Oh, shrimp lovers, you’re in for a treat! Picture this: tender shrimp bathed in a spicy honey garlic sauce that dances on your taste buds like a summer festival. It’s like finding a hidden gem at your local farmer’s market—unexpectedly delightful and utterly addictive.
Steps
- Add peeled and deveined shrimp to a bowl with a bit of oil, and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and chili flakes. Place in the refrigerator until needed.
- Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat to approximately 350°F. Add oil and cook the shrimp for 1.5 to 2 minutes total, then remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 2-3 minutes until it browns. Add lime juice, soy sauce, and rice wine vinegar to deglaze the skillet, letting the mixture simmer for an additional 2 minutes.
- Incorporate the remaining hot honey garlic sauce ingredients. Allow the mixture to reach a rolling simmer with bubbles on the surface, and let it thicken slightly over 2-3 minutes.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet, ensuring they are evenly coated in the sauce and fully cooked.
- Garnish the shrimp with sesame seeds and sliced scallions before serving. Enjoy your meal, and store any leftovers in an airtight container for later.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Canola oil, as required
- 1.5 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1.5 tablespoons brown sugar
- 0.75 tablespoon black pepper
- 0.75 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons Sichuan chili flakes
- 2 ounces low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 ounces rice wine vinegar
- Juice from 1 medium lime
- 3 tablespoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1.5 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- Sliced scallions, for garnishing
- Sesame seeds, for garnishing
Nutritional Values
Calories: 940kcal | Carbohydrates: 84g | Protein: 148g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.8g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 1096mg | Sodium: 15044mg | Potassium: 2504mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 56g | Vitamin A: 3256IU | Vitamin C: 40mg | Calcium: 596mg | Iron: 8mg
FAQ
- Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- What can I serve with Hot Honey Garlic Shrimp?
- This shrimp dish pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or a simple green salad. The sweet and spicy flavors also complement roasted vegetables or a side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- How do I prevent the shrimp from being overcooked?
- To avoid overcooking, remove the shrimp from the stove while they’re still slightly underdone. They will finish cooking when you add them back to the skillet with the sauce.
- Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the hot honey garlic sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before tossing it with the shrimp.
- What can I use if I don’t have Sichuan chili flakes?
- If Sichuan chili flakes are unavailable, you can substitute with red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for a similar spicy kick.
Tips
- Avoid Overcooking: Remove the shrimp from the heat while they are still slightly underdone. They will continue to cook when you add them back to the sauce, ensuring they remain tender and not overcooked.
- Thorough Seasoning: Ensure the shrimp are well-coated with the seasoning mixture before refrigerating. This helps infuse the shrimp with flavor and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- Simmer the Sauce: Allow the sauce to reach a rolling simmer with visible bubbles to ensure it thickens properly. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect consistency and flavor balance.
- Garnish with Freshness: Adding sliced scallions and sesame seeds not only enhances the presentation but also adds a fresh crunch and nutty flavor to complement the sweet and spicy shrimp.
Equipment
- Large Skillet – A good quality skillet for sautéing shrimp and making sauces.
- Juicer – For juicing fresh limes.
- Garlic Press – For mincing garlic efficiently.
- Digital Cooking Thermometer – To accurately measure the medium-high heat of around 350°F on your stovetop.