pan: Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Cook shrimp: Remove shrimp from marinade using tongs, allowing excess to drip off. Discard used marinade immediately. Add shrimp to hot skillet in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for 2-3 minutes until bottom is golden and caramelized.
- Flip and finish: Flip shrimp and cook another 1-2 minutes until second side is golden and shrimp are pink and cooked through (internal temperature 145°F).
- Optional sauce reduction: If desired, prepare fresh sauce by combining 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 tablespoon water in small saucepan. Simmer 2-3 minutes until thickened. For extra gloss, add cornstarch slurry and cook 30 seconds more.
- Prepare vegetables: Quickly sauté mixed vegetables in the same pan for 1-2 minutes until crisp-tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
- Assemble bowls: Divide cooked rice among 4 serving bowls. Top with honey garlic shrimp and vegetables. Drizzle with any remaining sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, and sesame seeds. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
Notes
Nutrition
Reader Questions & Reviews
Absolutely! This recipe is excellent for meal prep. Cook all components and store separately in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as they meld together.
Add more honey to balance saltiness, or thin the sauce with a splash of water or chicken broth. Next time, start with low-sodium soy sauce or reduce the amount used.
Yes! Coconut aminos work beautifully in this recipe. They’re naturally sweeter than soy sauce, so you might want to reduce the honey slightly to maintain balance.
Overcooked shrimp become rubbery quickly. Cook only until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. High heat and quick cooking preserve tender texture.
Any quick-cooking vegetables work well. Snow peas, bell peppers, broccoli, and bok choy are favorites. Add them to the hot pan after cooking shrimp for 1-2 minutes to maintain crunch. For more healthy veggie inspiration, check out our Healthy Broccoli Pasta for creative ways to incorporate vegetables into your meals.
More Delicious Dinner Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed these Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls, try these other quick and flavorful dinner ideas from our collection:
- Honey Sriracha Salmon Bowl – Another sweet and spicy bowl with similar Asian-inspired flavors
- Spicy Shrimp Tacos – Perfect if you love shrimp and want to mix up your protein preparation
- Cilantro Lime Chicken Bowl – Fresh and zesty bowl option with similar healthy appeal
- Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl – Another satisfying rice bowl with bold flavors
- Greek Chicken Bowls – Mediterranean-inspired bowl for variety in your meal prep rotation
- Ground Beef Burrito Bowl – Quick and protein-packed alternative with Mexican flavors
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