Save to Pinterest This speedy Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowl brings restaurant flavor to your kitchen in just twenty minutes. Plump shrimp mingle in a sticky sweet garlic sauce over snowy rice nestled among colorful veggies. When weeknights are hectic but I crave something vibrant and fresh I turn to this meal it never disappoints
The first time I whipped this up for my husband he could not believe it took just twenty minutes Now it is our go-to when we want something deliciously satisfying with almost no effort
Ingredients
- Large raw shrimp: look for bright color and a fresh clean scent for the juiciest texture
- Honey: creates a glossy sweet finish choose local or raw for extra depth
- Garlic: the backbone of the sauce fresh cloves deliver the best punch
- Soy sauce: gives that addictive salty umami stick with low sodium if watching salt
- Rice: jasmine or short-grain rice gives fluffiness rinse well for separated grains
- Mixed vegetables: for crunch and color I use bell pepper snap peas and shredded carrots fresh or frozen work
- Sesame oil: just a splash brings nutty aroma toasted is best
- Cornstarch: helps thicken the sauce look for a fine powder without lumps
- Green onion and sesame seeds for garnish: bright and crisp pick firm stalks
Instructions
- Prep the Shrimp:
- Peel and devein the shrimp Pat them very dry with paper towels This lets them brown nicely in the pan
- Cook the Rice:
- Rinse the rice in cool water until clear to remove excess starch Cook using your favorite method until tender and fluffy Keep covered until serving
- Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl whisk together honey soy sauce minced garlic and a bit of water Mix cornstarch with a spoonful of water separately then stir this slurry into the sauce base for easy blending
- Sear the Shrimp:
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high Add a drizzle of sesame oil Once shimmering add shrimp in a single layer Sear for about one or two minutes per side until just opaque and lightly browned Remove from the pan and set aside
- Stir Fry Vegetables:
- Lower the heat just a bit Add another splash of sesame oil Toss in your veggies and stir fry for three to four minutes so they are crisp-tender but bright
- Combine and Glaze:
- Return shrimp to the pan Pour sauce over everything Stir constantly as it bubbles and thickens in around one minute The glaze should coat the shrimp and veggies evenly
- Assemble the Bowls:
- Spoon fluffy rice into bowls Top with sticky shrimp and veggies Sprinkle with sliced green onion and a shower of sesame seeds Serve right away
Save to Pinterest Shrimp has always been my favorite speedy protein My family laughs because I can have dinner on the table before anyone even realizes they are hungry One bite of this garlicky sauce and no one leaves leftovers
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days Reheat gently in the microwave or a skillet with a dash of water to keep the shrimp tender and the rice fluffy Avoid freezing as shrimp can get rubbery and vegetables watery
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have fresh shrimp use frozen just thaw and dry them well Swap the honey with maple syrup in a pinch For a gluten free version reach for tamari or coconut aminos Any quick-cooking veggie works so broccoli or zucchini are great too
Serving Suggestions
These bowls shine solo but they also pair nicely with a simple cucumber salad or steamed edamame For extra heat drizzle sriracha or scatter some chili flakes Add avocado slices or quick pickled radish for more color and tang
Cultural Context
Honey garlic sauce is inspired by many East Asian kitchen staples and the simple combination of savory soy with sweet honey is a favorite in Korean and Chinese home cooking I love riffing on this theme with ingredients from my local market
Seasonal Adaptations
Use sweet corn zucchini and cherry tomatoes in summer Try thinly sliced Brussels sprouts or broccoli in winter Add snap peas or asparagus in spring for crunch and color
Success Stories
Friends text me photos when they make this bowl for the first time with kids and spouses grinning over an empty dish It is the easiest way I know to boost confidence in the kitchen since the rewards always outweigh the effort
Freezer Meal Conversion
While I do not recommend freezing cooked shrimp you can prep the rice and honey garlic sauce ahead Freeze them separately When ready to eat just sear fresh or thawed shrimp and stir fry a bag of frozen veggies for a near-instant dinner
Save to Pinterest This bowl delivers bold flavor and color in a fraction of the time. Treat yourself to a homemade takeout classic any night of the week
Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of shrimp works best?
Medium or large peeled and deveined shrimp are ideal for quick cooking and best texture in these bowls.
- → Can I make it ahead of time?
It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the sauce and vegetables in advance and cook shrimp just before eating.
- → What vegetables pair well with honey garlic shrimp?
Broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots add crunch and color to complement the sweet garlic flavors.
- → Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, assemble the bowls and keep components separate; reheat shrimp briefly to avoid overcooking.
- → How can I make this gluten-free?
Swap soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative like tamari and serve with rice or gluten-free grains.