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This Garlic Honey Lime Shrimp is a fast dinner with succulent shrimp glazed in a garlicky, sweet, and sticky sauce. My easy 15 minute recipe uses a butter and olive oil base to create a rich, savory glaze that perfectly balances tangy lime and honey for a healthy weeknight dinner.
Recipe Summary
- 🔪 Prep Time: 5 minutes
- 👨🍳 Cook Time: 10 minutes
- ⏱️ Total Time: 15 minutes
- 🍽️ Servings: 2 people
- 🏷️ Calories: ~417 calories
- 🍳 Cook Method: Skillet sauté
- ✨ Flavor Profile: Succulent shrimp glazed in a garlicky, sweet, and sticky sauce with a bright lime finish
- 🧩 Difficulty: Very easy (Perfect for beginners and busy weeknights)
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Honey Lime Shrimp
I never run out of shrimp in my freezer. I always keep a pack or two of frozen shrimp on hand so I can quickly whip up a meal in just 15 minutes. Shrimp is incredibly versatile, and this honey lime shrimp recipe is the perfect example of how a few basic pantry staples can create a sweet and sticky glaze that tastes incredible.
When you have good quality shrimp, all you need are a few basics: garlic, honey, salt, cayenne pepper, and a few generous squirts of fresh lime juice. The secret to this dish is the combination of melted butter and olive oil. This mix allows the garlic to sauté perfectly without burning, while building a rich, garlicky sauce that clings to every piece.
I love serving this over pasta, noodles, or Cilantro Lime Rice. I recently paired it with my Creamy Garlic Parmesan Fettuccine, and it was the perfect weeknight dinner!
Shopping Guide: Choosing The Right Shrimp
For the best results, I recommend using large or jumbo shrimp (16 to 20 count) so they stay juicy while the sauce thickens. While prices fluctuate, a 1 lb bag of shelled and deveined shrimp currently retails for about $8.00 to $12.00 depending on the size.
When shopping, look for these visual cues to choose the freshest shrimp:
- Color: Raw shrimp should be translucent with a mild grey or pinkish tint. Avoid any that have black spots or yellowing on the shells, as this can indicate age.
- Texture: The flesh should be firm to the touch. If the shrimp look “mushy” or slim in the bag, they are past their prime.
- Preparation: Choosing shelled and deveined shrimp saves significant prep time. If you want the most budget-friendly option, look for whole peeled shrimp without the tail.
- Moisture: If buying frozen, make sure there is minimal ice crystal buildup inside the bag. Once thawed, always pat them dry with a paper towel to make sure you get a golden sear instead of steaming.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Shrimp
- Honey
- Lime juice
- Cayenne pepper
Check the recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the ingredient details.
Pro Tip #1: Why I Use Butter And Olive Oil
I use a mix of butter and olive oil for the best results. The oil prevents the butter from burning at high heat, while the butter adds a rich, velvety finish to the glaze.
Pro Tip #2: Fresh Lime Juice Is Key
Always use fresh lime juice instead of the bottled kind. The natural acidity in fresh lime cuts through the honey perfectly and brightens the dish. If you only have the bottled kind, you can use it in a pinch, but fresh provides that authentic zesty punch.
Pro Tip #3: Why Honey Works For Glazing
Honey is the secret to that sweet and sticky texture. It caramelizes slightly in the hot pan, creating a thick coating that sticks to the shrimp rather than just running off.
Pro Tip #4: The Role Of Cayenne Pepper
I add cayenne pepper to give the glaze a subtle, warm heat. It provides a perfect balance to the sweetness of the honey and the sharp tang of the lime without making the dish overly spicy.
How To Make Garlic Honey Lime Shrimp
Rinse your shrimp with cold water. Drain well and pat them dry so the sweet and sticky sauce sticks better later.
Heat your skillet over medium heat. Add the oil and butter, then sauté the garlic until lightly golden and fragrant. Add the shrimp to the pan and give them a few quick stirs. You want them to just start changing color before adding the liquids.
Pro Tip: If you have a cast iron pan, I highly recommend using it because it holds heat so well. It helps caramelize the honey slightly, giving the shrimp those delicious sweet and sticky edges.
Pour in the honey, lime juice, salt, and cayenne. Stir well to make sure every shrimp is evenly coated in that sweet and sticky mixture. Cook for another minute or two until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze and the shrimp are cooked through and opaque.
Pro Tip: Shrimp cooks fast, usually in 2 to 3 minutes. As soon as they turn opaque and form a “C” shape, they are done. If they curl into a tight “O,” they are likely overcooked and will be rubbery.
Top with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve immediately while the glaze is hot and garlicky!
Frequently Asked Questions
You do not have to leave them on, but I prefer keeping the tails on because it makes for a much better visual presentation.
Yes. You can swap the butter for more olive oil or use a plant based butter alternative. The sauce will still be delicious and sweet and sticky.
You can mince the garlic and whisk the honey, lime, and spices together in a small bowl in advance. However, since shrimp only takes a few minutes to cook, it is best to sear them right before serving to maintain that sweet and sticky texture.
Place any remaining shrimp in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to two days.
To keep the shrimp from overcooking, reheat them gently in a skillet over medium low heat with a splash of water or extra lime juice. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to make the meat tough.
This recipe is only 417 calories per serving.
What To Serve With This Recipe
For a wholesome meal and easy weeknight dinner, I recommend the following recipes:
I hope you enjoy this post as much as I do. If you try my recipe, please leave a comment and consider giving it a 5-star rating. For more easy and delicious recipes, explore my Recipe Index, and stay updated by subscribing to my newsletter and following me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for new updates.
Other Shrimp Recipes You Might Like
Garlic Honey Lime Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb shelled and deveined shrimp
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1½ tablespoons lime juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 dashes cayenne pepper
- chopped parsley
Instructions
- Rinse the shrimp with cold water, drain well, and set aside.
- Heat a skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and butter, then sauté the garlic until lightly golden. Add the shrimp and sauté for a few quick stirs.
- Add the honey, lime juice, salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to coat the shrimp evenly.
- Continue cooking until the sauce thickens slightly and the shrimp are cooked through. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Can you make this in a crock pot?
Hi Darla, I don’t recommend making shrimp in a crock pot as they will be way overcooked.