Honey Garlic Shrimp Rice Bowl

This Honey Garlic Shrimp and Rice Bowl is the kind of speedy supper you crave on a hectic night. Plump shrimp get coated in a glossy honey garlic sauce and nestled on steamed rice for a hearty bowl that checks all the boxes for sweet spicy salty and satisfying. After one taste my family started requesting it every week and I do not mind because cleanup is a breeze and there are never leftovers.

When I first whipped this up it was after a wildly long workday. I was shocked at how fast dinner came together and how quickly it disappeared nobody even asked for takeout.

Ingredients

• Large shrimp peeled and deveined: ensures juicy shrimp and convenient eating buy fresh or thaw frozen quickly under cold water for speed
• Honey: the main sweetness in the sauce pick a good floral honey for the best aroma
• Low sodium soy sauce: brings the deep umami and balances the honey using low sodium keeps it from being too salty
• Fresh garlic minced: for punchy flavor do not skimp this is a key ingredient
• Fresh ginger grated: adds aromatic warmth scrape the skin with a spoon for maximum freshness
• Olive oil: for sautéing shrimp look for extra virgin for rich taste
• Cooked white or brown rice: the pillowy base cook while prepping shrimp to save time choose short or long grain by preference
• Cornstarch blended with water: is optional for thick sauce helpful if you like the glaze to really cling
• Green onions sliced: fresh bite and color for garnish always pick crisp stalks
• Sesame seeds: for garnish nutty crunch poppy flavor toasted seeds are especially fragrant

Instructions

Cook the Rice:

Prepare your rice according to package instructions. This can be done with either white or brown rice. Try to start this first so it is ready when your shrimp is done. Fluff the rice when finished and keep covered to stay warm.

Make the Sauce:

Combine honey soy sauce minced garlic and grated ginger in a small bowl. If you prefer a thick glossy sauce for your shrimp mix the cornstarch with water in a separate bowl until totally smooth. Stir this slurry into the sauce mixture for reliable thickening.

Cook the Shrimp:

Heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium high heat. Once shimmering but not smoking arrange the peeled shrimp in a single even layer. Let them cook undisturbed for about two to three minutes until the bottoms turn a bright pink and begin to caramelize slightly. Flip each shrimp and cook for another two to three minutes on the other side until fully opaque and lightly golden. This step keeps the shrimp juicy and prevents overcooking.

Add the Sauce:

Pour the prepared honey garlic mixture over the shrimp. Let everything bubble gently as you stir to coat all the shrimp well. If you added cornstarch the sauce should thicken up after another two to three minutes simmering gently. Cook until the glaze adheres to each shrimp and everything smells sweetly garlicky.

Serve:

Spoon generous helpings of rice into each bowl and top with the hot shrimp and glossy sauce. Sprinkle green onions and a generous pinch of sesame seeds over each bowl for color and crunch. Serve immediately while piping hot.

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My favorite part is always the honey garlic sauce. My kids try to sneak extra spoonfuls over their rice and I admit I usually double the sauce just so we can drizzle more over roasted veggies on the side. This recipe was one of the first ways I got my family excited about shrimp.

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftovers in a sealed glass or plastic container in the fridge for up to two days. Keep rice and shrimp separate if possible then microwave covered with a damp paper towel to keep everything moist. The flavors deepen as they sit so leftovers are extra tasty the next day.

Ingredient Swaps

You can swap out shrimp for cubes of chicken or tofu using the same technique. Tamari makes this dish gluten free if you need. For rice alternatives try quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower carb option. Maple syrup works if you run out of honey but has a slightly different character.

Serving Ideas

Try adding steamed broccoli quick sautéed snap peas or bell pepper strips under the shrimp for a complete bowl. A crisp side salad with citrus dressing brightens everything up. Sometimes I sprinkle chili flakes for a gentle kick or tuck in extra herbs like cilantro or basil for brightness.

Cultural Inspiration

Honey garlic is a classic flavor pairing in both East Asian and American kitchens. The soy honey garlic ginger combo is beloved for everything from stir fries to glazes and combining it here results in a family friendly fusion bowl that works any night of the week.

Seasonal Adaptations

Switch up the vegetables based on season such as using asparagus or snow peas in spring. Fresh corn or zucchini are lovely in summer bowls. Sub in butternut squash cubes or roasted mushrooms in cooler months.

Success Stories

A friend texted me her picky teenager asked for seconds and wanted the recipe for college. I also made this for a neighborhood potluck and it vanished before anything else on the table. It is a life saver on nights you want something special but are short on time.

Freezer Prep

To freeze this meal prepare the sauce and uncooked shrimp then freeze flat in a bag. Thaw overnight place in a hot skillet and continue the recipe as usual. Only cook the rice fresh for best texture.

Save

This meal will become a weeknight staple for its flavor and simplicity. Enjoy every bite and do not be surprised if the bowl is empty in minutes.

Recipe FAQ

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw and pat the shrimp dry before cooking for the best texture and flavor.

→ What type of rice works best?

Both white and brown rice pair well, offering either a soft or a nuttier base. Choose your favorite.

→ How can I make the sauce thicker?

Mix a little cornstarch with water and add it to the sauce, then simmer until it reaches your desired consistency.

→ Can I substitute chicken for shrimp?

Yes, cubed chicken breast works well. Adjust cooking time to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

→ Is this dish good for meal prep?

Absolutely. Keep shrimp and rice separate when storing and reheat gently just before serving.

→ What garnishes enhance the flavor?

Sliced green onions and sesame seeds add freshness and a toasty crunch to the finished bowl.