High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp

Shrimp is a fast, versatile protein that shines in sweet-and-savory preparations. This high-protein honey garlic shrimp dish brings together caramelized honey, punchy garlic, and a bright splash of acid for a quick meal that satisfies both flavor and macro goals. If you like pairing strong flavors with muscle-building meals, try matching it with one of these high-protein smoothie recipes for an easy post-workout combo.

Why shrimp works for high-protein meals

Shrimp is lean and low in calories while packing about 20–24 g of protein per 100 g, making it ideal for muscle maintenance and weight management.
It cooks in minutes, which reduces nutrient loss and keeps meals convenient.
The clean flavor profile lets bold marinades like honey-garlic stand out without adding heavy fats.

Ingredients (serves 2)

12–16 oz (about 340–450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp honey
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
1–2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (low-sodium if preferred)
1 tbsp rice vinegar or lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped scallions and sesame seeds for garnish

Tip: For an extra smoky flavor suitable for outdoor cooking, consider incorporating shrimp into your rotation of high-protein foods for grilling.

Method

Pat shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Whisk honey, garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, oil, and red pepper flakes in a bowl to make the glaze.
Reserve about 2 tbsp of glaze for finishing. Toss shrimp in remaining glaze and let sit 5–10 minutes (or marinate up to 30 minutes).
Heat a nonstick skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil if using a skillet.
Cook shrimp 1.5–2 minutes per side until opaque and just cooked through. Avoid overcooking to keep shrimp tender.
Brush the reserved glaze over shrimp in the final 30 seconds to create a glossy finish. Remove from heat and garnish with scallions and sesame seeds.

Serving suggestions: pile over brown rice or quinoa for a balanced plate, toss into a salad for a lighter option, or serve with steamed vegetables and a wedge of lemon.

Variations and tips

Make it spicier: increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha to the glaze.
Keep it lower-carb: serve over cauliflower rice or leafy greens.
Bulk it up for meal prep: add chickpeas, edamame, or extra vegetables like bell peppers to increase fiber and volume without sacrificing protein.
Freezing: cooked shrimp is best fresh, but you can freeze blanched shrimp before glazing for quick future meals—thaw and finish with fresh glaze.

Nutrition snapshot (approx. per serving, shrimp-only portion)

Calories: ~220–300 (varies with portion size and glaze)
Protein: ~30–40 g
Fat: 6–10 g
Carbohydrates: 8–14 g (mainly from honey)
This makes the recipe excellent for people tracking macros who want a high-protein, flavorful entree.

Meal prep and timing

Shrimp is ideal for last-minute meals: marinate in the morning, cook in minutes at dinner.
For weekly meal prep, cook shrimp fresh and store components separately: pre-cook grains and vegetables, and refrigerate the glaze. Reheat shrimp gently (briefly) and toss with warm glaze to avoid rubbery texture.

Conclusion

If you want a tested, easy-to-follow version of this flavor profile, try the Allrecipes take on Honey-Garlic Shrimp for additional tips and measurements: Honey-Garlic Shrimp.