Honey Garlic Shrimp Skewers

$- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1/4 cup honey - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for added heat) - Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish - Bamboo or metal skewers These ingredients create a sweet and savory flavor. The honey gives a nice glaze while soy sauce adds depth. Garlic and ginger bring warmth and zest. Shrimp cooks quickly and is a great canvas for these flavors. - Red pepper flakes: Add these if you want some heat. - Fresh herbs: Try parsley or basil for a fresh touch. - Citrus zest: Lime or lemon zest brightens the dish. Using these extras can make your dish pop. Customize it based on your taste! - Shrimp: If you don’t have shrimp, try chicken or firm tofu. - Honey: Maple syrup works well for a vegan option. - Soy sauce: Tamari is a good gluten-free choice. These swaps keep the dish tasty while making it fit your needs. Don't hesitate to mix things up! {{ingredient_image_2}} To make the marinade, grab a medium mixing bowl. Add 1/4 cup of honey, 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Next, include 1 tablespoon of grated ginger and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Then, squeeze in 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice. Don’t forget to add 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper and, if you like it spicy, 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Whisk everything together until it blends well. This marinade gives the shrimp a tasty kick. Take 1 pound of large shrimp that are peeled and deveined. Add them to the bowl with the marinade. Make sure each shrimp gets a good coating. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Put it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the shrimp to soak up all that wonderful flavor. You can marinate them longer if you wish, but 30 minutes works great. While the shrimp marinates, it’s time to preheat your grill. Set it to medium-high heat. If you're using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for 20-30 minutes. This step helps prevent burning. After marinating, take the shrimp out. Thread 4-5 shrimp onto each skewer, placing them close together. Grill the skewers for 2-3 minutes on each side. You want them to turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking, or they will be tough. Once done, let the skewers rest for about a minute. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color. Enjoy your sweet and savory shrimp skewers! To cook shrimp perfectly, watch the time closely. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. When they turn pink and opaque, they are ready. Remove them from the heat right away. Overcooked shrimp can be tough and rubbery. One common mistake is not marinating long enough. Shrimp need at least 30 minutes to soak in the flavors. Another mistake is overcrowding the grill. Give each skewer space to cook evenly. Lastly, don’t skip the soaking step for bamboo skewers. This prevents them from catching fire. The best marinade time is between 30 minutes to 2 hours. If you marinate for less than 30 minutes, the shrimp won’t soak up enough flavor. If you go longer than 2 hours, the shrimp can become mushy. Keep this timing in mind for tasty results. Pro Tips Marinating Time: For the best flavor, marinate the shrimp for at least 1 hour, or even overnight if time allows. This allows the shrimp to fully absorb the flavors of the marinade. Skewer Spacing: When threading the shrimp onto skewers, avoid overcrowding by leaving a small space between each shrimp. This ensures even cooking and better caramelization. Grill Temperature: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat. Cooking on a high temperature will give you a nice char and prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery. Leftover Marinade: If you want to use leftover marinade as a sauce, make sure to bring it to a boil for at least 5 minutes first to kill any bacteria from the raw shrimp. {{image_4}} You can add veggies to your skewers for more flavor and color. Try bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. Thread them onto the skewers with shrimp. The veggies soak up the marinade too. This gives a nice balance to the sweetness of the honey and the saltiness of the soy sauce. Want a kick? Add some heat! Mix red pepper flakes into the marinade, or use sriracha. This will make each bite exciting. You can also swap out regular black pepper for spicy pepper. Remember to taste the marinade before adding more heat. Adjust it to your liking, so it’s just right for you. If you don’t have a grill, no problem! You can cook these skewers in the oven. Preheat it to 400°F. Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. For stovetop cooking, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little oil and cook the skewers for 2-3 minutes on each side. This way, you can enjoy honey garlic shrimp skewers any time, no matter where you are! To store leftover shrimp skewers, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure you don’t leave them out too long. This helps keep the shrimp fresh and safe to eat. When you want to eat the leftovers, it's easy to reheat them. You can use a microwave, grill, or stovetop. If using a microwave, heat them for about 30 seconds. Check if they are warm enough. If not, heat for another 15 seconds. On a grill or stovetop, heat them for a few minutes until hot. This keeps the shrimp juicy. If you want to save shrimp skewers for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap each skewer in plastic wrap. Then, put them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible from the bag. You can freeze them for up to two months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can tell the shrimp is cooked when it turns pink and opaque. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side on the grill. If you cut one open, the meat should be white and firm. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so watch closely. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just be sure to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water for quicker thawing. After thawing, peel and devein them if they aren't already. This ensures they soak up the marinade well. Honey garlic shrimp skewers pair well with many sides. Here are a few ideas: - Steamed rice - Quinoa salad - Grilled vegetables - Fresh green salad - Lime wedges for extra zing These sides enhance the meal and add freshness to your plate. Enjoy your cooking! Honey garlic shrimp skewers are tasty and fun to make. We covered key ingredients and how to prepare the marinade. I shared tips for grilling the shrimp perfectly and avoiding mistakes. Plus, we explored variations like adding veggies or spicy flavors. In short, cooking honey garlic shrimp is simple and rewarding. Enjoy your skewers at any meal, and don’t forget to share your results! Happy cooking!$

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

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
0.25 cup honey
3 tablespoons soy sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for added heat)
to taste fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
as needed bamboo or metal skewers

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a medium mixing bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, lime juice, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk the ingredients together until thoroughly blended; this will create a flavorful marinade for the shrimp.
Marinate the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Preheat the Grill: While the shrimp is marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If you are using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for 20-30 minutes to prevent them from burning during grilling.
Skewer the Shrimp: Once marinated, remove the shrimp from the refrigerator. Thread 4-5 shrimp onto each skewer, making sure they are arranged closely together for even cooking.
Grill the Skewers: Place the assembled skewers on the preheated grill. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, ensuring that you don’t overcook them.
Rest and Garnish: Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and allow the shrimp to rest for about a minute. Before serving, garnish the skewers with fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of color and added flavor.

Notes

Serve with lime wedges for an extra zing.

Keyword grilled, honey garlic, shrimp, skewers