If you are craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor, easy to make, and packed with wholesome ingredients, you’re going to love this Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls Recipe. It combines succulent shrimp glazed with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, nestled atop a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa, and complemented by vibrant green broccoli and fresh scallions. This dish shines with contrasting textures and bold tastes, making it a perfect dinner to impress your family or friends without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each playing a key role in the dish’s delicious flavor profile and appealing appearance. From sweet honey to fresh garlic and lively green broccoli, every component adds balance, texture, and visual appeal.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Provides tender, juicy protein that cooks quickly and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- ¼ cup honey: Adds natural sweetness and creates that irresistible sticky glaze on the shrimp.
- ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free): Brings a savory depth and umami punch to the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Offers aromatic, pungent flavor critical for the “garlic” element in the dish.
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated: Adds a subtle zing and warmth that elevates the sauce complexity.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing the shrimp to golden perfection without sticking.
- 2 cups cooked white rice or quinoa: Acts as the hearty, fluffy base that soaks up every bit of sauce.
- 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed or sautéed: Adds a fresh crunch and vibrant green color, balancing the sweet and savory.
- ¼ cup green onions, finely sliced: Serves as a fresh, bright garnish that adds a mild onion flavor and color contrast.
How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Sauce
The magic starts by combining the honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger in a small bowl. Take a moment to whisk these together until they form a smooth, harmonious mixture — this will coat the shrimp with an irresistible sweet and savory punch.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the shrimp in a single layer and cook each side for about 2 to 3 minutes until they turn a lovely pink and firm up nicely. This step ensures the shrimp stay juicy and develop just enough caramelization for extra flavor.
Step 3: Add the Honey Garlic Sauce
Pour your whisked sauce mixture right into the skillet with the shrimp. Let it bubble and reduce slightly for about 2 minutes while stirring gently, so every shrimp is perfectly glazed with that glossy, sticky coating that makes this Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls Recipe so irresistible.
Step 4: Prepare the Broccoli
While your shrimp are cooking, steam or sauté the broccoli until it’s bright green and just tender. This keeps the broccoli crisp and fresh, which contrasts wonderfully with the tender shrimp and soft rice.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Pile your warm rice or quinoa into bowls, top with the glossy shrimp, and scatter the steamed broccoli on top. Garnish the whole dish seasonally with finely sliced green onions to brighten every bite and make the colors pop.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh green onions are a natural choice, offering a mild onion crunch and color contrast. Depending on your mood or stash, consider adding toasted sesame seeds or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to introduce a gentle nutty crunch or spicy kick.
Side Dishes
This dish can totally stand on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, a simple cucumber salad or light miso soup would complement the bold flavors without overpowering them. The freshness of these sides keeps the meal feeling balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, serve your Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls Recipe in shallow bowls or even bamboo serving dishes to evoke a fun, casual Asian-inspired vibe. A drizzle of extra sauce around the edge and a few edible flowers or microgreens can turn this everyday meal into a dinner party highlight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftover shrimp, rice or quinoa, and broccoli into separate airtight containers to keep textures intact. Stored in the fridge, these components should stay fresh for up to 3 days, ready to enjoy as a quick lunch or a second dinner.
Freezing
While you can freeze cooked shrimp and rice, the texture of steamed broccoli might not hold up well after thawing, becoming mushy. It’s best to freeze shrimp and rice separately if you want to prep this dish in advance; just thaw and reheat when ready.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep it from overcooking. For the rice or quinoa, a sprinkle of water and a quick microwave burst works wonders to restore softness. Add fresh broccoli after reheating or lightly steam again for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking so they sear nicely rather than steam, which helps achieve that perfect glaze on the shrimp.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it can be! Simply swap out regular soy sauce for tamari or another gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free version of this Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls Recipe.
Can I substitute the broccoli with other vegetables?
Definitely! Snap peas, asparagus, or baby bok choy are great alternatives that offer similar color and texture contrasts while absorbing the sauce flavors well.
What type of rice is best for these shrimp bowls?
White jasmine rice works beautifully for its fluffy texture and subtle aroma, but brown rice or quinoa are excellent healthier swaps. Choose your favorite or whatever you have on hand!
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is mild and kid-friendly, with sweetness and savory notes dominating. You can easily add chili flakes or Sriracha to the sauce if you prefer a bit of heat in your Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls Recipe quickly becomes a go-to for busy weeknights and special dinners alike. The combination of sweet, savory, and fresh ingredients makes every bite a joy, and the simple preparation means you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying dinner with loved ones. I can’t wait for you to try it—you might just find this dish becomes one of your favorites too!
Print
Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls recipe features succulent shrimp coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce served over a bed of fluffy white rice or quinoa, accompanied by vibrant steamed or sautéed broccoli and fresh green onions. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights that delivers delicious flavors and a balanced plate.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Sides and Garnish
- 2 cups cooked white rice or quinoa
- 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed or sautéed
- ¼ cup green onions, finely sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined to create the flavorful honey garlic mixture.
- Cook the shrimp. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Add the sauce. Pour the prepared honey garlic mixture into the skillet with the shrimp. Allow it to bubble and thicken slightly, coating the shrimp evenly for about 2 minutes.
- Prepare the broccoli. Meanwhile, steam or sauté the broccoli florets until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
- Assemble the bowls. Serve the honey garlic shrimp over cooked white rice or quinoa. Top each bowl with steamed broccoli and garnish with finely sliced green onions for a fresh finish.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
- You can use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier or low-carb variation.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them juicy and tender.
- Adjust the amount of honey for your preferred sweetness level.
- The broccoli can be steamed or sautéed with a little olive oil and garlic for extra flavor.
