Honey Garlic Shrimp Skewers

Name: Honey Garlic Shrimp Skewers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1/4 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon green onions, chopped (for garnish); Salt and pepper to taste; Skewers (wooden or metal)

Highlighted under: Wanderlust Cooking Creations

I love making Honey Garlic Shrimp Skewers for a quick and flavorful meal. The sweet and savory glaze pairs perfectly with the tender shrimp, creating a dish that is sure to impress anyone. Whether I’m hosting a barbecue or just craving something delicious, these skewers never fail to satisfy. They come together in just a few minutes thanks to the marinade, and the grilled finish adds a delightful char. Let's dive into this simple yet incredible recipe!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-13T12:57:33.462Z

When I first tried Honey Garlic Shrimp Skewers, I was amazed at how simple ingredients could create such a burst of flavor. Combining honey and soy sauce to marinate the shrimp lends a balance of sweetness and a hint of saltiness that just sings on the grill. The key is letting the shrimp soak in the marinade for at least 10 minutes to absorb all those lovely flavors.

Grilling the skewers is such a fun experience, and I love watching the shrimp turn a lovely golden color while obtaining that irresistible char. Remember to soak your wooden skewers in water beforehand to prevent burning—nobody wants charred sticks with their delicious shrimp!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Quick to prepare in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Sweet and savory marinade brings out the best flavors in succulent shrimp.
Versatile dish that works great for grilling, broiling, or pan-searing.

      

Perfecting the Marinade

The marinade is crucial for infusing the shrimp with flavors that make this dish irresistible. Honey serves not only as a sweetener but also helps to create that glossy finish once grilled. Combining it with soy sauce provides a savory depth that complements the natural sweetness of the shrimp. Make sure to thoroughly mix the marinade, allowing the garlic and ginger to disperse evenly, ensuring every shrimp is coated with that flavor-packed mixture.

For those looking to make this dish a bit tangier, consider adding a teaspoon of rice vinegar or lime juice to the marinade. This simple adjustment can brighten up the overall flavor profile without overpowering the dish. Just be sure to balance it with the sweetness of the honey to maintain the original essence of the skewers.

Cooking Techniques for Flavor

Grilling remains the preferred method for cooking these shrimp skewers due to the beautiful char it imparts. Preheating the grill to medium-high heat is essential; if the grill isn’t hot enough, the shrimp can end up stewing rather than grilling, which affects their texture. Aim for a grill temperature of around 375°F to 450°F, watching closely for that perfect opaque color and firm texture after about 2-3 minutes per side.

If you're using a broiler instead of a grill, place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and set the broiler about 6 inches from the heating element. This method still delivers a great char, albeit with less smokiness. Rotate the skewers halfway through for even cooking, and watch for any signs of charring to avoid overcooking.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Salt and pepper to taste
Skewers (wooden or metal)

Ensure all ingredients are prepped and ready to go before starting.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your skewers:

Marinate the Shrimp

In a bowl, mix the honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Add in the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes.

Prepare the Skewers

While the shrimp is marinating, soak the wooden skewers in water for 10 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill. If using metal skewers, proceed to the next step.

Skewer the Shrimp

Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.

Grill the Skewers

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the shrimp skewers for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.

Serve

Remove from the grill and garnish with chopped green onions. Enjoy the skewers hot!

Serve these delicious shrimp skewers with your favorite sides and enjoy a flavorful meal!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add some red pepper flakes to the marinade. This recipe can also be adapted by including your favorite vegetables on the skewers, such as bell peppers or zucchini.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your shrimp skewers come out rubbery, the culprit is usually overcooking. To prevent this, keep an eye on them and remove them from the grill as soon as they turn opaque and form that telltale curl. Additionally, using shrimp that are not too large can help maintain a tender texture; consider using medium to large shrimp that cook more quickly.

Another common issue is burnt skewers when grilling with wooden sticks. To combat this, always soak the wooden skewers in water for at least 10 minutes before grilling. This step hydrates the wood, preventing it from catching fire and ensuring the focus remains on the flavorful shrimp.

Storage and Make-Ahead Options

If you want to prepare these honey garlic shrimp skewers in advance, marinate the shrimp earlier in the day and store them in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen over time, especially if left to marinate for a couple of hours or overnight. Just make sure to keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness, and remember to skewer them right before cooking.

Leftover skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheating them can be tricky since shrimp can become rubbery if overcooked. For the best results, gently reheat them on low heat in a pan just until warmed through, or microwave them for short intervals.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating.

→ What can I serve with these shrimp skewers?

These skewers pair well with rice, a green salad, or grilled vegetables.

→ How long can I marinate the shrimp?

You can marinate the shrimp for up to 30 minutes. Avoid marinating for too long, as the acidity can make the shrimp mushy.

→ Can I bake these instead of grilling?

Absolutely! You can bake the skewers in an oven preheated to 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes.