Honey Sriracha Shrimp

Introduction

Honey Sriracha Shrimp is a bold, flavorful dish that balances sweet, spicy, and savory notes in every bite. Juicy shrimp are coated in a sticky, tangy honey-sriracha glaze, creating a dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a fun party appetizer. This recipe is quick, easy, and packed with flavor, proving that simple ingredients can deliver an extraordinary meal.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers an explosion of flavor in just a few minutes. The shrimp cook quickly and stay tender, while the honey-sriracha glaze clings beautifully, creating a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory in every bite. Unlike many takeout dishes, this recipe is fresh, light, and customizable, so you can control the heat level and sweetness to suit your taste.

I also love how versatile it is—whether served over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps, it transforms a simple weeknight dinner into something exciting and gourmet. The dish feels indulgent because of its sticky, glossy glaze, yet it’s surprisingly healthy since shrimp are lean protein and the ingredients are fresh.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Quick & Easy: Ready in less than 20 minutes.
• Flavor-Packed: Perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and savory.
• Versatile: Serve over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps.
• Impressive Yet Simple: Looks gourmet but requires minimal ingredients and effort.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 7–10 minutes
• Total Time: 17–20 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: ~300 kcal per serving (approx., varies by portion and oil)
• Cuisine: Asian / Fusion
• Course: Main Course / Appetizer

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons Sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional, for tang)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
• Lemon or lime wedges (for serving)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Sauté shrimp in oil until pink.
2. Add garlic and cook briefly.
3. Stir in honey, Sriracha, soy sauce, and rice vinegar.
4. Toss shrimp until evenly coated in glaze.
5. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and serve.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

• Pat shrimp dry with paper towels.
• Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
• Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Cook Garlic

• In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (do not burn).

Step 4: Make the Honey Sriracha Glaze

• Add honey, Sriracha, soy sauce, and rice vinegar to the skillet.
• Stir well and cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.

Step 5: Combine and Coat

• Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the glaze.
• Cook 1–2 more minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

• Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
• Serve with lemon or lime wedges for a bright finish.

How to Serve

• Over steamed rice, jasmine rice, or brown rice for a complete meal.
• With stir-fried vegetables or a simple Asian slaw.
• In lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
• As an appetizer with toothpicks for parties.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Adjust the heat level by adding more or less Sriracha.
• Use fresh shrimp for best flavor.
• Don’t overcook shrimp—they cook very quickly.
• Add a splash of water if the glaze becomes too thick.

Variations

• Garlic Butter Honey Sriracha Shrimp: Add a tablespoon of butter to the glaze for richness.
• Spicy Pineapple Shrimp: Add pineapple chunks for sweet and tropical flavor.
• Crispy Honey Sriracha Shrimp: Coat shrimp in cornstarch and lightly fry before tossing in glaze.
• Vegetable Stir-Fry Version: Add bell peppers, snow peas, or broccoli to make a one-pan meal.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked shrimp for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat to prevent overcooking.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or nonstick pan
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Small whisk or spoon for sauce mixing

FAQ

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Q2: Can I make this dish less spicy?
Yes, reduce the amount of Sriracha or omit the chili altogether.

Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but the glaze is best added just before serving to keep shrimp tender.

Q4: Can I bake the shrimp instead of pan-frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 6–8 minutes, then toss in glaze.

Q5: What can I serve with Honey Sriracha Shrimp?
Rice, noodles, sautéed vegetables, or lettuce wraps are all great options.

Conclusion

Honey Sriracha Shrimp is a quick, vibrant dish that delivers a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Juicy shrimp coated in a sticky honey-sriracha glaze make every bite irresistible. Whether served over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests with minimal effort.