Are you ready to impress at your next gathering? Honey Garlic Shrimp Skewers are simple and bursting with flavor! In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make juicy shrimp coated in a sweet and savory marinade. With just a few ingredients, you can grill up a dish that will delight your guests. Let’s dive into this tasty and easy recipe together!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a last-minute gathering.
- Sweet and Savory Flavor: The combination of honey, soy sauce, and garlic creates a deliciously balanced marinade that enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
- Grill Mastery: Cooking the shrimp on skewers not only makes for an impressive presentation but also ensures even cooking and a delightful char.
- Customizable Heat: You can easily adjust the spice level by adding red pepper flakes, making this dish suitable for everyone’s taste.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– Large shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined)
– Honey (1/4 cup)
– Soy sauce (3 tablespoons)
– Minced garlic (3 cloves)
– Fresh ginger (1 tablespoon, grated)
– Sesame oil (1 tablespoon)
– Lime juice (1 tablespoon)
– Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon)
– Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional)
– Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
– Skewers (bamboo or metal)
Honey garlic shrimp skewers are easy to make. You only need a few fresh, tasty items. Start with one pound of large shrimp. Make sure they are peeled and deveined. For a sweet and savory flavor, grab a quarter cup of honey and three tablespoons of soy sauce. You will also need three cloves of minced garlic and one tablespoon of grated ginger for a fresh kick.
To add a bit of richness, use one tablespoon of sesame oil. A tablespoon of lime juice will brighten the dish. Don’t forget half a teaspoon of black pepper for spice. If you like heat, add a quarter teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Lastly, you can use fresh cilantro to garnish the skewers when they are ready to serve.
And remember, you need skewers, either bamboo or metal, to hold your shrimp while cooking. Now you are ready to whip up a dish that is sure to impress!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Marinade
First, grab a medium bowl. In that bowl, whisk together these ingredients:
– 1/4 cup honey
– 3 tablespoons soy sauce
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Make sure the mixture is smooth and well combined. This will be the marinade that flavors your shrimp. Next, add the shrimp to the bowl. Make sure each shrimp gets coated well with the marinade. This step is key for great taste!
Marinating the Shrimp
Once the shrimp are coated, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This resting time helps the shrimp absorb all those yummy flavors. If you can let them sit longer, do it! The taste gets even better.
Grilling the Shrimp
Now it’s time to grill! Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If you use bamboo skewers, remember to soak them in water for 20-30 minutes. This helps prevent burning.
Next, take the marinated shrimp and thread them onto the skewers. Aim for about 4-5 shrimp per skewer. Make sure they are snug but not too tight.
When your grill is hot, place the skewers on it. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. Look for them to turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them. Overcooked shrimp can be tough. Once done, remove the skewers from the grill. Let them rest for a minute. Finish by garnishing with fresh cilantro. Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
How to Enhance Flavors
To make your honey garlic shrimp skewers pop, consider these tips:
– Add fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for brightness.
– A squeeze of lime juice brightens the dish.
– Use fresh garlic for a more robust flavor.
– Dried garlic works too, but the taste is less bold.
Avoiding Overcooking
Shrimp cook fast, so watch them closely. Here’s how to know when they’re ready:
– Perfectly cooked shrimp turn pink and opaque.
– They should curl slightly but not be tight.
– Adjust cooking time based on shrimp size. Larger shrimp may need an extra minute.
Skewer Preparation
Proper skewer prep helps your shrimp cook well. Here’s what to do:
– If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for 20-30 minutes. This prevents burning.
– Metal skewers don’t need soaking, but they can get hot. Use tongs to handle them.
– Thread shrimp onto the skewers, leaving space for even cooking.
Pro Tips
- Marinate Longer: For even more flavor, consider marinating the shrimp for 1-2 hours instead of just 30 minutes.
- Perfect Skewering: Make sure to thread the shrimp through the tail and the body for better stability on the grill.
- Watch the Heat: Cook the shrimp over medium-high heat to avoid charring while ensuring they cook through.
- Garnish with Style: Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving for an extra burst of freshness.
Variations
Switching Up Ingredients
You can make honey garlic shrimp skewers even more fun. Try different marinades. For a sweet twist, swap honey for maple syrup. If you love spice, add chili paste or sriracha to your mix. You can even use herbs like basil or cilantro for a fresh kick.
Add veggies to your skewers! Bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes work great. They add color and crunch. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces. This way, you have a tasty mix of shrimp and veggies.
Cooking Methods
You can cook shrimp skewers in different ways. Grilling makes them smoky and delicious. Heat your grill to medium-high. Cook the skewers for about 2-3 minutes on each side.
Oven roasting is another option. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place skewers on a baking sheet. Roast them for about 8-10 minutes. This method gives a nice, even cook and is super easy.
Broiling is yet another way to enjoy shrimp skewers. Set your broiler to high and place the skewers on the top rack. Broil for about 2-3 minutes each side. This method gives a crisp finish. Each method offers a unique taste and texture. Try them all!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover honey garlic shrimp skewers in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. They last for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the shrimp. Lay them flat in a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months. Just be sure to remove as much air as possible.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat the shrimp, the best method is using a skillet. Heat it on medium heat. Add a bit of oil to keep the shrimp moist. Cook for about three to four minutes. Stir gently to avoid overcooking. You can also use the microwave, but this may change the texture. If you do, set it to low power and heat for 30 seconds at a time. Check often to make sure they don’t get rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. First, thaw the shrimp. Place them in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Change the water if it gets warm. Once thawed, peel and devein them if needed. Pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps the marinade stick better.
How do I know when the shrimp are done?
Shrimp cook quickly. Look for a pink color. They should also be opaque, not translucent. If they curl up into a tight “C” shape, they are usually done. Cooking time is about 2-3 minutes per side on the grill. Avoid overcooking as they become rubbery.
What can I serve with honey garlic shrimp skewers?
These skewers pair well with many sides. You can serve them with rice, like jasmine or basmati. Steamed veggies also work great. Try a fresh salad with lime dressing for a light touch. Noodles tossed in sesame oil are another tasty option.
This blog showed how to make honey garlic shrimp skewers. You learned about the ingredients, steps for grilling, and helpful tips. Each part plays a role in getting tasty results. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors or cooking methods. Remember to store leftovers properly and reheat them for the best taste. Cooking should be fun and creative, so try new ideas! I hope you enjoy making these skewers as much as I do. Happy grillin