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If you’re looking for a quick and tasty meal, honey garlic shrimp skewers are perfect! This easy recipe uses fresh shrimp and a sweet, savory marinade that packs a flavor punch. I’ll guide you through each step, from gathering ingredients to grilling your skewers to perfection. Ready to impress your family or friends? Let’s get cooking!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, taking only 40 minutes from start to finish.
- Flavorful Marinade: The combination of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger creates a deliciously balanced flavor.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- Great for Grilling: These shrimp skewers are perfect for outdoor barbecues and gatherings.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish
– Skewers (wooden or metal)
The first step is gathering all your ingredients. Start with one pound of large shrimp. Make sure they are peeled and deveined. This saves time and makes cooking easier. Next, you will need a quarter cup of honey. This adds a sweet touch.
Then, grab a quarter cup of low sodium soy sauce. This will add depth and umami flavor. Three cloves of minced garlic bring a strong scent. You also need one tablespoon of fresh ginger, grated. It adds warmth and spice.
Next, two tablespoons of olive oil help to keep the shrimp moist. One tablespoon of sesame seeds adds a nice crunch. If you want some heat, add a quarter teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste. Finally, you’ll need fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish. Skewers, either wooden or metal, will hold the shrimp.
Gather these items, and you are ready to start cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Marinade
To start, grab a mixing bowl. Add 1/4 cup of honey and 1/4 cup of low sodium soy sauce. Next, toss in 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of fresh grated ginger. Don’t forget 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds. If you like a kick, add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk it all together until it is smooth and well mixed.
Marinating the Shrimp
Now, take your 1 pound of peeled and deveined large shrimp. Place them in the bowl with the marinade. Make sure each shrimp gets a nice coat of the sauce. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set it in the fridge. Let the shrimp marinate for about 30 minutes. This helps to soak up all the great flavors.
Cooking the Skewers
While your shrimp marinates, prepare your grill or grill pan. Preheat it to medium-high heat. If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. This step helps to prevent burning. Once ready, thread 4-5 shrimp onto each skewer. Make sure to space them out for even cooking. When the grill is hot, place the skewers on it. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side, then flip them over. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are pink and fully cooked. Once done, remove the skewers from the grill and let them sit for a minute before serving.
Tips & Tricks
Choosing the Right Shrimp
When picking shrimp, look for large, fresh ones. They should smell like the ocean, not fishy. Check for a firm texture and a shiny appearance. Deveining and peeling the shrimp is key. This step removes the dark vein, making the shrimp cleaner and better tasting.
Perfecting the Marinade
You can easily adjust the sweetness or spiciness of your marinade. If you want it sweeter, add more honey. For heat, toss in extra red pepper flakes. You can also enhance the flavor with fresh lime juice or herbs like cilantro. These small changes can make a big impact.
Cooking Tips
To avoid overcooking shrimp, keep a close eye on them. Cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. To check for doneness, cut one shrimp in half. If it’s opaque all the way through, it’s ready. Perfect shrimp should be juicy, not rubbery.
Pro Tips
- Marinating Time: Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 30 minutes to maximize flavor absorption.
- Skewer Preparation: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning on the grill.
- Cooking Temperature: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat for even cooking and to achieve a nice char on the shrimp.
- Serving Suggestion: Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions for an added burst of flavor and color when serving.

Variations
Alternative Proteins
You can swap shrimp for chicken or tofu. Both options work well. For chicken, use boneless, skinless breast pieces. Cut them into bite-sized chunks. Marinate them the same way as shrimp. For tofu, firm tofu is best. Press it to remove water. Then, cut it into cubes. Marinate it for about 20 minutes. Grilling chicken or tofu gives a smoky flavor, just like shrimp.
Different Flavor Profiles
You can change the flavor with citrus or herbs. Try adding lemon or lime juice to the marinade. This adds a bright and fresh taste. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley also bring a new twist. You can even mix different sauces. Swap soy sauce for teriyaki or sweet chili sauce. Each option gives a unique flavor to the skewers.
Skewer Alternatives
You don’t have to use just shrimp on skewers. You can mix veggies with proteins. Bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes work great. If you want a meatless option, use only vegetables. For skewers, you can use wooden or metal. If using wooden skewers, soak them first. This helps prevent burning on the grill. Mixing ingredients on skewers creates fun and tasty bites.
Storage Info
Storing Leftover Skewers
To keep your honey garlic shrimp skewers fresh, place leftovers in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. For best flavor, do not stack the skewers. If you want to freeze marinated shrimp, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight before cooking.
Reheating Recommendations
To reheat skewers, you can use the oven or a skillet. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and heat for about 10 minutes. If using a skillet, add a small amount of oil over medium heat. Heat the skewers for 3-4 minutes on each side, just until warmed. This method keeps the shrimp juicy and prevents drying out.
Shelf Life of Ingredients
Raw shrimp can last in the fridge for 1-2 days. Cooked shrimp is safe for 3-4 days when stored properly. Marinade ingredients like honey and soy sauce have a long shelf life. Once mixed, use the marinade within a week. Always check for spoilage before using any ingredients.
FAQs
What can I serve with honey garlic shrimp skewers?
You can serve honey garlic shrimp skewers with many tasty sides. Here are some great ideas:
– Steamed rice or jasmine rice
– Quinoa or couscous
– Roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini
– A fresh green salad with vinaigrette
– Grilled corn on the cob
– Garlic bread for a crunchy bite
These sides bring balance and flavor to the shrimp. They also add color to your plate.
Can I make honey garlic shrimp skewers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare honey garlic shrimp skewers in advance. Here are helpful tips:
– Marinate the shrimp for up to two hours in the fridge.
– If you want to prep earlier, you can marinate and freeze the shrimp.
– Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before cooking.
– You can thread the shrimp onto skewers ahead of time.
This way, you save time when you are ready to cook.
What type of skewers should I use?
You can use either wooden or metal skewers for your shrimp. Here’s a quick comparison:
– Wooden skewers:
– Soak them in water for 30 minutes.
– They are cheap and easy to find.
– They may burn if not soaked.
– Metal skewers:
– No soaking needed.
– They can handle high heat well.
– They may get hot, so be careful!
Choose the type you prefer based on your cooking style.
This blog post covered all you need to know about making honey garlic shrimp skewers. You learned the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips. We discussed variations with proteins and flavors and how to store leftovers properly. Remember, using fresh shrimp and a good marinade is key to great taste. With a few simple steps, you can enjoy a delicious meal that will impress anyone. Now, go ahead and create your own tasty skewer
Honey Garlic Shrimp Skewers
Delicious shrimp marinated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, grilled to perfection.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup honey
- 1 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- to taste salt and pepper
- for garnish fresh cilantro or green onions
- as needed skewers (wooden or metal)
In a mixing bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, olive oil, sesame seeds, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well mixed.
Add the shrimp to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, about 4-5 shrimp per skewer.
Once the grill is hot, place the skewers on the grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Remove skewers from the grill and let them rest for a minute.
Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or green onions before serving.
Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Keyword grilled, honey garlic, shrimp, skewers
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