Honey Garlic Shrimp with High Protein

Name: Honey Garlic Shrimp with High Protein
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup honey; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)

Author: Tessa

Published: July 22, 2025

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You know those nights when you need something delicious, healthy, and ready in minutes? That’s exactly why I’m obsessed with this high-protein honey garlic shrimp! It’s become my go-to dish when I want a meal that’s packed with flavor but doesn’t keep me chained to the kitchen forever. The sweet and savory sauce clings to plump, juicy shrimp so perfectly – I swear, sometimes I make double batches just to have leftovers!

Why You’ll Love This High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp

Trust me, this recipe checks all the boxes for the perfect weeknight dinner. Here’s why it’s become my absolute favorite:

Ready in 20 minutes flat – From fridge to table faster than takeout!
Packs a protein punch – 25g per serving keeps you full for hours
That irresistible sauce – The sweet honey and garlic combo is dangerously good
Endlessly adaptable – Spicy? Add more pepper flakes. Need veggies? Toss them right in!

I make this at least twice a week – once you try it, you’ll understand why!

High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp - detail 1

Ingredients for High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp

Let’s talk ingredients – because using the right stuff makes ALL the difference with this recipe! I’ve learned the hard way that skipping quality here leads to sad, rubbery shrimp swimming in mediocre sauce. Here’s exactly what you’ll need:

1 lb fresh shrimp – Look for peeled and deveined ones (trust me, nobody wants to do that work)
2 tbsp olive oil – The good stuff that makes everything sizzle perfectly
3 cloves garlic – Minced fresh, not that jarred nonsense!
1/4 cup honey – Local if you’ve got it, but any pure honey works
2 tbsp soy sauce – I’m partial to low-sodium so I can control the salt
1 tbsp lemon juice – Fresh squeezed makes your taste buds dance
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes – Optional, but oh-so-good if you like heat
Salt and pepper – Just a pinch of each
1 tbsp chopped parsley – For that pretty pop of green at the end

Pro tip: Measure everything before you start cooking – this dish moves fast once that pan gets hot!

How to Make High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp

Okay, here’s where the magic happens! Don’t let the fancy flavors fool you – this dish comes together easier than you’d think. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have restaurant-quality shrimp in no time.

Cooking the Shrimp

First things first – get that pan nice and hot! Medium heat is perfect here. Add your olive oil and wait about 30 seconds until it shimmers (that’s how you know it’s ready). Carefully add your shrimp in a single layer – don’t crowd them! Cook for exactly 2 minutes per side until they turn that perfect pink color and curl slightly. That’s your cue they’re done! Scoop them out and set aside – they’ll finish cooking later.

Preparing the Honey Garlic Sauce

Same pan, new flavors! Reduce the heat slightly and toss in your minced garlic. Oh my goodness, the smell that hits you after about 30 seconds is heavenly! Before the garlic browns, pour in your honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir constantly as it bubbles and thickens slightly – about 1 minute does the trick.

Combining and Serving

Time for the grand finale! Return those beautiful shrimp to the pan and gently toss until every piece gets coated in that glorious sauce. Just another minute does it! Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately – I promise plates will be cleaned!

Tips for Perfect High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp

After making this dish more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks to nail it every single time!

Watch that shrimp like a hawk – Overcooked shrimp turns rubbery in seconds. The moment they curl and turn pink, they’re done!
Taste as you go – Sauce too sweet? Add a splash more soy sauce. Too salty? Balance with extra honey.
Use fresh garlic – That pre-minced stuff just doesn’t give the same punch of flavor.
Pat shrimp dry first – This helps them get that perfect sear instead of steaming in their own juices.

Oh, and if your sauce seems thin, let it bubble for an extra minute – it’ll thicken right up!

Serving Suggestions for High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp

Now for the fun part – what to serve with these flavor-packed shrimp! My absolute favorite is jasmine rice – it soaks up that amazing sauce like a dream. But don’t stop there! Here’s what I’ve loved pairing:

Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
Steamed broccoli – toss it right in the sauce!
Quinoa when I want extra protein
Simple greens for a light, fresh contrast

Sometimes I’ll even add extra veggies to the pan – snap peas and bell peppers work wonders!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Here’s my no-fail method for keeping leftovers just as tasty! Store cooled shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge – they’ll stay perfect for up to 2 days. When reheating, go low and slow in a skillet with a splash of water to revive that luscious sauce. Microwave works in a pinch, but tends to toughen the shrimp (learned that hard way!).

Nutritional Information

Now, I’m no nutritionist, but here’s the scoop on what you’re getting with each serving of this deliciousness! Keep in mind these are estimates – your exact numbers might vary depending on your ingredients. But here’s why I feel good about eating this:

250 calories per serving – guilt-free deliciousness!
25g protein – that’s more than some protein shakes!
Only 8g fat – mostly the good kind from olive oil
20g carbs – mostly from the honey’s natural sweetness

The best part? You’re getting all this flavor without any weird additives – just real, wholesome ingredients!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw them completely in the fridge overnight first. Pro tip: Pat them super dry with paper towels before cooking – frozen shrimp tend to release more water.

Q: What if I don’t have fresh lemons for juice?
Bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, but fresh makes the flavors pop! If you’re really stuck, a tiny splash of apple cider vinegar can provide similar acidity.

Q: How spicy does the red pepper flakes make it?
With just 1/2 teaspoon, you’ll get a nice warmth – not too hot. My husband always adds an extra pinch because he loves that kick! Start with less and add more to taste.

Q: Can I use chicken instead of shrimp?
You bet! Just cut chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and cook a bit longer (about 6-8 minutes total). The honey garlic sauce works with everything!