Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls — Easy Dinner Recipe for Busy Weeknights
I fell in love with Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls the first time I made them on a rainy weeknight when I needed something fast, comforting, and a little bit special. The sweet-salty glaze filled the kitchen with a warm scent that made everything feel cozier, and my partner declared it “restaurant-level” before we’d even sat down. These bowls have become my go-to when I want a quick, satisfying meal that still feels like a treat — perfect for lazy weeknights, post-gym dinners, or when friends pop in last minute. Honey and garlic are classic pairings in many Asian-inspired glazes, and while this dish isn’t tied to one strict tradition, it borrows from the sweet-savory balance common in East Asian home cooking.
Who is this recipe for?
- This recipe is for busy parents, weeknight cooks, and anyone who loves bold flavor with minimal fuss.
Core ingredients overview:
- This dish combines 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined), ¼ cup honey, ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten‑free), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tsp fresh ginger (grated), 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 cups cooked white rice, brown rice, or quinoa, 1 cup broccoli florets (steamed or sautéed), ¼ cup green onions (finely sliced), and optional sesame seeds or crushed red pepper flakes for garnish. It’s a fast, balanced bowl of sweet, savory shrimp over grains and veggies.
If you enjoy quick garlic-forward meals, you might also like my twist on cheesy wraps like these cheesy garlic chicken wraps for another weeknight option: cheesy garlic chicken wraps.
Tools & Ingredients
Tools
- Large nonstick or stainless steel skillet (for even searing)
- Small bowl (to whisk the sauce)
- Whisk or fork (to combine sauce)
- Measuring cups and spoons (for accuracy)
- Spatula or tongs (to turn shrimp gently)
- Cutting board and sharp knife (for garlic, ginger, and green onions)
- Rice cooker or pot (for cooking rice or quinoa)
- Steamer basket or small pot for broccoli (optional)
Ingredients (with quick benefits)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined — quick-cooking lean protein, high in selenium and low in calories.
- ¼ cup honey — natural sweetener that creates a glossy, caramelized glaze.
- ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) — adds umami and savory depth.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced — boosts flavor and supports immunity.
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated — adds warmth, bright flavor, and aids digestion.
- 1 tbsp olive oil — healthy fat for cooking and searing.
- 2 cups cooked white rice, brown rice, or quinoa — provides filling carbohydrates and a base to soak up sauce.
- 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed or sautéed — fiber, color, and a nutrient-dense veggie.
- ¼ cup green onions, finely sliced — fresh finish with mild onion flavor.
- Optional: sesame seeds or crushed red pepper flakes for garnish — sesame seeds add nuttiness and red pepper flakes add heat.
If you love combining shrimp with veggies and pasta, check out this garlic parmesan chicken tortellini and broccoli recipe for another comforting meal idea: garlic parmesan chicken tortellini and broccoli.
Instructions
- Prepare your rice or quinoa so it’s ready when the shrimp are done. Cook according to package directions and keep warm.
- In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup honey, ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari), 3 cloves minced garlic, and 1 tsp grated fresh ginger. The honey provides a gentle sweetness that complements the garlic’s boldness and the ginger’s warmth. Set the sauce aside.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the shrimp in a single layer (don’t overcrowd — cook in batches if necessary).
- Cook the shrimp about 2–3 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and curl into a ‘C’ shape. Avoid overcooking; shrimp finish cooking quickly and will continue to cook in the sauce.
- Pour the honey garlic sauce into the skillet with the shrimp. Let it bubble gently and thicken slightly, coating the shrimp in a glossy glaze. Stir gently so every shrimp is drenched in flavor. This should take about 1–2 minutes.
- While the shrimp cook, steam the broccoli until bright green and fork-tender (about 3–4 minutes), or sauté briefly in a little oil for a slight caramelization if you prefer a smoky touch.
- Scoop 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa into serving bowls. Pile on the honey garlic shrimp and spoon any remaining glaze over the top. Nestle in the steamed or sautéed broccoli.
- Finish each bowl with ¼ cup finely sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds or crushed red pepper flakes if using. Serve immediately.
For a different protein idea or to pair similar flavors, try a garlic-forward option like these garlic-butter chicken bites as an alternative to shrimp: garlic-butter chicken bites.
FAQ
Q: Can I freeze this recipe?
A: You can freeze cooked shrimp, but the texture may change slightly after thawing. If you plan to freeze, store shrimp and sauce separately from rice/veggies in airtight containers. Thaw in the fridge overnight and gently reheat on the stovetop.
Q: What can I use instead of soy sauce?
A: Use tamari for a gluten-free option, or coconut aminos for a lower-sodium and soy-free alternative. Adjust salt to taste.
Q: Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
A: Yes — cook rice and steam broccoli ahead. Store shrimp and sauce in the fridge in a separate container and reheat gently. For best texture, add sauce just before reheating shrimp.
Q: How do I prevent the honey from burning when glazing?
A: Keep the heat at medium or medium-low when adding the sauce and stir constantly as it thickens. Honey caramelizes fast, so watch closely.
Tips & Tricks
- Pat shrimp dry before cooking to ensure a quick sear and better caramelization.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan — cook shrimp in a single layer for even cooking and to avoid steaming.
- If your sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water to loosen it and create a silky glaze.
- Customize grain and veg: swap quinoa for rice for more protein, or use snap peas and bell peppers for extra crunch.
Conclusion
If you liked this take on Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls, you may enjoy comparing flavors and techniques with these related recipes: Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls Recipe – Peas and Crayons, 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp – Sally’s Baking, and Honey-Garlic Shrimp – Allrecipes. Thank you for reading — enjoy your meal and feel free to share this bowl with friends and family!
Always add
tag after Directions.
Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined Quick-cooking lean protein, high in selenium and low in calories.
- ¼ cup honey Natural sweetener that creates a glossy, caramelized glaze.
- ¼ cup soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free Adds umami and savory depth.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Boosts flavor and supports immunity.
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated Adds warmth, bright flavor, and aids digestion.
- 1 tbsp olive oil Healthy fat for cooking and searing.
- 2 cups cooked white rice, brown rice, or quinoa Provides filling carbohydrates and a base to soak up sauce.
- 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed or sautéed Fiber, color, and a nutrient-dense veggie.
- ¼ cup green onions, finely sliced Fresh finish with mild onion flavor.
- optional sesame seeds or crushed red pepper flakes for garnish Sesame seeds add nuttiness and red pepper flakes add heat.
Method
- Prepare your rice or quinoa so it’s ready when the shrimp are done. Cook according to package directions and keep warm.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Set the sauce aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the shrimp in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary.
- Cook the shrimp about 2–3 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and curl into a ‘C’ shape. Avoid overcooking.
- Pour the honey garlic sauce into the skillet with the shrimp. Let it bubble gently and thicken slightly, stirring gently.
- Steam the broccoli until bright green and fork-tender (about 3–4 minutes) or sauté briefly if preferred.
- Scoop rice or quinoa into serving bowls. Top with honey garlic shrimp and any remaining glaze. Add the steamed or sautéed broccoli.
- Finish each bowl with finely sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds or crushed red pepper flakes if using. Serve immediately.