Name: Honey Lemon Shrimp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Ingredients: For Honey Lemon Shrimp:; 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off); 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tbsp honey; Juice and zest of 1 lemon; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat); 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Introduction

Honey Lemon Shrimp is a quick, light, and flavorful seafood dish that brings together the natural sweetness of honey, the zesty brightness of lemon, and the savory juiciness of shrimp. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something fast yet satisfying, and it also makes a great option for entertaining guests because of its elegant flavors and presentation. Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fresh, vibrant, and perfectly balanced. The honey adds a gentle sweetness, the lemon brings tang and brightness, and the garlic-butter base ties it all together with richness. The shrimp cook quickly, making this dish ideal for busy evenings. It’s also versatile—you can serve it with pasta, rice, salad, or even in tacos.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Quick and easy: ready in 20 minutes.
A healthy, protein-rich meal that tastes indulgent.
Sweet, tangy, garlicky flavors that pair beautifully.
Restaurant-quality dish made at home.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: ~260 kcal per serving

Cuisine & Course

Cuisine: Fusion (Asian & Mediterranean-inspired)
Course: Main Course, Dinner, or Appetizer

Ingredients

For Honey Lemon Shrimp:

1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp honey
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Simple Cooking Directions

Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet.
Add garlic, then cook shrimp until pink.
Stir in honey, lemon juice, and zest.
Toss shrimp until coated and glazed.
Garnish with parsley and serve.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prep Shrimp

Pat shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic

Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook Shrimp

Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.

Step 4: Make the Honey Lemon Sauce

Stir in honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes.
Toss shrimp to coat in the glaze and cook for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Serve

Remove from heat, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately.

How to Serve

Over steamed rice or quinoa for a quick weeknight dinner.
With pasta tossed in olive oil and garlic for a light Italian touch.
On top of a fresh green salad for a low-carb option.
With crusty bread to soak up the honey lemon sauce.

Additional Recipe Tips

Don’t overcook shrimp—they become rubbery if cooked too long.
Add more honey for extra sweetness or more lemon for tanginess.
For a richer sauce, add 2 tbsp white wine or chicken broth.
Garnish with lemon wedges for extra freshness.

Variations

Spicy Honey Lemon Shrimp: Add sriracha or extra chili flakes.
Creamy Version: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream at the end.
Honey Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Toss with spaghetti or linguine.
Grilled Honey Lemon Shrimp: Marinate shrimp in sauce, then grill on skewers.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Cooked shrimp can be frozen up to 1 month. Reheat gently to avoid toughness.
Reheating: Warm on low heat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.

Special Equipment Needed

Large skillet or sauté pan
Tongs (for flipping shrimp)
Zester or microplane (for lemon zest)

FAQ

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

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep shrimp and sauce ingredients ahead for quick cooking.

Q3: What size shrimp works best?
Medium or large shrimp are ideal—they cook quickly but still stay juicy.

Q4: Can I bake this instead of pan-frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, then toss in the honey lemon glaze.

Conclusion

Honey Lemon Shrimp is a quick, fresh, and flavorful dish that combines the perfect balance of sweetness, tang, and savoriness. It’s easy enough for weeknights yet elegant enough to impress guests. With its vibrant flavors and versatility, this recipe is a must-try for shrimp lovers and anyone who enjoys bright, delicious meals made in under 20 minutes.