Honey Garlic Shrimp Skewers

$To make honey garlic shrimp skewers, you will need the following ingredients: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 1/4 cup honey - 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice) - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 green onions, finely chopped (for garnish) - Skewers (wooden or metal) Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of sweet and savory. The shrimp brings a delicate flavor that pairs well with the honey and garlic. Honey adds a rich sweetness, while soy sauce gives depth. Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish. Garlic and ginger add warmth and a hint of spice. Sesame oil rounds out the flavors with a nutty touch. Don’t forget the red pepper flakes if you enjoy a bit of heat! The green onions not only add flavor but also a pop of color for garnish. When you gather these ingredients, you set the stage for a delicious meal that’s easy to make and impressive to serve. {{ingredient_image_1}} - In a mixing bowl, I combine the honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. - I whisk these ingredients until they blend well. - Next, I add the peeled and deveined shrimp into the bowl. - I toss the shrimp to coat them thoroughly in the marinade. - I cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit in the fridge for 30 minutes. - While the shrimp marinates, I preheat my grill to medium-high heat, around 375°F (190°C). - If I use wooden skewers, I soak them in water for about 20 minutes. This step helps prevent burning during cooking. - After marinating, I thread the shrimp onto the skewers. - I make sure to space them evenly and leave a little gap between each shrimp. - Then, I place the skewers on the hot grill. - I grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. They turn pink and opaque when done. - To boost flavor, I baste the shrimp with leftover marinade as they cook. - Optimal grilling time: Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. They turn pink and opaque when done. - How to avoid overcooking: Watch closely while grilling. Remove shrimp as soon as they are done. - Suggestions for additional flavors: Add lime juice for a zestier kick. Try adding a splash of pineapple juice for sweetness. - Make-ahead tips: You can marinate shrimp up to 2 hours ahead of grilling. Just keep it in the fridge until ready to cook. - Best garnishes for presentation: Use finely chopped green onions for a fresh touch. Add sesame seeds for extra crunch and style. - Serving ideas: Pair the skewers with rice or a fresh salad. Serve with lemon wedges to enhance the flavor. Pro Tips Use Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh shrimp over frozen. If using frozen, ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry before marinating. Customize Marinade: Feel free to adjust the marinade by adding herbs like cilantro or parsley for a fresh twist, or try different citrus juices like lime or orange. Perfectly Skewered: Alternate shrimp with vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini on the skewers for added flavor and color. Just ensure everything cooks evenly. Watch the Grill: Keep a close eye on the shrimp while grilling; they cook quickly. Remove them from the grill as soon as they turn pink to avoid overcooking. {{image_2}} You can swap out shrimp for many proteins. Chicken pieces work great. They soak up the flavors well. You can also try beef or pork. Just cut them into bite-sized chunks. For a vegetarian twist, use firm tofu or mushrooms. Both absorb marinades nicely. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey. If you want less sweet, use soy sauce. You can also add brown sugar for a deeper taste. To kick up the heat, increase the red pepper flakes. You can even add sriracha or chili sauce for more spice. If you don’t have a grill, you can bake these skewers. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-12 minutes. For skillet cooking, use a non-stick pan. Heat it over medium heat. Cook the skewers for about 4-5 minutes on each side. This method gives you a nice sear. To keep your honey garlic shrimp skewers fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps avoid moisture loss and keeps the flavors intact. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you know you won't eat them soon, consider freezing instead. You can freeze both cooked and uncooked skewers. For cooked skewers, let them cool completely. Place them in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. They can stay fresh for up to three months. For uncooked skewers, marinate the shrimp first, then freeze them. To thaw, place the bag in the fridge overnight. When you're ready to enjoy your skewers again, reheat them safely. The best way is to use a skillet on low heat. This method keeps the shrimp juicy. If you prefer the grill, do it on low heat for just a few minutes. This warms them through without drying them out. Always check to ensure they are hot all the way through. Marinate the shrimp for about 30 minutes. This time allows the flavors to soak in. If you have time, you can marinate longer. Just don’t go over two hours to keep the shrimp firm. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just be sure to thaw them first. Place them in cold water for quick thawing. Once thawed, peel and devein if needed before marinating. Serve these skewers with rice or quinoa. They pair well with steamed veggies or a fresh salad. You can also enjoy them with a light dipping sauce for extra flavor. Yes, this recipe can be gluten-free. Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities. To spice things up, add more red pepper flakes to the marinade. You can also mix in a dash of hot sauce or chili paste. Adjust the spice level to your taste for a perfect kick. You learned how to make delicious honey garlic shrimp skewers. We covered all the key steps, from marinating the shrimp to grilling them perfectly. Tips on storage and variations let you get creative. Whether you're grilling for friends or family, these skewers will impress. Enjoy the juicy flavors, try new ideas, and savor each bite. Happy cooking!$

Delicious shrimp marinated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, grilled to perfection.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 8

Total Time 46

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 cup honey
3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
to taste salt and pepper
2 green onions, finely chopped (for garnish)
Skewers (wooden or metal)

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until well blended.
Place the peeled and deveined shrimp into the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes.
While the shrimp is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F / 190°C). If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, ensuring they are evenly spaced. Leave a little space between each shrimp for even cooking.
Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, being careful not to overcook them. Use any leftover marinade to baste the shrimp while grilling for extra flavor.
Once done, remove the skewers from the grill and season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Notes

Use tamari for a gluten-free option.

Keyword grilled, honey garlic, shrimp, skewers