If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with vibrant flavor, quick to prepare, and downright addictive, this Grilled Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine tender shrimp kissed by the grill with a luscious glaze of honey, garlic, and a hint of soy and BBQ sauce that creates a perfectly balanced sweet-savory punch. It’s one of those simple yet spectacular dishes that can brighten up any weeknight dinner or impress guests at your next cookout. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a staple in your rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Grilled Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role—whether it’s adding sweetness, depth, or a subtle spicy kick—helping balance the flavors while keeping things fresh and light. Here’s everything you need to gather before you get started:
- 1 pound large shrimp (26-30/pound), thawed & peeled (tails on): Fresh or frozen shrimp that’s perfectly sized for quick grilling and juicy results.
- 1 tablespoon BBQ sauce: Adds a smoky depth and a touch of zing that complements the garlic perfectly.
- 3 tablespoons honey: Delivers a natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Ensures the shrimp stay moist and helps the marinade cling to each piece.
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce: Brings umami and a hint of saltiness that balances the sweetness of honey.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic is the real star, infusing the shrimp with bold, aromatic flavor.
- Pepper (to taste): A subtle bit of heat that enhances the overall flavor without overpowering.
How to Make Grilled Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by combining the BBQ sauce, honey, olive oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and pepper in a small bowl. This marinade is packed with flavor and will coat your shrimp beautifully, ensuring every bite is deliciously tangy and sweet.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
Place your peeled shrimp in a large Ziploc bag, then pour in the marinade. Gently toss to ensure all shrimp are coated evenly. Seal the bag and refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes. This step lets the flavors meld and penetrate the shrimp, making them irresistibly tasty.
Step 3: Prepare Your Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 to 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from burning or splintering on the hot grill, keeping things safe and hassle-free.
Step 4: Thread the Shrimp
Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, making sure to leave a little space between each one so they cook evenly.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill or BBQ to high heat initially, then reduce to medium-high. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 2 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re done when the shrimp turn opaque and firm to the touch.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
You can serve the shrimp right on the skewers for a fun, casual presentation or slide them off onto a platter. Either way, they’re sure to disappear fast once everyone tastes them!
How to Serve Grilled Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro sprinkled over the shrimp add a pop of color and brightness. A wedge of lemon or lime on the side also works beautifully to cut through the sweetness with a citrusy zing.
Side Dishes
This shrimp pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, grilled vegetables, or even a fluffy bed of jasmine or basmati rice. For a more indulgent meal, creamy garlic mashed potatoes or buttery couscous make excellent companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a creative twist, turn your shrimp into tacos by serving them with warmed tortillas, fresh slaw, and avocado slices. Alternatively, toss the cooked shrimp into a cold pasta salad or atop a crisp Asian-style noodle bowl for an eye-catching meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll maintain their tasty flavor and texture for up to two days, making them perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
While shrimp tastes best fresh, you can freeze cooked grilled shrimp in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to one month. Just remember to thaw them gently in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat your grilled honey garlic shrimp, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat or toss them briefly under the broiler. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp fully and pat them dry before marinating to ensure the best flavor and grill texture.
How long should I marinate the shrimp?
15 to 30 minutes is ideal. Marinating longer won’t hurt but since shrimp are delicate, too much time can affect their texture.
Can I cook this Grilled Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe indoors?
Yes, you can use a grill pan or broiler. Just keep an eye on the shrimp so they don’t overcook and stay juicy.
What if I don’t have BBQ sauce?
You can substitute with your favorite hot sauce or a dash of smoked paprika to maintain some smokiness in the marinade.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not at all! It’s more on the sweet and garlicky side, but you can add a pinch of chili flakes if you like a little heat.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself craving over and over. It’s simple, fast, and full of flavors that come together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re cooking for friends or just treating yourself to something special, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and see just how easy it is to create something truly delicious right at home.
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Grilled Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Grilled Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe features large shrimp marinated in a sweet and savory blend of honey, garlic, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, and olive oil, grilled to perfection for a quick and flavorful meal. Perfect for summer cookouts or a simple weeknight dinner, these shrimp are juicy, tender, and packed with delicious honey-garlic flavor.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Marinade
- 1 pound large shrimp (26–30 per pound), thawed & peeled (tails on)
- 1 tablespoon BBQ sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix together the BBQ sauce, honey, olive oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and black pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Place the peeled shrimp with tails on into a large resealable plastic bag. Pour the prepared marinade over the shrimp and gently massage the bag to coat all the shrimp evenly. Seal the bag and refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Prepare Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 to 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning and splintering during cooking.
- Thread the Shrimp: Remove the shrimp from the marinade and thread them onto the soaked skewers, distributing them evenly but not overcrowding.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your BBQ or grill to high. Once hot, reduce the heat to medium-high to avoid burning the shrimp.
- Grill the Shrimp: Place the shrimp skewers on the grill and cook for about 2 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn opaque and are cooked through.
- Serve: Serve the shrimp directly on the skewers if desired or remove them for serving as preferred. Enjoy immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning during grilling.
- Do not overcook shrimp as they can become tough and rubbery.
- Marinating time can be adjusted but avoid exceeding 30 minutes to prevent shrimp from becoming mushy.
- For extra flavor, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
