Garlic Honey Lime Shrimp Recipe

Name: Garlic Honey Lime Shrimp
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Seafood
Ingredients: 1 lb shelled and deveined shrimp; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic (minced); 3 tablespoons honey; 1 ½ tablespoons lime juice; ¼ teaspoon salt; 3 dashes cayenne pepper; Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Published: July 26, 2025

by Alexia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This dish can be prepared in just 15 minutes, perfect for a weeknight meal.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic, honey, and lime creates a unique taste that’s both sweet and savory.
Versatile: Serve it over rice, pasta, or salad for a complete meal. Perfect for any occasion!
Healthy Option: Packed with protein and low in carbs, this shrimp recipe is a nutritious choice.
Impressive Presentation: Garnish with parsley for an eye-catching finish that will impress your guests.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Garlic Honey Lime Shrimp Recipe smoothly, having the right tools on hand is crucial. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious dish.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Cast-iron skillet
Spatula
Measuring spoons
Knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Cast-iron skillet: Ideal for even heat distribution, ensuring your shrimp cook perfectly.
Spatula: Helps in flipping the shrimp without breaking them apart.
Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate measurements for ingredients, leading to the best flavor balance.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

1 lb (500g) shelled and deveined shrimp
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic (minced)
3 tablespoons honey
1 1/2 tablespoons lime juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 dashes cayenne pepper

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Garlic Honey Lime Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Rinse the shrimp with cold water and drain well. Set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Shrimp

Heat up a cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
Add olive oil and melted butter to the skillet.
Once hot, add minced garlic and sauté until slightly brown.
Stir in the rinsed shrimp, cooking until they start to turn pink.

Step 3: Add Sauce Ingredients

Pour in honey, lime juice, salt, and cayenne pepper.
Stir thoroughly to coat the shrimp evenly with sauce.

Step 4: Cook Until Thickened

Continue cooking until the honey-lime sauce thickens slightly.
Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley before serving immediately.

Enjoy your homemade Garlic Honey Lime Shrimp Recipe as a delightful main course or appetizer!

How to Serve Garlic Honey Lime Shrimp Recipe

Serving Garlic Honey Lime Shrimp is all about enhancing its delicious flavors. This dish pairs beautifully with various sides and garnishes that complement its sweet, garlicky profile.

With Rice

Steamed jasmine rice – The light and fragrant rice absorbs the sticky sauce beautifully.
Coconut rice – Adds a subtle sweetness that pairs well with the garlic honey lime flavor.

With Vegetables

Sautéed green beans – Crunchy and fresh, they provide a perfect contrast to the tender shrimp.
Grilled zucchini – Lightly charred zucchini slices add depth and enhance the meal’s texture.

On a Salad

Mixed greens salad – A simple salad with vinaigrette balances out the richness of the shrimp.
Avocado salad – Creamy avocado adds a rich element that complements the dish well.

As Tacos

Shrimp tacos – Serve in soft corn tortillas with cabbage slaw for extra crunch and zing.
Lime crema – Drizzle over tacos for added creaminess and citrus flavor.

How to Perfect Garlic Honey Lime Shrimp Recipe

Getting your Garlic Honey Lime Shrimp just right is easy with a few helpful tips. Here are some suggestions to ensure you achieve the best results.

Choose fresh shrimp – Always use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
Don’t overcook – Cook shrimp just until they turn pink; overcooking makes them tough.
Use high heat – Cooking on high heat helps caramelize the honey quickly for a better sauce.
Taste as you go – Adjust lime juice or honey to suit your taste preferences for sweetness or acidity.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Honey Lime Shrimp Recipe

Pairing your Garlic Honey Lime Shrimp with the right side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider:

Quinoa salad – A healthy, protein-packed option that adds texture and nutrition.
Cilantro lime rice – Infused with fresh herbs and lime, this rice complements the shrimp perfectly.
Mango salsa – Fresh mango salsa adds a refreshing sweetness that enhances the dish’s flavors.
Corn on the cob – Grilled or boiled corn provides sweetness and crunch, balancing the dish nicely.
Roasted sweet potatoes – Their natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with the savory shrimp.
Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw offers crunch and acidity that cuts through the richness of the sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Garlic Honey Lime Shrimp Recipe, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Avoiding these common mistakes will ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

Overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, and overcooking can make it rubbery. Keep an eye on them and remove from heat as soon as they turn pink.
Using too much garlic: While garlic is essential for flavor, too much can overpower the dish. Stick to the recipe’s amount for a balanced taste.
Not measuring honey accurately: Honey adds sweetness and stickiness. Use a measuring spoon to ensure you’re using the right amount for that perfect sauce.
Skipping the lime juice: Lime juice enhances flavors and balances sweetness. Don’t omit this ingredient; it’s crucial for the Garlic Honey Lime Shrimp Recipe.
Neglecting garnishing: Garnishing with parsley not only adds color but also freshness. Always finish your dish with a sprinkle of herbs.

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Garlic Honey Lime Shrimp in an airtight container.
It will stay fresh for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Garlic Honey Lime Shrimp Recipe

Freeze cooked shrimp in a freezer-safe bag or container.
It’s best consumed within 1 month for optimal taste and texture.

Reheating Garlic Honey Lime Shrimp Recipe

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place shrimp in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 10 minutes.
Microwave: Place shrimp in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover loosely and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes until warm.
Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or oil. Cook for about 3-5 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp for the Garlic Honey Lime Shrimp Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking for even cooking.

What can I serve with Garlic Honey Lime Shrimp?

This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with tortillas for tacos!

How spicy is this Garlic Honey Lime Shrimp Recipe?

The cayenne pepper adds a mild kick. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your spice preference.

Can I customize this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas to enhance nutrition and flavor.

Final Thoughts

The Garlic Honey Lime Shrimp Recipe is not only quick and easy but also bursting with flavor. Its versatility makes it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite sides or ingredients! Give it a try, and enjoy this delightful dish.