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- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish - Skewers (wooden or metal) To make the best honey garlic shrimp skewers, I start with fresh, large shrimp. This gives a nice bite and sweet flavor. You can find them at many markets. Next, I use honey to add a rich sweetness. It balances well with soy sauce, which adds saltiness. Garlic is a must here. I like to mince three cloves for a strong taste. Fresh ginger is also key. It gives warmth and depth. A tablespoon of sesame oil brings a nutty flavor, while rice vinegar adds a touch of tartness. For a little heat, I add red pepper flakes, but you can skip them if you prefer mild flavors. Salt and pepper finish it off, enhancing all the tastes. Finally, I love to garnish with fresh cilantro or sliced green onions. It adds color and freshness. Don't forget the skewers! Whether wooden or metal, they hold everything together for grilling. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. You need honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey and soy sauce. Then, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Next, mix in the sesame oil and rice vinegar. If you like spice, add the red pepper flakes. This marinade gives the shrimp a sweet and savory flavor. Now it's time to marinate the shrimp. Add your peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade. Make sure each shrimp is well coated. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 1 hour. This time allows the shrimp to soak up all those tasty flavors. When you are ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you prefer using an oven, turn on the broiler. Take the marinated shrimp and thread them onto skewers. Leave a little space between each shrimp. This helps them cook evenly. Now, for cooking, you have two options: grilling or broiling. If grilling, place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque. If broiling, place the skewers on a baking sheet and broil for about 2 minutes per side. For extra flavor, brush the skewers with some reserved marinade during the last minute of cooking. When done, let the skewers cool for a couple of minutes. Season with salt and pepper before serving. When picking shrimp, look for large, fresh ones. Fresh shrimp should smell like the ocean. Avoid shrimp that smell strong or fishy. You can use frozen shrimp if fresh is not available. Just make sure to thaw them fully before cooking. Marinating shrimp is key for flavor. I recommend marinating for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This gives the shrimp time to soak up the honey and garlic. If you marinate too long, the shrimp may become mushy. Always cover the bowl while marinating and keep it in the fridge. Use wooden skewers? Soak them in water for 30 minutes first. This helps prevent burning on the grill. When skewering the shrimp, leave a small space between each one. This ensures even cooking. Grill shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Look for a pink and opaque color as a sign they are ready. Baste with reserved marinade during the last minute for extra taste. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh shrimp and garlic for the best flavor and texture in your dish. Soak Wooden Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook quickly; watch them closely to avoid becoming tough. They should be pink and opaque when done. Customize the Heat: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference or omit them for a milder flavor. {{image_2}} You can make your honey garlic shrimp skewers even better with veggies. Bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes add color and crunch. Cut them into similar sizes as the shrimp. This way, they cook evenly on the grill. Try to use a mix of colors for a great look. Remember, the more, the merrier! While the honey garlic marinade is fantastic, you can switch it up. Try adding lime juice for a tangy twist. A splash of pineapple juice can also bring a sweet and fruity flavor. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes or some sriracha. Experimenting with different flavors can lead to a new favorite! I love serving these skewers with a side of rice or a fresh salad. You can also add a zesty dipping sauce. A mix of soy sauce and lime juice is simple and tasty. You could even serve them in tacos for a fun twist. Add your favorite toppings like avocado or salsa for extra flavor. After enjoying your Honey Garlic Shrimp Skewers, store leftovers in an airtight container. Place them in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. If you have extra marinade, keep it separate. This will help maintain the shrimp's flavor. To reheat the shrimp, you can use the stovetop or oven. For the stovetop, heat a pan over medium heat. Add a splash of oil, then place the skewers in the pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until warm. If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Lay the skewers on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This way, they will stay juicy. If you want to save the shrimp skewers for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap each skewer in plastic wrap tightly. Then, place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating. This will help keep their taste and texture. You can add more heat to your skewers. Start with extra red pepper flakes. You can also mix in some sriracha or chili paste into the marinade. These options add a nice kick. Adjust the heat to your taste. If you want it very spicy, add sliced fresh chili peppers. Always taste as you go to find your perfect level of heat. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Once thawed, pat them dry with a paper towel before marinating. This helps the marinade stick better. Frozen shrimp are convenient, and they taste great too. Many sides go well with these skewers. Here are some ideas: - Steamed rice - Grilled vegetables - A fresh salad - Quinoa - Garlic bread Each side adds a different flavor and texture. Choose what you enjoy most, and it will make your meal complete! In this blog post, we explored how to make tasty honey garlic shrimp skewers. I shared key ingredients, from shrimp to garlic, and the best cooking methods. We also covered helpful tips for choosing shrimp and marination times. Plus, I highlighted variations and storage tips to keep your dish fresh. Remember, these skewers are easy to customize. Try adding veggies or changing the marinade. Enjoying great food can be simple and fun!

Honey Garlic Shrimp Skewers

Delicious shrimp marinated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, grilled to perfection.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup honey
  • 1 cup soy sauce (low sodium if preferred)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh cilantro or green onions
  • as needed skewers (wooden or metal)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  • Marinate the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes but no longer than 1 hour for optimal flavor.
  • Preheat the Grill: If using a grill, preheat it to medium-high heat. If using an oven, preheat the broiler.
  • Skewer the Shrimp: Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each shrimp for even cooking.
  • Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill, cooking for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. If broiling, place on a baking sheet and broil for about 2 minutes per side.
  • Baste with Marinade: Reserve some marinade before adding the shrimp, and brush the reserved marinade on the skewers during the last minute of cooking for extra flavor.
  • Serve: Remove from heat and let cool for a couple of minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
  • Garnish: Top with chopped fresh cilantro or sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

For extra flavor, reserve some marinade to baste the skewers during cooking.
Keyword grilled, honey garlic, shrimp, skewers