When you need a fast, delicious, and wholesome meal, this One-Pan Honey Garlic Shrimp & Rice is a game-changer. Packed with bold flavors, easy to prepare, and requiring minimal cleanup, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Easy & Quick – Ready in under 30 minutes!
- Minimal Cleanup – One pan means fewer dishes to wash.
- Healthy & Nutritious – Loaded with protein, fiber, and wholesome ingredients.
- Sweet, Savory, and Garlicky – A perfect balance of flavors.
Ingredients
To make this flavorful dish, you’ll need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
For the Rice:
- 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice, rinsed
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon butter
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- Fresh lime wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
- In a large skillet or pan, heat butter over medium heat.
- Add diced carrots and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add rice, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir to coat the rice with butter and spices.
- Pour in the broth, bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low.
- Cook for about 12-15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in frozen peas and let sit covered for another 5 minutes.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
- While the rice is cooking, heat olive oil in a separate pan over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink.
- Pour the honey garlic sauce over the shrimp and cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Remove from heat.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked shrimp and sauce to the pan with the rice.
- Stir gently to combine, ensuring the rice absorbs the delicious honey garlic sauce.
- Let it sit for a minute before serving.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve with lime wedges for a fresh, zesty touch.
Pro Tips for the Best Honey Garlic Shrimp & Rice
- Use Fresh Shrimp – If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp – They cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid a rubbery texture.
- Rinse the Rice – This removes excess starch, preventing clumping.
- Let the Rice Rest – Allowing it to sit covered after cooking ensures it’s fluffy.
- Add Vegetables – Feel free to toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or spinach for extra nutrition.
Variations
- Make it Spicy – Add extra red pepper flakes or sriracha.
- Go Low-Carb – Swap rice for cauliflower rice.
- Use Other Proteins – Try chicken, tofu, or salmon instead of shrimp.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Storing & Reheating
- Store Leftovers – Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat – Microwave or heat in a pan with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
- Freeze? – While shrimp doesn’t freeze well after cooking, you can freeze the rice portion and add freshly cooked shrimp later.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Honey Garlic Shrimp & Rice is the perfect combination of ease and flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is sure to satisfy. Try it out tonight and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home!
Let us know in the comments if you made this recipe and how it turned out!