This 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp & Rice Bowl is the ideal meal for busy weeknights. Packed with flavor, it’s a quick and satisfying dish that combines succulent shrimp coated in a delicious honey garlic sauce served over fluffy rice. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this recipe showcases sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up this delightful bowl in just 20 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: Ready in only 20 minutes, this dish is perfect for those who are short on time but still want a home-cooked meal.
- Flavorful Sauce: The combination of honey and garlic creates a rich sauce that beautifully complements the shrimp.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy this dish for dinner, lunch, or as a meal prep option for the week ahead.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the sweet and savory flavors of this shrimp bowl.
- Easy Cleanup: With minimal pots and pans used, cleanup is a breeze!
Tools and Preparation
To make this 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp & Rice Bowl efficiently, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Cooking pot
- Large pan
- Measuring cups
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Cooking pot: Necessary for preparing rice quickly and evenly.
- Large pan: Ideal for sautéing shrimp and ensuring they cook properly without overcrowding.
- Measuring cups: Helps you accurately measure ingredients like honey and soy sauce.
- Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining your sauce ingredients before adding them to the shrimp.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tbsp water (if using cornstarch)
- 2 tbsp green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
How to Make 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp & Rice Bowl
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Prepare the rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, set aside while you prepare the shrimp.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. If you choose to use cornstarch for thickening, mix it with water before adding to the sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and slightly golden.
Step 4: Add the Sauce
Pour your prepared honey garlic sauce over the shrimp. Allow it to cook for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly and completely coats the shrimp.
Step 5: Serve
Spoon the shrimp mixture over bowls of warm rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve immediately for a delightful meal!
How to Serve 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp & Rice Bowl
This dish is not only quick to prepare but also versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp & Rice Bowl experience.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Cilantro: Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a vibrant flavor.
- Basil: Use Thai basil for an aromatic twist that pairs well with the honey garlic sauce.
Add Crunchy Vegetables
- Cucumber Slices: Serve chilled cucumber slices on the side for a refreshing crunch.
- Carrot Ribbons: Thinly slice carrots and toss them in sesame oil for added texture and flavor.
Create a Complete Meal
- Steamed Broccoli: Pair your shrimp bowl with steamed broccoli for a healthy green addition.
- Mixed Greens Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens and a light dressing complements the bowl perfectly.
How to Perfect 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp & Rice Bowl
To ensure your 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp & Rice Bowl turns out perfectly every time, consider these tips:
- Bold Flavoring: Use fresh garlic and ginger for a more robust flavor than powdered alternatives.
- High Heat Cooking: Cook shrimp over medium-high heat to achieve that perfect sear and prevent them from becoming rubbery.
- Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer for an extra minute or two after adding it to the shrimp.
- Rice Variations: Experiment with different types of rice like jasmine or basmati for unique flavors and textures.
- Marinate Shrimp: For even more flavor, marinate the shrimp in the honey garlic sauce for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy your dish right after preparation for the best taste and texture.
Best Side Dishes for 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp & Rice Bowl
Pairing side dishes with your 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp & Rice Bowl can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options:
- Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds a fresh crunch that balances out the sweetness of the shrimp.
- Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed green beans with garlic offer an additional layer of flavor without being overly heavy.
- Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup provides comforting warmth and umami notes that complement the main dish well.
- Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw made from cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing offers great texture contrast.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with vegetables and a citrus dressing enhances nutrition while keeping it light.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Roasted sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness and heartiness, making your meal more filling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking this 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp & Rice Bowl can be a breeze, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using Overcooked Shrimp: Overcooking shrimp makes them tough and rubbery. Keep an eye on them while cooking; they should only take 2-3 minutes per side.
- Neglecting the Sauce Consistency: A runny sauce won’t cling to the shrimp or rice. If you want it thicker, use cornstarch mixed with water before adding it to the shrimp.
- Skipping Fresh Ingredients: Using stale garlic or ginger can dull your dish’s flavor. Always opt for fresh ingredients for a vibrant taste.
- Not Prepping Ahead: Rushing through meal prep can lead to mistakes. Measure out your ingredients beforehand to streamline the cooking process.
- Ignoring Garnishes: Skipping garnishes like green onions and sesame seeds can make your dish less appealing. They add flavor and a nice touch of color.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp & Rice Bowl
- Cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags and consume within 1-2 months.
Reheating 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp & Rice Bowl
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm in a covered dish for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between until heated through.
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to make the 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp & Rice Bowl?
This recipe takes just 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
Can I customize the vegetables in the bowl?
Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for extra nutrition and color.
What type of rice works best with this recipe?
You can use either white or brown rice based on your preference. Both options complement the honey garlic shrimp beautifully.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used! Just ensure they are thawed properly before cooking.
Final Thoughts
The 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp & Rice Bowl is not only quick and easy but also packed with flavor. This versatile recipe allows for customization based on your preferences, whether you want to add more vegetables or tweak the sauce. Give it a try tonight!
20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp & Rice Bowl
Experience the delight of a 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp & Rice Bowl, a perfect solution for busy weeknights. This dish features succulent shrimp tossed in a rich honey garlic sauce, served over fluffy rice, creating a sweet and savory flavor explosion that everyone will love. Ideal for family dinners or meal prep, this quick recipe allows you to enjoy a homemade meal without the stress. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up this satisfying bowl that’s not only delicious but also versatile enough to adapt to your preferences. Add colorful vegetables or adjust the seasoning to make it uniquely yours. Get ready to enjoy a fantastic dinner that’s easy on time yet big on taste!
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Cook rice according to package instructions; set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. If desired, mix cornstarch with water before adding.
- In a large pan over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and add shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and golden.
- Pour the sauce over the shrimp and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Serve shrimp over warm rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 66g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: For added flavor, marinate shrimp in the honey garlic sauce for 15-30 minutes before cooking. Feel free to customize by adding your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas.
