Hot Honey Shrimp is a tasty dish that brings together sweet and spicy flavors in a delightful way. It features juicy shrimp coated in a zesty sauce that mixes honey with a kick of heat!
What’s great about this dish is how quick it is to whip up. I love it with rice or on top of a salad. Perfect for when I want something delicious without a lot of fuss! 🍤🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are the star here! If you can’t find fresh shrimp, frozen ones work great. Just thaw them before cooking. For a twist, try using scallops or tofu for a vegetarian version!
Honey: This gives a lovely sweetness. If you’re looking for a lower-calorie option, agave syrup or maple syrup can replace honey. However, they have different flavors, so adjust to taste!
Soy Sauce: A staple for saltiness and depth. If you’re gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead. For a richer flavor, consider using dark soy sauce.
Red Chili Flakes: They bring the heat! Adjust the amount based on your heat tolerance. For a milder dish, use sweet paprika or omit them altogether.
Rice Vinegar or Lime Juice: Both add acidity. If you don’t have these, white vinegar or lemon juice will work too. Just keep an eye on the amount as these can be sharper!
How Do I Cook the Perfect Shrimp?
Cooking shrimp properly is essential to avoid overcooking them. Here are some easy tips:
- Make sure to pat the shrimp dry before cooking. This helps them brown nicely.
- Cook shrimp on medium-high heat for a quick 2 minutes per side. They should turn pink and opaque, indicating they’re done.
- Remove them from the heat as soon as they’re cooked to prevent toughness. They’ll continue to cook a bit even after being removed.
Following these steps will give you tender, juicy shrimp every time! Enjoy your cooking experience with this Hot Honey Shrimp recipe.
How to Make Hot Honey Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off as preferred)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1-2 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to desired heat level)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and an additional 10 minutes for cooking, so you’re looking at a total of around 20 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Start by patting the shrimp dry using paper towels. This is important to help them sear nicely. Season them lightly with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and let them cook for about 2 minutes per side. You’ll know they are done when they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until it’s fragrant, but be careful not to burn it! Then, stir in the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar (or lime juice), and red chili flakes. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 1-2 minutes, letting it thicken slightly.
4. Combine Shrimp with Sauce:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the hot honey sauce until they are evenly coated and heated through. This step ensures each shrimp is dripping with that delicious spicy sweet goodness!
5. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle sesame seeds and half of the sliced green onions over the shrimp. Transfer everything to a serving plate and garnish with the remaining green onions and fresh cilantro leaves for added freshness. Serve the hot honey shrimp on its own, or pair it with steamed rice, noodles, or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
Enjoy your spicy, sweet, and savory Hot Honey Shrimp! It’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. The best method is to leave them in the fridge overnight or place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge them in cold water for quicker thawing.
How Can I Adjust the Spiciness of the Hot Honey Shrimp?
You can easily adjust the spiciness by modifying the amount of red chili flakes. For less heat, use just 1 tsp or omit them altogether. If you love spicy food, feel free to add more chili flakes or even a dash of hot sauce!
What Should I Serve with Hot Honey Shrimp?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, noodles, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. The sweet and spicy sauce complements a variety of sides nicely!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them up gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
