Garlic Honey Lime Shrimp

Introduction

Garlic Honey Lime Shrimp is a flavor-packed, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for your next Super Bowl party. These succulent shrimp are coated in a sweet, tangy, and garlicky glaze, offering a burst of flavor in every bite. Quick to prepare and irresistibly delicious, this recipe is perfect as a finger food, appetizer, or even a main dish. Paired with fresh lime and honey, the shrimp have a zesty and slightly sweet finish that’s sure to be a hit at your game-day celebration.

I remember the first time I made these for a casual gathering. The combination of garlic, honey, and lime filled the air, making everyone eager to dig in. What’s great about this dish is how versatile it is—you can serve it on its own or pair it with a light salad, rice, or even crispy fries. The glaze is what really makes it stand out, offering a perfect balance of savory and sweet.

These shrimp are surprisingly easy to make too. With just a few ingredients and a quick sauté in the pan, you’ll have a dish that tastes like it’s from a restaurant but takes just minutes to prepare. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or enjoy a tasty snack during the big game, Garlic Honey Lime Shrimp is sure to be a favorite!

Perfect for:

  • Super Bowl parties
  • Game nights
  • Casual gatherings
  • Shrimp lovers
  • Healthy and flavorful snacking

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Garlic Honey Lime Shrimp will be a touchdown at your Super Bowl party:

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for last-minute prep.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: The sweet and tangy flavors appeal to all taste buds.
  • High-Protein Option: Shrimp provides lean protein, making this a healthier choice for game day.
  • Alcohol-Free Recipe: Perfect for family-friendly events without alcoholic ingredients.
  • Versatile Dish: Serve as an appetizer, with rice, or in tacos for variety.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Servings: 4-6 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 210-250 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 20g, Carbs: 12g, Fat: 8g

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

  • 1 ½ lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1-2 limes)
  • Zest of 1 lime
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Shrimp: Provides a juicy, tender base that absorbs the flavorful glaze.
  • Garlic: Adds a bold, aromatic depth to the dish.
  • Honey: Balances the tanginess of the lime with natural sweetness.
  • Lime Juice and Zest: The key to the zesty and refreshing flavor profile.
  • Smoked Paprika: Adds a hint of smokiness to complement the shrimp.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp:

  1. Clean and Prep Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water, pat dry, and season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin.
  2. Heat the Pan: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Cook the Shrimp:

  1. Sauté the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Garlic Honey Lime Glaze:

  1. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  2. Add Honey and Lime: Stir in honey, lime juice, and lime zest. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.

Combine Shrimp and Glaze:

  1. Coat the Shrimp: Return the shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat them evenly in the glaze. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until heated through.

Garnish and Serve:

  1. Add Cilantro (Optional): Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the shrimp for a pop of color and flavor.
  2. Serve Hot: Transfer to a platter and serve immediately.

How to Serve

  • As a Finger Food: Serve with toothpicks for easy grabbing during the game.
  • Over Rice or Quinoa: Make it a heartier dish by serving over rice or quinoa.
  • In Tacos: Use the shrimp as a flavorful filling for tacos with lettuce and avocado.
  • With Veggie Sticks: Pair with celery or carrot sticks for a fresh crunch.
  • On Skewers: Thread the shrimp onto skewers for a fun, portable appetizer.

Additional Tips

  • Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
  • Don’t overcook the shrimp to avoid a rubbery texture.
  • For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • Double the recipe for larger crowds or meal prep.

Recipe Variations

  1. Garlic Honey Lime Chicken: Substitute shrimp with chicken bites for a similar flavor.
  2. Vegetarian Option: Use tofu or roasted cauliflower instead of shrimp.
  3. Spicy Kick: Add sriracha or chili paste to the glaze for heat.
  4. Citrus Twist: Swap lime with lemon or orange juice.
  5. Herb Lovers: Add fresh parsley or basil instead of cilantro.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: Store cooked shrimp in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet for the best texture.
  • Refrigeration: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Special Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Citrus zester or grater
  • Tongs for flipping shrimp

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, just thaw them completely before cooking.
  2. Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, prepare the glaze and cook the shrimp ahead; combine before serving.
  3. What size shrimp should I use? Large or jumbo shrimp work best.
  4. Can I skip the honey? Yes, substitute with maple syrup or agave for a similar sweetness.
  5. Can I grill the shrimp? Absolutely! Grill the shrimp on skewers and brush with the glaze during cooking.
Print

Garlic Honey Lime Shrimp

  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

For the Shrimp:

  • 1 ½ lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 12 limes)
  • Zest of 1 lime
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp:

  1. Clean and Prep Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water, pat dry, and season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cumin.
  2. Heat the Pan: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Cook the Shrimp:

  1. Sauté the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Garlic Honey Lime Glaze:

  1. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  2. Add Honey and Lime: Stir in honey, lime juice, and lime zest. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.

Combine Shrimp and Glaze:

  1. Coat the Shrimp: Return the shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat them evenly in the glaze. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until heated through.

Garnish and Serve:

  1. Add Cilantro (Optional): Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the shrimp for a pop of color and flavor.
  2. Serve Hot: Transfer to a platter and serve immediately.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4-6 servings
  • Calories: 210-250
  • Fat: 8g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Protein: 20g

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Conclusion

Garlic Honey Lime Shrimp is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any occasion, especially game day! With a delicious balance of sweet honey, tangy lime, and savory garlic, this dish packs a punch of flavor in every bite. The shrimp cook up quickly, making it a fast and easy option that’s sure to impress your guests.

Whether served as an appetizer or a main dish, Garlic Honey Lime Shrimp is a guaranteed hit. Its vibrant, zesty flavors are perfect for everything from casual weeknight dinners to Super Bowl celebrations. It’s a dish that’s both refreshing and satisfying, with just the right amount of sweetness and zest to keep everyone coming back for more.

I’d love to see how your Garlic Honey Lime Shrimp turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Enjoy the flavor explosion!