Honey Garlic Shrimp Skewers

Name: Honey Garlic Shrimp Skewers
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1/4 cup honey; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon lime juice; Salt and pepper to taste; Skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if wooden)

Highlighted under: Nourish & Refresh Recipes

I absolutely love making these Honey Garlic Shrimp Skewers for a quick yet mouthwatering meal. The combination of honey, garlic, and succulent shrimp creates a delicious glaze that’s hard to resist. We often prepare these skewers for weekend barbecues or casual dinners, and they never fail to impress both family and friends. Plus, they take only about 20 minutes from prep to plate, making them an ideal choice for busy evenings when we want something special but simple!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-13T11:30:33.556Z

When I first tried making honey garlic shrimp skewers, I knew I was onto something special. The sweet and savory combination of flavors complements the natural sweetness of shrimp perfectly. One tip I've learned is to let the shrimp marinate in the honey garlic sauce for at least 15 minutes to really allow the flavors to penetrate. This results in a delightful burst of flavor in every bite.

Serving these skewers with a side of jasmine rice elevates the dish even more. I often garnish them with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions, which add a beautiful pop of color and freshness. Trust me, these shrimp skewers will become your new go-to recipe!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Sweet and savory flavors that tantalize the taste buds
Quick preparation, perfect for busy weeknights
Delightfully juicy shrimp that's grilled to perfection

      

Importance of Marinating

Marinating the shrimp is crucial for enhancing their flavor and tenderness. The combination of honey and soy sauce creates a rich, glossy glaze that seeps into the shrimp, giving them a sweet and savory profile. For best results, allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 15 minutes, but if time permits, extending the marination to 30 minutes can deepen the flavor even further. Just be cautious not to marinate too long, as the acid from the lime juice can start to 'cook' the shrimp.

When marinating, use a non-reactive bowl, like glass or stainless steel, to avoid any metallic taste that might alter the shrimp's flavor. After adding the shrimp to the marinade, use your hands or a spatula to gently toss the shrimp around until they’re fully coated. This ensures that every piece will benefit from the flavor-enhancing marinade.

Grilling Techniques

To achieve those beautiful grill marks and even cooking, preheating your grill is essential. Aim for a medium-high heat setting, around 400°F to 450°F. This temperature range allows the shrimp to sear quickly without drying them out. When placing the skewers on the grill, avoid crowding them; this ensures that each shrimp gets direct contact with the heat for that perfect char. Cooking for 3-4 minutes per side typically results in shrimp that are juicy and opaque in color.

Be attentive during grilling, as shrimp can easily become rubbery if overcooked. You'll know they're done when they turn a bright pink and are firm to the touch. If you notice they’re starting to curl tightly, it’s time to remove them from the heat. For extra flavor, consider brushing the skewers with any leftover marinade during the last minute of grilling, but remember to do this right before you take them off the grill to avoid cross-contamination.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for an irresistible meal:

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 cup honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon lime juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if wooden)

Ensure all ingredients are measured and ready before you start cooking.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your shrimp skewers:

Prepare Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Marinate Shrimp

Add shrimp to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Preheat Grill

Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, ensure they have been soaked to prevent burning.

Skewer Shrimp

Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, approximately 4-5 shrimp per skewer.

Grill Shrimp

Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until shrimp are pink and opaque.

Serve and Enjoy

Remove from grill and serve immediately with lime wedges and fresh herbs.

Enjoy your deliciously grilled shrimp skewers!

Pro Tips

For extra zing, add some red pepper flakes to the marinade or serve with a spicy dipping sauce on the side.

Serving Suggestions

These Honey Garlic Shrimp Skewers make a fantastic centerpiece for any gathering. Pair them with a refreshing side salad or grilled vegetables for a balanced meal. If you're serving them as an appetizer, consider pairing with a simple dipping sauce made from soy sauce, lime juice, and a hint of chili for an extra kick. Garnishing with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley right before serving can provide a vibrant contrast to the glossy shrimp.

For a twist on presentation, serve the skewers over a bed of coconut rice or quinoa. This not only enhances the dish visually but also complements the sweetness of the honey and the savory notes of the garlic and soy sauce. Adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped scallions can also bring an extra layer of texture and flavor.

Storage and Reheating

If you have any leftover skewers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, place the shrimp on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven set to 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. This method helps retain their moisture while preventing them from becoming overcooked or rubbery, as a microwave might do. If you're grilling fresh skewers, you can also lightly re-grill them for about 1-2 minutes, flipping halfway through.

For meal prep, you can marinate the shrimp a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just remember to let them come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before grilling to ensure even cooking. Freezing marinated shrimp is an option too; just make sure to freeze them flat in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer bag, using them within three months for the best quality.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure to fully thaw them before marinating.

→ What can I serve with the skewers?

These skewers pair wonderfully with rice, salad, or grilled vegetables.

→ How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?

The shrimp should be pink and opaque when fully cooked, typically taking about 6-8 minutes on the grill.

→ Can I make the marinade in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator.