You can have this Syrian Honey Garlic Shrimp on your table in under 20 minutes, but it tastes like it took much longer. If you’re looking for a quick, healthy recipe that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this one’s for you.
Why This Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe Works
- It’s full of flavor: The spices were inspired by a recipe called Sayadieh, a roasted white fish and rice dish, common in Syrian homes like mine. They go perfectly with honey and garlic.
- It’s fast: Shrimp already cook quickly, and even adding spices, a sauce, and time to marinate, this one only takes about 20 minutes max.
- Affordable: Shrimp is a high-protein, low cost seafood option that is available almost everywhere.
Shrimp is my go-to when I want something fast but satisfying; it takes just minutes to cook and soaks up whatever flavors I throw at it. I had the idea to season it with a warm spice mix that’s typically used in Syrian seafood recipes, then marinate it briefly in a sweet and savory sauce with honey, garlic, lemon, and olive oil.
This isn’t a traditional Syrian dish, but the flavor profile will feel right at home if you grew up with the cuisine. The combination of flavors turns out to be a simple shrimp dinner worth repeating. It’s warm, zippy, and bold, and the sauce thickens into a glossy, sweet-savory glaze that clings to each shrimp.
Key Ingredients
- Shrimp: I use large shrimp (26–40 per pound), already peeled and deveined. Fresh or frozen shrimp both work. If using frozen, make sure they’re fully thawed. You can leave the tails on or take them off, whatever you prefer.
- Spices: The combination of ground cumin, coriander, and Aleppo pepper (or substitute paprika or crushed red pepper) is the seasoning for these honey garlic shrimp. I got the idea to use this spice mix because it’s very similar to what my family uses for Sayadieh, a roasted white fish and rice dish. Marinating the shrimp in the spices and sauce ensures the flavors are fully absorbed.
- Garlic: There’s no substitute for pungent fresh garlic here. Smash and mince it so its flavor disperses throughout the dish.
- Honey: Use a delicate, all-natural honey. I tested this recipe using organic orange blossom honey. This brings out the natural sweetness of shrimp, balances the warm spices and punchy garlic, and helps the sauce glaze the shrimp beautifully.
How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp
- Season the Shrimp. In a bowl, toss 1 1/4 pound large (26 to 40 per pound) peeled and deveined shrimp with 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander, 1/2 teaspoon Aleppo pepper, and a good pinch of salt.
- Make the Sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 minced garlic cloves, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 1/4 cup honey, and 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil.
- Marinate the shrimp. Add about 3 tablespoons of the sauce to the seasoned shrimp and toss to coat. Let marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 12 hours for deeper flavor.
- Cook the Shrimp. Heat 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer and cook without moving for about 45 seconds, until pink on one side.
- Flip and add the sauce. Flip the shrimp, pour in the rest of the sauce, and toss to coat. Cook for 1 to 2 more minutes until the sauce thickens slightly into a glaze and the shrimp are just opaque and curled into a “C” shape.
- Finish and serve. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro and parsley. Serve immediately.
Tips for Cooking Shrimp
- Don’t walk away! Shrimp cook quickly and go from perfect to rubbery fast.
- Flip them when they turn pink on one side.
- Watch for the thickest part to turn opaque; they’ll finish cooking off the heat.
- Aim for a gentle “C” shape — if they curl into tight “O”s, they’re likely overcooked.
- The texture should be firm but still tender, never chewy.
Make it a Meal
Round out this healthy shrimp dinner with vibrant, flavor-packed sides and drinks that make it feel like a meal by the sea.
- A warm Wilted Spinach Salad adds freshness and a savory-sweet bite thanks to creamy white beans, pickled onions, and a tangy vinaigrette. Serve next to quick cooking bulgur or quinoa if you’re gluten-free.
- Serve it alongside a Mediterranean Vegetable Medley, a colorful mix of zucchini, peppers, and mushrooms roasted until tender and caramelized.
- For drinks, keep things refreshing with a tall glass of Mint Lemonade, or go festive with a bubbly Limoncello Spritz for a citrusy nod to the dish’s bright flavors.
Honey Garlic Shrimp
#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-full svg * { fill: #343434; }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-33 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-33); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-50 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-50); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-66 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-66); }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-33 stop { stop-color: #343434; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-50 stop { stop-color: #343434; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-66 stop { stop-color: #343434; }
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 1/4 pound large shrimp (26–40 per pound), peeled and deveined (tail on or off)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon Aleppo pepper or substitute paprika or crushed red pepper
- Salt
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
For the Honey-Garlic Sauce
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (from 1 to 2 lemons)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
-
Season the shrimp. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with cumin, coriander, Aleppo pepper, and a good pinch of salt.
-
Make the Honey-Garlic Sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic, lemon juice, honey, and olive oil.
-
Marinate the shrimp. Add about 3 tablespoons of the sauce to the seasoned shrimp and toss to coat. Let marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 12 hours for deeper flavor.
-
Cook the shrimp. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer and cook without moving for about 45 seconds, until pink on one side.
-
Flip and add the sauce. Flip the shrimp, pour in the rest of the sauce, and toss to coat. Cook for 1 to 2 more minutes until the sauce thickens slightly into a glaze and the shrimp are just opaque and curled into a “C” shape.
-
Finish and serve. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped cilantro and parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Shop this recipe: Visit our shop to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients, including the olive oil, honey, and spices used in this recipe.
Nutrition
More Easy Shrimp Recipes
Fish and Seafood
Air Fryer Shrimp
Mediterranean Diet Recipes
Mediterranean-Style Sauteed Shrimp and Zucchini
Fish and Seafood
Sheet Pan Shrimp
Fish and Seafood
Shrimp and Broccoli Skillet with Ladolemono Sauce
Honey from The Mediterranean!
Indulge in the delicate sweetness of Italian Organic Acacia Honey, sourced from the lush acacia woods of the Pre-Alps and other regions of the Italian peninsula.
Browse all Mediterranean recipes.
Visit Our Shop.
The post 20-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp appeared first on The Mediterranean Dish.