Benefits and Advantages of hot honey shrimp
- Ease of preparation: This hot honey shrimp recipe is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With few ingredients and straightforward cooking steps, you can enjoy a delicious meal in under 20 minutes.
- Health benefits: Shrimp is a lean protein rich in vitamins and antioxidants, while natural honey adds antioxidants and sweetness without processed sugars. This combination supports balanced nutrition with moderate calories and healthy fats.
- Versatility: The recipe is easily adjustable to fit various dietary preferences including gluten-free, vegan alternatives, or low-calorie options, making it suitable for many eating plans.
- Distinctive flavor: The sweet and spicy glaze complements the natural shrimp flavor, creating a bold and memorable taste that’s a refreshing twist on seafood dishes.
Jump To
- 1. Benefits and Advantages of hot honey shrimp
- 2. Essential Ingredients for hot honey shrimp
- 3. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your hot honey shrimp
- 4. How to Prepare the Perfect hot honey shrimp: Step-by-Step Guide
- 5. Mastering hot honey shrimp: Advanced Tips and Variations
- 6. How to Store hot honey shrimp: Best Practices
- 7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About hot honey shrimp
- 8. hot honey shrimp
Essential Ingredients for hot honey shrimp
- 4 pounds (about 1.8 kg) raw medium shrimp, tail-on and deveined – key protein with natural seafood flavor
- 2 large cloves garlic, grated or minced – adds aromatic depth
- 4 tablespoons good quality olive oil (substitute with butter or sesame oil for variation) – for cooking and richness
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice – balances sweetness with bright acidity
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano – provides earthy herbal notes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste – essential seasoning
- 3-4 tablespoons hot honey (adjust to taste) – the star sweet-spicy glaze
- Optional: 1 tablespoon soy sauce or reduced-sodium soy sauce (gluten-free versions available) – adds umami and depth
- Wooden skewers if grilling – soak prior to use
Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your hot honey shrimp
Protein Alternatives
Swap shrimp with chicken breast, scallops, or firm tofu depending on your dietary needs or ingredient availability. For a vegan-friendly option, tempeh or cauliflower works well and readily absorbs the hot honey glaze.
Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications
Add vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, or zucchini to complement the sweet and spicy flavors. Modify heat by changing the hot sauce type or by using chili flakes for different spice levels. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to accommodate gluten-sensitive diets.
This hot honey shrimp pairs well with sides like rice, steamed vegetables, or fresh green salads. For other flavorful seafood recipes, try our Shrimp Penne Pasta or Garlic Chicken.
Learn more about the Nutritional Benefits of Shrimp, and get tips on How to Grill Shrimp Perfectly. For safe skewer use, consult Tips for Using Wooden Skewers Safely.
How to Prepare the Perfect hot honey shrimp: Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare shrimp: Peel and devein about 4 pounds (1.8 kg) of medium raw shrimp, leaving tails on. Pat dry to ensure a good sear.
- Make the glaze: In a bowl, combine 2 large cloves garlic (minced or grated), 4 tablespoons olive oil, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, 3 to 4 tablespoons hot honey (adjust to taste), salt and freshly ground black pepper, plus 1 tablespoon soy sauce if using. Stir well to combine.
- Prepare skewers (optional): If grilling, soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread 6-7 shrimp per skewer, piercing through both ends to secure.
- Cook shrimp:
- Grill method: Preheat grill to medium heat (~400°F/200°C). Lightly oil the grill grates. Brush shrimp skewers generously with half the glaze, place on grill, cover, and cook for about 3 minutes. Turn shrimp once, brush with remaining glaze, cover again, and grill another 3 minutes until shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
- Skillet method: Heat oil or butter in a hot skillet over high heat. Add shrimp, searing on one side for about 1 minute without stirring. Add glaze, flip shrimp to coat, cook another minute until shrimp are done. Remove shrimp and briefly simmer any leftover glaze in the pan to thicken.
- Serve: Serve shrimp warm or cold with an extra drizzle of hot honey. Garnish with chopped scallions or black sesame seeds if desired.
Mastering hot honey shrimp: Advanced Tips and Variations
Pro Cooking Tips
- Marinate shrimp briefly in the hot honey glaze before cooking to deepen the flavor.
- Use high heat to sear shrimp quickly and avoid overcooking, which can make shrimp rubbery.
- Avoid excessive flipping; turning shrimp once helps develop a nice sear and juicy interior.
Flavor Variations
- Add fresh ginger to the glaze for a warm, aromatic boost.
- Incorporate fresh herbs such as cilantro or basil to brighten the flavor.
- Try swapping honey with maple syrup for a different sweet profile.
- Add smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the glaze for smoky or extra spicy notes.
Creative Presentation
- Serve hot honey shrimp over steamed rice, quinoa, or fresh greens for a balanced meal.
- Use garnishes like toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced scallions for added texture and visual appeal.
- For appetizers, serve shrimp in mini tacos with guacamole or as a topping for crisp salads and wraps.
Make-Ahead Suggestions
- Prepare the hot honey glaze in advance and refrigerate.
- Cook shrimp just before serving to preserve optimal texture and flavor, or precook and reheat gently with glaze for convenience.
How to Store hot honey shrimp: Best Practices
| Storage Method | Instructions | Storage Time |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Place cooked hot honey shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly to retain freshness. | Up to 2 days |
| Freezing | Freeze shrimp separately from sauce if possible, in a sealed freezer bag to maintain quality. | Up to 1 month |
| Reheating | Warm shrimp gently over low heat or in a microwave with a splash of water or sauce to prevent dryness. | Consume immediately after reheating |
Storing shrimp properly and reheating gently preserves both the sweet-spicy glaze and the succulent texture of hot honey shrimp.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About hot honey shrimp
What sides go well with hot honey shrimp?
Hot honey shrimp pair wonderfully with a range of sides. Serve them alongside steamed rice or cauliflower rice to balance the spice and sweetness. Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or sweet potatoes complement the flavors well. Fresh salads, such as an orzo salad or a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette, add brightness. You can also enjoy hot honey shrimp in sandwiches or wraps with crunchy slaw for added texture.
How do I skewer shrimp for grilling hot honey shrimp?
To skewer shrimp properly, start with fresh or thawed, deveined medium shrimp. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the shrimp onto the skewers with a small gap between each piece, piercing through both the tail and the thickest part to secure them firmly. Grill over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, turning once, until the shrimp turn opaque and slightly charred.
What’s the best way to devein shrimp before making hot honey shrimp?
To devein shrimp, hold the shrimp with the back facing up. Using a small, sharp knife or kitchen shears, make a shallow cut along the back to expose the dark vein. Gently lift out the vein with the tip of the knife or your fingers and discard it. Rinse the shrimp under cold water to remove any remaining debris. Deveining improves the texture and appearance, making the shrimp more enjoyable to eat.
Can I substitute raw honey with another sweetener in hot honey shrimp recipes?
Yes, you can substitute raw honey with alternatives like maple syrup, agave nectar, or a mix of honey and a hot chili sauce to maintain the balance of sweetness and heat. If your substitute is thick, thin it out by gently heating or mixing it with a bit of soy sauce or lemon juice to create a saucy consistency that coats the shrimp evenly.
How spicy is hot honey shrimp, and can I adjust the heat level?
Hot honey shrimp typically have a medium heat level thanks to ingredients like cayenne pepper or hot chili sauce blended with honey. You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less chili, choosing milder peppers, or omitting spicy elements entirely for a sweeter flavor. Taste as you go to customize the balance of heat and sweetness to your preference.
hot honey shrimp
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Description
🍤 Hot Honey Shrimp delivers a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors that brighten the natural taste of shrimp for a quick, satisfying meal.
🔥 This recipe is versatile and easy to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, appetizers, or even salads and wraps.
Ingredients
– 4 pounds (about 1.8 kg) raw medium shrimp, tail-on and deveined
– 2 large cloves garlic, grated or minced
– 4 tablespoons good quality olive oil
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– ½ teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– 3-4 tablespoons hot honey
– Optional: 1 tablespoon soy sauce or reduced-sodium soy sauce
– Wooden skewers if grilling
Instructions
1-Prepare shrimp: Peel and devein about 4 pounds (1.8 kg) of medium raw shrimp, leaving tails on. Pat dry to ensure a good sear.
2-Make the glaze: In a bowl, combine 2 large cloves garlic (minced or grated), 4 tablespoons olive oil, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, 3 to 4 tablespoons hot honey (adjust to taste), salt and freshly ground black pepper, plus 1 tablespoon soy sauce if using. Stir well to combine.
3-Prepare skewers (optional): If grilling, soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread 6-7 shrimp per skewer, piercing through both ends to secure.
4-Cook shrimp:
- Grill method: Preheat grill to medium heat (~400°F/200°C). Lightly oil the grill grates. Brush shrimp skewers generously with half the glaze, place on grill, cover, and cook for about 3 minutes. Turn shrimp once, brush with remaining glaze, cover again, and grill another 3 minutes until shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
- Skillet method: Heat oil or butter in a hot skillet over high heat. Add shrimp, searing on one side for about 1 minute without stirring. Add glaze, flip shrimp to coat, cook another minute until shrimp are done. Remove shrimp and briefly simmer any leftover glaze in the pan to thicken.
5-Serve: Serve shrimp warm or cold with an extra drizzle of hot honey. Garnish with chopped scallions or black sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
🦐 Devein shrimp by making a shallow cut along the back and removing the vein for better texture and taste.
🍳 Avoid excessive flipping; turn shrimp only once for a perfectly seared exterior and juicy interior.
🌶️ Add cayenne pepper or sesame oil to the glaze for a customizable heat and flavor twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 190 mg
Keywords: Hot Honey Shrimp, Sweet and Spicy Shrimp, Garlic Shrimp, Quick Shrimp Dinner