High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp

Posted on February 4, 2026

introduction

This warm, family-friendly recipe for High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp is a fast weeknight winner that tastes like takeout but comes together in minutes. It’s sweet, garlicky, and protein-focused—perfect for meal prep or a weeknight dinner that feels special.

For a vegetarian take on the same flavor profile, try this crispy honey garlic tofu to keep the sauce as the star.

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

Bold sweet-and-savory honey garlic flavor that pleases kids and adults.
Ready in about 15 minutes — ideal for busy weeknights.
High-protein, low-carb option that pairs well with rice or veggies.
Great for meal prep: reheats beautifully for lunches or quick dinners.
Minimal ingredients, big taste.

Ingredients Needed :

Protein

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

Sauce

1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking

1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

To Serve

Steamed rice or your favorite vegetables

Step-by-Step Instructions :

In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add shrimp to the skillet and season with salt and pepper.
Cook shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
Pour honey garlic sauce over the shrimp and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring until shrimp are well coated.
Serve the shrimp over steamed rice or with vegetables.

For an extra punch in the sauce, I sometimes build on a tried-and-true stingin’ honey garlic sauce recipe and tweak sweetness or heat to taste.

Serving Suggestions High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp

Serve over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Toss with stir-fried broccoli, snap peas, and bell pepper for a quick veggie-forward bowl.
Make shrimp tacos with cabbage slaw and a squeeze of lime.
Pair with roasted or air-fried potatoes for a comforting plate — try these air-fryer garlic parmesan potatoes for an easy side.

Tips for SuccessHigh-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp

Use dry, cold shrimp for the best sear — pat them very dry before cooking.
Don’t overcook: shrimp turn rubbery quickly; remove from heat as soon as they’re opaque.
Make the sauce ahead and add at the end to avoid burning the honey.
Adjust salt by tasting the sauce first — soy sauce can be quite salty.
For a thicker glaze, simmer the sauce alone a minute to reduce before adding shrimp.

variation (if any)

Spicy: add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or 1 teaspoon sriracha to the sauce.
Citrus: finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime for brightness.
Skewers: thread shrimp on skewers and grill 2–3 minutes per side for a smoky twist.
Vegetarian: swap shrimp for firm tofu, crisped until golden.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes — thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure a good sear and even cooking.

Q: How long will leftovers keep?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

Q: Is this recipe high in protein?
A: Yes — shrimp are a lean, protein-rich seafood; paired with modest sides this makes a protein-focused meal.

Q: Can I double the recipe for a dinner party?
A: Absolutely. Cook shrimp in batches so the pan stays hot and shrimp sear properly.

Q: What can I use instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version?
A: Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative.