Finding seafood recipes that delight the entire family can sometimes be a challenge. As a child, I was quite resistant to eating seafood, so it brings me immense joy to see my own kids eagerly enjoy certain seafood dishes I prepare. This Honey Garlic Sriracha Shrimp has become one of those cherished family favorites that both my husband and children readily embrace, making it a valuable addition to our dinner rotation.

The beauty of today’s Honey Garlic Sriracha Shrimp lies in its adaptable spice level. While the recipe delivers a delightful kick from the sriracha, it’s incredibly easy to customize. If you have younger children or family members who prefer a milder flavor, simply prepare a portion of the shrimp without the sriracha. The resulting Honey Garlic Shrimp is wonderfully sweet and savory, a delicious dish in its own right, proving that flavor doesn’t always need intense heat.

This versatile shrimp dish truly shines in many roles. It’s excellent as a standalone appetizer for entertaining, a quick and satisfying protein when served over fluffy white rice or hearty pasta, or a light and healthy meal alongside your favorite steamed or roasted vegetables. Its quick preparation time makes it ideal for those hectic weeknights when you need a flavorful meal on the table in a flash.

If you’re a fan of quick and delicious shrimp recipes, you might also enjoy exploring other popular options like my Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta in 15 Minutes, the rich and savory Shrimp Scampi with Sun-Dried Tomatoes , or the vibrant and wholesome One Pot Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta. These recipes, much like our Honey Garlic Sriracha Shrimp, are designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Key Ingredients for Honey Garlic Sriracha Shrimp

Crafting the perfect Honey Garlic Sriracha Shrimp requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating that signature sweet, spicy, and savory profile. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why:

• Shrimp: The star of our dish! While any type of shrimp will work, I highly recommend using fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp to save precious cooking time. Opting for larger shrimp (like jumbo or colossal) often results in a more satisfying bite, but medium-sized shrimp are also perfectly fine. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to prevent excess water from diluting the sauce and to promote even cooking.
• Honey: This natural sweetener is essential for creating the luscious, sticky glaze and perfectly balancing the heat from the sriracha. The sweetness of the honey beautifully complements the savory notes of the soy sauce and garlic, adding depth and richness to the overall flavor profile. Any good quality honey will do, but feel free to experiment with local varieties for subtle flavor nuances.
• Soy Sauce: For a healthier option and to better control the sodium content, I always reach for low-sodium soy sauce. This ingredient provides the essential umami depth and a salty kick that is characteristic of many Asian-inspired dishes. For those following a gluten-free diet, coconut aminos make an excellent 1:1 substitute, offering a similar flavor profile without the gluten.
• Sriracha: The hero of the “spicy” in Honey Garlic Sriracha Shrimp! I am a big fan of sriracha sauce for its distinctive garlic-chili flavor and vibrant heat. It provides a fantastic kick to this dish, but remember that you can adjust the amount to suit your personal preference. For a milder version, reduce the quantity; for an extra fiery plate, feel free to add a bit more. Sriracha also works wonderfully in recipes like my Asian Chicken Noodle Soup or Spicy Asian Chicken Zoodle Soup.
• Garlic: Freshly minced or grated garlic is non-negotiable for this recipe. It infuses the sauce with an aromatic, pungent flavor that is critical to the “garlic” component of the dish. While pre-minced garlic can be a time-saver, fresh garlic always delivers the most vibrant taste.
• Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a warm, zesty, and slightly peppery note that brightens the entire dish. It pairs beautifully with garlic and sriracha, contributing to that authentic Asian-inspired flavor. If fresh ginger isn’t available, you can substitute with about 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger, though fresh is highly recommended for the best results.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: A touch of apple cider vinegar introduces a subtle tang and acidity to the sauce, cutting through the sweetness of the honey and the richness of the soy sauce. This brightens the flavors and adds another layer of complexity to the glaze.
• Cornstarch: This secret ingredient is key to achieving that perfectly thick, glossy sauce. Mixed with a little water, it creates a slurry that, when added to the hot skillet, transforms the liquid into a beautiful, clingy glaze that coats every piece of shrimp.
• Kosher Salt & Ground Black Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance all the other flavors. Add to taste, but remember the soy sauce already contributes significant saltiness.
• Green Onions & Sesame Seeds (Garnish): These are more than just pretty toppings. Sliced green onions provide a fresh, mild oniony crunch and a vibrant color, while toasted sesame seeds add a lovely nutty flavor and textural contrast, elevating the dish’s presentation and taste.

How to Master Honey Garlic Sriracha Shrimp

Creating this incredibly flavorful Honey Garlic Sriracha Shrimp is surprisingly simple and swift, making it an ideal choice for any day of the week. Follow these steps to achieve perfectly cooked shrimp coated in a delicious, sticky glaze:

Step 1: Prepare Your Skillet and Shrimp.
Begin by heating a tablespoon of your preferred cooking oil (such as olive oil, vegetable oil, or sesame oil) in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the shrimp. While the skillet is heating, make sure your shrimp are fully thawed (if frozen), peeled, and deveined. Pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels; this is crucial for a good sear and to prevent a watery sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp to Pink Perfection.
Carefully add the prepared shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches to ensure they cook evenly and sear rather than steam. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn opaque pink and are just cooked through. Be mindful not to overcook them, as shrimp can become rubbery very quickly. As soon as they are pink and curled, remove them from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Irresistible Sauce.
While the shrimp are cooking or resting, it’s time to prepare the star sauce! In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos), sriracha, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ground ginger, cornstarch, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir vigorously until all ingredients are well combined and the cornstarch is fully dissolved, ensuring a smooth sauce without lumps. This sauce is where all the magic happens, balancing sweet, savory, and spicy notes.

Step 4: Bring it All Together.
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet (if you removed them, otherwise just continue). Pour the whisked honey garlic sriracha mixture evenly over the shrimp in the pan. Continue to cook over medium heat for another 1-2 minutes, stirring gently to coat all the shrimp in the sauce. As the sauce heats, the cornstarch will activate, causing it to thicken into a beautiful, glossy glaze that clings perfectly to the shrimp. Cook just until the sauce is warmed through and thickened to your desired consistency.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve Immediately.
Once the sauce has thickened and coated the shrimp, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the freshly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. These garnishes add a wonderful fresh flavor, a delightful crunch, and make the dish visually appealing.

Step 6: Enjoy!
Serve your delicious Honey Garlic Sriracha Shrimp immediately. It’s fantastic over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice, with your favorite pasta, or alongside a colorful assortment of steamed or roasted vegetables. The flavors are best enjoyed fresh off the skillet!

What to Pair with this Flavorful Honey Garlic Sriracha Shrimp

The sweet and spicy profile of this Honey Garlic Sriracha Shrimp makes it incredibly versatile, pairing beautifully with a wide array of side dishes. Here are some fantastic suggestions to complete your meal, whether you’re looking for something light, hearty, or veggie-packed:

• Hearty Potato Sides: Potatoes offer a comforting contrast to the vibrant flavors of the shrimp. Some of my favorites that I like to serve with our meals throughout the week include these incredibly creamy Gouda Smashed Potatoes, which provide a rich and cheesy counterpoint. For a bit more zest, try the aromatic and spicy kick of these Spicy Lebanese Potatoes, or the bright, herbaceous freshness of these Lemon Cilantro Roasted Potatoes.
• Fresh & Crisp Salads: Adding a crisp, refreshing salad is a wonderful way to lighten the meal and incorporate essential vegetables and greens. A few salads that I serve on repeat for their complementary flavors are this bright and peppery Lemon Arugula Salad with Pine Nuts, a simple yet satisfying Massaged Kale Salad with Lemon Dressing for a healthy green boost, or the robust and flavorful Mediterranean Bean Salad for added protein and texture.
• Simple Roasted Vegetables: The shrimp’s bold flavors are perfectly complemented by simple, roasted vegetables that bring their natural sweetness and a slight char. A few easy options I often make include Simple Roasted Broccoli, which gets delightfully tender-crisp. For something more exotic, the earthy and savory Za’atar Roasted Cauliflower with Yogurt Tahini Sauce offers a unique flavor profile, as do these naturally sweet and spiced Za’atar Roasted Carrots. These add color, nutrition, and texture to your plate.
• Grains & Noodles: Of course, classic pairings like white or brown rice are always excellent for soaking up the delicious sauce. You could also serve it with quinoa for added protein, or even toss it with some stir-fried noodles for a complete Asian-inspired meal.

No matter what you choose, ensure it provides a good balance to the sweet and spicy notes of the shrimp. A side that is too heavy might overpower the delicate seafood, while something too plain might not stand up to the bold flavors.