Quick and Easy Honey Lime Garlic Shrimp Recipe for Busy Weeknights

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that packs a punch, Honey Lime Garlic Shrimp is the way to go!

This dish combines the sweetness of honey, the zesty brightness of lime, and the savory depth of garlic to create a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.

Plus, it comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for those busy weeknights.

Ingredient List

To make my Honey Lime Garlic Shrimp, I gather the following ingredients:

• Shrimp: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Honey: 1/4 cup pure honey
• Lime: 2 limes, juiced and zested
• Garlic: 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Chili Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional for a kick)
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro for garnish

Once I have all my ingredients ready, I can easily whip up this delightful dish. Each ingredient brings a unique flavor that combines beautifully to create a satisfying meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp
   Start by rinsing 1 pound of large shrimp under cold water. Pat them dry with a paper towel. Peel and devein the shrimp if this has not already been done. Set the shrimp aside in a bowl.
2. Make the Marinade
   In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup of pure honey, the juice and zest from 2 limes, and 4 cloves of minced garlic. Add a pinch of kosher salt and black pepper to taste. If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle in optional red chili flakes. Mix all the ingredients well until thoroughly combined.
3. Marinate the Shrimp
   Add the prepared shrimp to the marinade and toss until each shrimp is well coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
4. Heat the Olive Oil
   In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot but not smoking.
5. Cook the Shrimp
   Once the oil is heated, carefully add the marinated shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on one side until they turn pink and opaque. Flip the shrimp, and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
6. Serve
   Once the shrimp are fully cooked, remove them from heat. Transfer the shrimp to a serving dish and drizzle with any remaining marinade from the skillet. For a fresh touch, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.

Recipe Notes & Variations

When I make Honey Lime Garlic Shrimp, I enjoy experimenting with various ingredients and techniques to tailor the dish to my taste. Here are some notes and variations I recommend:

Shrimp Choices

• I prefer using large shrimp for this recipe, but medium or jumbo shrimp also work well. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• If you have access to wild-caught shrimp, I highly recommend it for enhanced flavor.

Marinade Options

• I sometimes add a teaspoon of soy sauce to the marinade for an umami kick.
• For a tropical twist, blending in some mango puree adds a delicious fruity element.

Spice Level

• To amp up the heat, I add more red chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to the marinade. Alternatively, fresh chopped jalapeños can also do the trick.

Serving Suggestions

• For a complete meal, I like pairing this shrimp with white rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad.
• If I’m feeling adventurous, I serve the shrimp in tacos with slaw and avocado for a tasty twist.

Storage Tips

• Leftover shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
• I recommend reheating them gently in a skillet to maintain their texture.

• If I want to prepare this dish ahead of time, I marinate the shrimp and freeze them for later use. Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking.

Serving Suggestions

I love to serve my Honey Lime Garlic Shrimp in a variety of delicious ways. Each serving brings out a different flavor profile that complements this dish perfectly.

With Rice or Quinoa

One of my favorite options is over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa. Both absorb the sweet and savory marinade beautifully. I recommend using jasmine rice for its fragrance or a nutty brown quinoa for added texture.

In Tacos

I also enjoy making shrimp tacos. I warm corn or flour tortillas and fill them with the shrimp. Top them with fresh avocado slices, shredded cabbage, and a squeeze of lime for a refreshing crunch.

On Salads

For a lighter option, I love adding the shrimp to a crisp salad. Mixed greens topped with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a citrus vinaigrette pair wonderfully with the shrimp. The brightness of the salad enhances the dish’s overall flavor.

With Vegetables

Serving the shrimp alongside sautéed or steamed vegetables is another great way to round out the meal. I like to use bell peppers, zucchini, and snap peas, allowing their vibrant colors to contrast with the shrimp.

As an Appetizer

When I have guests, I often serve the shrimp as a tasty appetizer. I place the shrimp on a platter with toothpicks, and drizzle a little of the remaining marinade on top for an extra burst of flavor.

By Themselves

Sometimes, I enjoy them simply on their own. The flavor is so delightful that they stand out perfectly without any accompaniments.

Nutrition Information

When preparing Honey Lime Garlic Shrimp, I always find it helpful to know the nutritional breakdown of this delightful dish.

Each serving provides a balance of flavors along with essential nutrients.

Here’s the typical nutrition information for one serving of Honey Lime Garlic Shrimp:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	250
Total Fat	8g
Saturated Fat	1g
Cholesterol	220mg
Sodium	350mg
Total Carbohydrates	14g
Dietary Fiber	0g
Sugars	8g
Protein	30g

• Protein: Shrimp is an excellent source of protein. With about 30 grams per serving, it provides the energy necessary to keep me feeling full and satisfied.
• Low in Carbs: With only 14 grams of total carbohydrates, this dish is a great option if I’m looking for something light and low-carb.
• Healthy Fats: The addition of extra virgin olive oil contributes to healthy fats, which can support heart health.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Shrimp is rich in vitamins B12 and D, along with minerals like selenium and iodine, which are essential for metabolism and immune function.

This nutrition information allows me to enjoy my meal while keeping my dietary goals in mind.

Adjusting the portions can help accommodate various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor or enjoyment.

Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited to try Honey Lime Garlic Shrimp as I was when I first made it.

This dish not only packs a punch of flavor but also fits perfectly into a busy schedule.

Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a gathering it’s sure to be a hit.

Don’t hesitate to get creative with the ingredients and make it your own. The versatility of this recipe means you can easily adapt it to suit your taste.

Enjoy every bite and the delightful experience it brings to your table!

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