Honey Garlic Shrimp Rice Bowl

This Honey Garlic Shrimp and Rice Bowl is my answer to those hectic evenings when everyone is starving and takeout is calling your name. Juicy shrimp gets tossed in the quickest sweet-savory garlic sauce you will ever whip up and layered over steaming rice for a comfort meal that never lets me down. Every bite delivers bold flavor with barely any effort or cleanup.

This is now the top meal request at my house ever since I made it after a long day and we had dinner on the table before anyone could say they were too hungry to wait. It has become a staple for us when we crave something warm and hearty but short on time.

Ingredients

• Large shrimp: peeled and deveined Look for shrimp with firm texture and a clean sea smell for flavor and best results
• Honey: for sweetness Choose pure honey for a rich taste that makes the sauce shine
• Low sodium soy sauce: lets you control the seasoning while adding umami
• Fresh garlic: four cloves minced The essential backbone for bold flavor
• Fresh ginger: grated Adds a tingling warmth and zing Look for plump smooth roots
• Olive oil: for sautéing Makes the shrimp golden and helps the sauce cling
• Cooked white or brown rice: The foundation for a filling bowl Use fresh or leftover rice warmed up
• Cornstarch (optional): for a thick glossy sauce Only use a little for best consistency
• Water: if using cornstarch This activates the thickener without lumps
• Green onions: sliced for garnish Adds color and crunch Use the bright green parts for the freshest flavor
• Sesame seeds: for garnish Brings a nutty finish and pretty contrast Choose toasted seeds for best aroma

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Rice:

Prepare the rice following the package directions Use a rice cooker or stovetop as you prefer and fluff with a fork when done This can be done ahead to save even more time

Make the Sauce:

In a small bowl whisk together honey soy sauce minced garlic and grated ginger If thickening is desired make a slurry with cornstarch and water then whisk into the sauce until smooth

Cook the Shrimp:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet set over medium high Add the shrimp in one layer Do not crowd them so they brown nicely Cook on the first side for two to three minutes until the bottom turns pink and a little golden brown Flip and cook the other side the same way The shrimp should look just cooked through and plump

Add the Sauce:

Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over the cooked shrimp in the skillet Stir to coat every shrimp and let it bubble for two to three minutes More time lets the sauce reduce and thicken so it glazes the shrimp taste as you go

Serve:

Spoon hot rice into bowls Top with plenty of shrimp and a generous drizzle of sauce Scatter sliced green onions and sesame seeds over each bowl Serve right away while everything is hot and glossy

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I cannot resist the combination of ginger and honey They make the sauce bright and just a little fiery One night my kids helped stir in the green onions and they ended up eating every last shrimp so do not skip the fun garnishes

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to two days If reheating use gentle microwave bursts or a quick toss in a skillet to keep the shrimp tender If you have extra rice reheat it separately and combine before serving

Ingredient Substitutions

Chicken breast or pressed firm tofu can stand in for shrimp if needed Tamari works for a gluten free soy sauce swap You can use brown rice for more fiber or even try the sauce over cooked quinoa for a twist

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Serving Suggestions

Add broccoli or snap peas right at the end to steam in the pan if you want some veggies in your bowl Sometimes I stir a drizzle of chili crisp on top for a spicy kick This meal goes great with crisp cucumber salad or edamame on the side

Cultural and Historical Context

Honey garlic sauce is beloved throughout various Asian inspired cuisines combining the sweetness of honey with the deep savory notes of garlic and soy This bowl brings those flavors together in a format that is all about comfort and ease blending global tastes with the practicality of a weeknight dinner

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of shrimp works best?

Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp are ideal for this dish, as they cook quickly and soak up the sauce well.

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, thaw the shrimp completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.

→ Is brown rice a good substitute?

Absolutely, both brown and white rice work well. Choose according to your preference or dietary needs.

→ How do I thicken the sauce?

Mix cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the sauce while it simmers to achieve a thicker glaze.

→ What garnishes add extra flavor?

Try freshly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for brightness and crunch.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

It's best served fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated for a fast lunch or dinner.