Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls

Picture tender, juicy shrimp glistening with a sweet and savory glaze, nestled over fluffy rice and vibrant green broccoli. Honey garlic shrimp bowls deliver an irresistible combination of bold flavors, satisfying textures, and wholesome ingredients that come together in under 30 minutes. This dish is special because it strikes the perfect balance between weeknight convenience and restaurant-quality results. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or feeding a hungry family, this recipe never disappoints. You’ll learn how to make the perfect glaze, cook shrimp flawlessly, and build a bowl that looks as incredible as it tastes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These honey garlic shrimp bowls check every box a home cook could want. First, the honey garlic sauce is an absolute showstopper — sticky, glossy, and packed with deep umami flavor from the soy sauce, warmth from fresh ginger, and sweetness from golden honey. Second, the entire dish comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when time is short but you still crave something delicious and nourishing.

The shrimp cook incredibly fast, soaking up every drop of that luscious glaze before landing on a bed of steamy rice or quinoa. The broccoli adds a satisfying crunch and a pop of bright green color that makes the bowl visually stunning. It is also naturally adaptable — swap the base, switch up the vegetables, or adjust the heat level to suit your preferences. Simply put, this is one of those recipes you will keep returning to again and again.

Ingredients List for the Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls

Here is everything you need to make these flavorful honey garlic shrimp bowls. Most of these pantry staples are easy to find at any grocery store, making this recipe as convenient as it is delicious.

• 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

• 2 cups cooked white rice, brown rice, or quinoa

• 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed or sautéed

• ¼ cup green onions, finely sliced

• Optional: sesame seeds or crushed red pepper flakes for garnish

Pro Tips

Getting this recipe just right comes down to three key techniques every cook should know before getting started.

Dry your shrimp before cooking. Excess moisture on the shrimp will cause them to steam rather than sear. Pat each shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels before adding them to the hot skillet. This step ensures a beautiful golden exterior and better sauce adhesion.

Do not crowd the pan. Always cook shrimp in a single, even layer with space between each piece. Overcrowding drops the pan temperature and prevents proper caramelization. Work in batches if necessary for the best texture.

Watch the glaze closely. Once you pour the honey garlic sauce into the skillet, it thickens quickly due to the natural sugars in the honey. Keep the heat at medium and stir gently. Letting it cook just 1 to 2 minutes creates that gorgeous, glossy coating without burning. A burned honey glaze turns bitter and ruins the entire dish.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger until smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Heat 1–2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook 2–3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and curl into a ‘C’ shape. Be careful not to overcook.

Step 3: Glaze with the Sauce

Pour the honey garlic mixture into the skillet with the shrimp. Allow it to bubble and thicken slightly, coating the shrimp in a glossy glaze. Stir gently to coat all the shrimp, about 2 minutes.

Step 4: Steam or Sauté Veggies

While the shrimp cook, steam broccoli until bright green and fork-tender, or sauté for a bit of caramelization if desired.

Step 5: Build Your Bowl

Divide cooked rice or quinoa into serving bowls. Top with the honey garlic shrimp and spoon over any extra sauce from the pan. Add the steamed or sautéed vegetables.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped green onions on top. Optionally, add sesame seeds or red pepper flakes for extra flavor and heat. Serve immediately.

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it adapts to different tastes and dietary needs.

Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls: Add 1 teaspoon of sriracha or chili garlic sauce directly into the honey garlic glaze before cooking. The heat beautifully complements the sweetness of the honey, creating a bold, fiery version that spice lovers will adore.

Teriyaki-Style Shrimp Rice Bowls: Add a splash of rice vinegar and a teaspoon of sesame oil to the sauce for a deeper, more complex teriyaki-inspired flavor. This variation pairs wonderfully with brown rice and pickled cucumbers on the side.

Low-Carb Shrimp Bowls: Swap the rice or quinoa base for cauliflower rice to create a lighter, lower-carb alternative. The savory honey garlic shrimp taste just as incredible over cauliflower rice, making this an excellent option for those following a keto or paleo lifestyle.

Storage and Serving

Storing leftovers: Allow the honey garlic shrimp bowls to cool completely before storing. Place the shrimp, rice, and vegetables in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Stored properly, leftovers will keep well for up to 3 days. Keeping the components separate prevents the rice from becoming soggy.

Reheating: Reheat the shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat with a small splash of water or soy sauce to revive the glaze. Microwaving works in a pinch but may slightly toughen the shrimp.

Freezing: Cooked shrimp can be frozen for up to 2 months, though the texture is best when enjoyed fresh.

Serving suggestions: For an elevated presentation, fan the shrimp attractively over the rice, drizzle extra sauce on top, and finish with a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds and a wedge of lime on the side. A simple cucumber salad or miso soup makes a wonderful accompaniment to complete the meal.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for honey garlic shrimp bowls?
Absolutely. Frozen shrimp work perfectly well for this recipe. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or place them in a colander under cold running water for about 10 minutes. Always pat them completely dry before cooking for the best sear.

What is the best rice to use for shrimp rice bowls?
White jasmine rice is the most popular choice because its soft texture and mild fragrance complement the bold glaze beautifully. However, brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and more fiber, while quinoa offers a protein-packed alternative.

Can I make the honey garlic sauce ahead of time?
Yes. The sauce can be whisked together and stored in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. Having it ready in advance makes this already quick recipe even faster on busy nights.

How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?
Properly cooked shrimp turn opaque pink and curl into a firm ‘C’ shape. An ‘O’ shape means they are overcooked and will be rubbery. Remove them from the heat as soon as they hit that perfect ‘C’ curl.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be made fully gluten-free by substituting regular soy sauce with tamari or certified gluten-free coconut aminos. All other ingredients in the recipe are naturally gluten-free, making this swap simple and effective.

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