Healthy and Quick Honey Garlic Shrimp

Ingredients

2 tsp Olive Oil

⅓ cup honey

¼ cup Soy Sauce

1 tbsp minced garlic

1 pound Medium sized shrimp, peeled and deveined

½ to 1 tsp ground ginger, (optional)

Garnish with Chopped Green Onion

Instructions

In a medium bowl add in the honey, soy sauce and garlic.

Half of this will be used to cook the shrimp in and half of it to marinade the shrimp

Place the shrimp into a large ziploc bag and pour in half of the marinade.

Push out as much air as you can and seal the bag. Refrigerate for a minimum 15 minutes or up to 10 hours.

When ready, in a large skillet, add the Olive Oil. Place the shrimp into the skillet, cook for 45 seconds on one side.

Flip the shrimp over and add the remaining marinade and cook for one or two minutes.

Serve over a scoop of brown rice and top with a garnish of chopped green onion.

Enjoy!

Notes:

Ingredient Substitutions:

You can substitute shrimp with other proteins like chicken, tofu, or beef. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

Using low-sodium soy sauce is recommended for a healthier option, especially if you are watching your sodium intake.

Marinating Time:

Marinating the shrimp for at least 15 minutes is ideal to allow the flavors to penetrate. Longer marination (up to 10 hours) enhances the taste, but even a shorter duration will still add flavor.

Vegetable Addition:

Add vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the skillet for extra texture and nutrients. Stir-fry them until tender-crisp before adding the shrimp and marinade.

Adjusting Spiciness:

Customize the spiciness by adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the marinade according to your taste preferences.

Using Frozen Shrimp:

If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed and pat them dry before marinating and cooking to ensure even cooking and flavor absorption.

Ginger Option:

Ground ginger can be substituted with fresh ginger. Grate or finely chop fresh ginger and add it to the marinade for a vibrant flavor.

Grilling Option:

If preferred, grill the shrimp instead of cooking them in a skillet for a smoky flavor. Grill over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.

Sweetener Substitutions:

Substitute honey with maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar based on personal preference and sweetness level.

Make-Ahead Preparation:

While it’s best to cook the shrimp just before serving to maintain freshness and texture, you can marinate them ahead of time. Refrigerate the marinated shrimp and cook them when ready to serve for convenience.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of protein instead of shrimp?

Yes, you can substitute the shrimp with other proteins like chicken, tofu, or even sliced beef.

Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the protein you choose.

Can I use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option?

Absolutely! Using low-sodium soy sauce can help reduce the overall sodium content of the dish while maintaining the delicious flavors.

Is it necessary to marinate the shrimp for the full 10 hours?

Marinating the shrimp for at least 15 minutes is recommended to allow the flavors to infuse into the shrimp.

However, if you’re short on time, even a shorter marination period will still enhance the taste.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the skillet when cooking the shrimp.

Stir-fry the vegetables until tender-crisp before adding the marinade.

Can I make this dish spicy?

If you prefer a spicier version, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.

Adjust the amount according to your desired level of spiciness.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating and cooking.

This will ensure even cooking and better absorption of flavors.

Is ground ginger necessary, or can I use fresh ginger instead?

While ground ginger adds a nice flavor, you can use fresh ginger as a substitute.

Simply grate or finely chop fresh ginger and add it to the marinade according to your taste preference.

Can I grill the shrimp instead of cooking them in a skillet?

Absolutely! Grilling the shrimp will give them a nice smoky flavor.

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, and cook the shrimp for about 1-2 minutes per side or until they turn pink and opaque.

Can I use other sweeteners instead of honey?

Yes, you can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar as alternatives to honey.

Adjust the quantity to taste and desired sweetness level.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While it’s best to cook the shrimp just before serving to maintain their freshness and texture, you can marinate them ahead of time.

Simply refrigerate the marinated shrimp and cook them when you’re ready to serve.