If you’re craving a quick, delicious, and healthy meal, this 20-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp & Rice Bowl is the perfect option. Succulent shrimp are cooked in a rich, sweet, and savory honey garlic sauce and served over a warm bed of fluffy rice. It’s a protein-packed dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor, perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you’re in the mood for something simple yet satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for a fast weeknight dinner.
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Delicious & Flavorful: The honey garlic sauce provides the perfect balance of sweetness and umami.
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Healthy: High in protein, and you can use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier alternative.
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Minimal Ingredients: Uses basic pantry staples to create a restaurant-quality meal at home.
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Versatile: Customize with different toppings like avocado, peanuts, or veggies to suit your taste.
Ingredients
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1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed if using frozen)
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¼ cup honey
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¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
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1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
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2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
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1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
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Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
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Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
If you haven’t already, cook your rice according to the package instructions and set it aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add the cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water. Set this sauce mixture aside.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn pink and slightly golden.
Step 4: Add the Sauce
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Pour the honey garlic sauce over the shrimp and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes. The sauce will start to caramelize, creating a beautiful glossy coating over the shrimp.
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If using cornstarch, stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
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Spoon the cooked shrimp and sauce over a bowl of warm rice.
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Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.
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Serve immediately and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 2
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 10 minutes
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Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations and Substitutions
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Rice Alternatives: You can use cauliflower rice or quinoa as a lower-carb option instead of traditional rice.
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Add Spice: If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or drizzle with sriracha.
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Vegetable Additions: Add steamed broccoli, snap peas, or sliced bell peppers to the dish for added texture and nutrients.
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Different Proteins: Swap the shrimp for chicken or tofu for a different flavor profile.
Storage and Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat shrimp and rice in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. You can also reheat on the stovetop with a splash of soy sauce to keep the shrimp moist.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly.
2. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, use tamari or coconut aminos as a substitute for soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.
3. Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots would be a great way to make the dish more filling and nutritious.
4. Can I make this in advance?
For the best texture, the shrimp is best cooked fresh. However, you can prepare the sauce and rice ahead of time for a quicker dinner later in the week.
5. How can I make this recipe less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, decrease the amount of honey and increase the soy sauce slightly to balance out the flavors.
Conclusion
This 20-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp & Rice Bowl is the perfect quick meal that’s as delicious as it is easy. With tender shrimp coated in a flavorful honey garlic sauce and served over fluffy rice, it’s a satisfying dish that can be made in no time. It’s healthy, customizable, and ideal for busy nights when you need a delicious dinner with minimal effort. Enjoy this simple yet irresistible recipe!
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20-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp & Rice Bowl
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Description
This 20-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp & Rice Bowl is the perfect quick, healthy meal packed with protein and flavor. Succulent shrimp cooked in a savory-sweet honey garlic sauce is served over a warm bed of rice for a satisfying, easy-to-make dish. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep!
Ingredients
For the Shrimp and Sauce:
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or frozen)
¼ cup honey
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
1 tablespoon water (if using cornstarch)
For the Rice:
2 cups cooked white or brown rice (use your preferred rice)
For Garnish:
2 green onions, sliced
Sesame seeds
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
Cook your rice according to package instructions and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch with water (if using) until smooth. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and slightly golden. Remove the shrimp from the skillet.
Step 4: Add the Sauce
Pour the honey garlic sauce into the same skillet and simmer for 2-3 minutes. If using cornstarch, stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Serve the Dish
Spoon the cooked rice into bowls.
Top with the shrimp and drizzle the honey garlic sauce over the top.
Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Overcooking Shrimp: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they cook quickly and can become rubbery. They’re done when they turn pink and opaque.
Sweetness Adjustments: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of honey.
Spice: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha if you prefer a spicy kick.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat using a microwave or stovetop with a splash of water or soy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
