On a warm summer evening, when the sun lingers a little longer, there’s nothing quite like a quick, satisfying dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. This creamy shrimp pasta is just that—a delightful blend of succulent shrimp and velvety sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s simple, light, and perfect for those nights when you want to spend more time savoring the season and less time in the kitchen.
Steps
- Whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger (if using) in a medium bowl. Divide the mixture in half; one part for marinating the shrimp and the other for cooking.
- Place the shrimp in a large resealable container or bag. Pour half of the marinade over the shrimp, shake or stir to coat well, and refrigerate for 15 minutes to marinate. Keep the remaining marinade refrigerated for later use.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated shrimp, discarding the used marinade, and cook until one side is pink, approximately 45 seconds.
- Flip the shrimp, pour in the reserved marinade, and continue cooking until the shrimp are cooked through, about 1-2 minutes more.
- Serve the shrimp with the cooked marinade sauce, garnished with green onions if desired. This dish pairs well with brown rice and steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup of honey
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce (preferably reduced sodium)
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon of pre-minced garlic from a jar)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon of freshly minced ginger
- 1 pound of medium-sized raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 teaspoons of olive oil
- Optional garnish: chopped green onions
FAQ
- Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Make sure to thaw them completely before marinating and cooking. If using pre-cooked frozen shrimp, you just need to heat them in the sauce.
- How long should I marinate the shrimp?
- The shrimp should be marinated for at least 15 minutes, but you can marinate them for up to 8-12 hours for enhanced flavor.
- Can I thicken the sauce?
- Certainly! You can thicken the sauce by adding 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 teaspoon of warm water to the sauce before cooking the shrimp.
- Is it necessary to use fresh ginger in the marinade?
- Fresh ginger is optional and adds extra flavor, but the recipe is still delicious without it.
- What sides pair well with honey garlic shrimp?
- This dish pairs wonderfully with brown rice and steamed vegetables. It can also be served over a salad for a light meal.
Tips
- Thicken the Sauce: Consider adding 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with warm water to the sauce used for cooking to achieve a thicker consistency, which prevents it from being too watery.
- Marinating Time: While marinating the shrimp for 15 minutes is sufficient, you can enhance the flavor by marinating for up to 8-12 hours if time allows.
- Ingredient Alternatives: If using refrigerated jarred garlic, use 1 teaspoon, but feel free to adjust this to taste. Freshly minced garlic can also be used for a stronger flavor.
- Use of Marinade: To avoid concerns about using leftover marinade, ensure to separate it into halves—one for marinating and one for cooking—discarding any marinade that was in contact with raw shrimp.
Equipment
- Glass Mixing Bowls – Often used for preparing and mixing ingredients.
- Skillet – Necessary for cooking the shrimp. A good quality non-stick or stainless steel skillet would be ideal.
