These Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls are the definition of weeknight magic: juicy shrimp cooked in a sticky-sweet garlicky glaze, nestled with fluffy rice and vibrant broccoli, all finished with a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds. It’s the kind of effortless meal that feels both nourishing and decadent—the perfect answer for when you crave something special but need dinner on the table fast. Trust me, once you taste the blend of honey, soy, and ginger clinging to every plump shrimp, you’ll be making this one on repeat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about how just a handful of pantry and fresh ingredients come together to create the bold flavors and gorgeous color of these Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls. Each plays a role, from sweetness to umami to that pop of green at the finish.

Large shrimp: Choose peeled and deveined for less prep—shrimp are the star, delivering juicy bites that soak up flavor.
Honey: Gives the signature sweetness and glossy finish that makes the glaze irresistible.
Soy sauce or tamari: Brings salty, savory depth and a little color—you can swap for tamari to keep it gluten-free.
Garlic: Freshly minced for bold, punchy flavor in every single bite.
Fresh ginger: Adds warmth and a hint of citrusy zing to balance the dish.
Olive oil: For searing the shrimp and locking in juiciness.
White rice, brown rice, or quinoa: Pick your favorite base for soaking up all that saucy goodness.
Broccoli florets: These add color, crunch, and extra nutrition, whether steamed or sautéed.
Green onions: Brighten things up as a crisp, fresh garnish.
Sesame seeds or red pepper flakes (optional): For a little nutty crunch or gentle heat—customize to your taste.

How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls

Step 1: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce (or tamari), minced garlic, and grated ginger. Take a moment to inhale the aroma—the honey mellows everything, while the soy, garlic, and ginger create a balanced, savory base. This little bowl is the flavor engine of your Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls.

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer, letting them cook for about 2–3 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink and curl into that classic “C” shape. Try not to overcook—you want plump, juicy bites, not chewiness. If using pre-cooked shrimp, just warm them gently in the pan for less time.

Step 3: Glaze the Shrimp with Sauce

Pour your honey garlic mixture straight into the skillet with the shrimp. Let it bubble and reduce a bit, coating each piece in a glossy, sticky glaze. Stir gently for a couple of minutes—you’ll see the sauce thicken and cling. This is where the magic of the Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls really happens!

Step 4: Steam or Sauté the Vegetables

While the shrimp are getting saucy, steam your broccoli just until it’s bright green and tender-crisp. If you’re in the mood for a deeper flavor, give them a quick sauté to pick up a bit of caramelization and char. Either way, the vibrant veggies make these bowls feel extra satisfying.

Step 5: Build Your Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls

Spoon a generous portion of rice or quinoa into each bowl. Top with a heap of the glossy honey garlic shrimp, nestle the broccoli alongside, and drizzle any remaining sauce over everything. Scatter sliced green onions and, if you like, finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a flicker of red pepper flakes for color and zing.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls

Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Amp up the look and flavor of your Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls by showering them with fresh green onions and a pinch of sesame seeds. If you’re feeling adventurous, a quick grating of fresh lime zest or a squeeze of lemon adds brightness and zip.

Side Dishes

These bowls are plenty satisfying on their own, but for a bigger spread, serve them alongside crisp cucumber salad, steamed edamame with sea salt, or some quick-pickled carrots and radishes. A bowl of miso soup is also a cozy, complementary starter.

Creative Ways to Present

Switch things up by serving the honey garlic shrimp and veggies in lettuce wraps for a light, hands-on dinner, or layer them over rice noodles for a slurpy twist. These bowls also look stunning if you arrange everything in neat sections for that “deconstructed” poke bowl vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls, transfer the shrimp, rice, and veggies into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Store garnishes like green onions and sesame seeds separately, so they stay fresh and vibrant.

Freezing

While cooked shrimp can technically be frozen, they tend to lose a bit of their tenderness after thawing. If you want to prep ahead, you can freeze the cooked rice and steamed broccoli, then cook the shrimp fresh just before serving for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the rice, veggies, and shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat until just heated through—adding a splash of water helps revive the sauce. You can also microwave in short bursts, but be careful not to overdo it, so the shrimp stay juicy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls?

Absolutely! Frozen, thawed shrimp work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to pat them dry before cooking so the sauce clings beautifully and you get the best sear in the pan.

Is the recipe gluten-free?

Yes, with a simple swap: use tamari instead of regular soy sauce, and your Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls will be fully gluten-free—no one will taste the difference.

What other vegetables work in these bowls?

Feel free to experiment! Sautéed bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or even baby spinach all make Rainbow-worthy additions to your shrimp bowls, either mixed or as substitutes for broccoli.

Can I make Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls ahead of time?

You can prep the sauce, rice, and veggies in advance, then cook the shrimp and glaze them right before serving. This keeps the shrimp tasting their freshest and avoids rubbery reheats.

How spicy are these bowls?

The base recipe is very kid-friendly and mild, but you can kick things up by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce, or by drizzling with sriracha at the table for anyone craving extra heat.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a dinner that’s as easy as it is unforgettable, these Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls are destined to become one of your go-tos. They’re vibrant, packed with flavor, and totally customizable—so go ahead, gather your favorites, and give this recipe a spot in your weekly rotation. You’ll be glad you did!