High-Protein Honey Garlic Shrimp

Honey-garlic shrimp is a quick, flavorful dish that pairs the sweet depth of honey with the savory punch of garlic and soy. By focusing on lean seafood and protein-forward sides, you can turn this weeknight favorite into a genuinely high-protein meal that’s ready in 20–30 minutes.

Why this is high-protein

Shrimp are naturally high in protein and low in fat and calories. A 100 g (3.5 oz) portion of cooked shrimp provides roughly 20–24 g of protein. When paired with protein-rich sides such as quinoa, edamame, or a Greek yogurt–based slaw, a single plate can easily deliver 30–50 g of protein — ideal for active lifestyles or anyone wanting a satiating dinner.

Ingredients (serves 4)

1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
3 tbsp honey
1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water (slurry)
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Fresh lime wedges, for serving

High-protein side suggestions (choose one or combine):

1 cup cooked quinoa (cooked weight) — about 8 g protein
1 cup shelled edamame — about 17 g protein
1 cup cooked farro or bulgur — 6–8 g protein
1/2 cup low-fat Greek yogurt mixed with lemon and dill (as a slaw dressing) — adds ~10 g protein per 1/2 cup

Quick method

Pat shrimp dry with paper towels; season lightly with salt and pepper.
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and sear 1–2 minutes per side until just pink; remove and set aside.
Reduce heat to medium and pour the sauce mixture into the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken. Cook 1 minute until glossy.
Return shrimp to the pan and toss to coat thoroughly, cooking 30–60 seconds more to reheat the shrimp and marry flavors.
Remove from heat, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and serve immediately with chosen high-protein sides and lime wedges.

Approximate nutrition per serving (shrimp + quinoa side, 4 servings): ~350–420 kcal, 30–38 g protein, 10–14 g fat, 30–40 g carbs. Exact values depend on portion sizes and sides.

Tips to maximize protein and flavor

Use extra shrimp: Increasing shrimp to 1.5 lb raises protein per portion without adding many calories.
Double up on edamame: Stir some shelled edamame into the quinoa for texture and a protein boost.
Make a protein-rich slaw: Mix shredded cabbage, grated carrot, and diced cucumber with 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, lemon, and herbs for added protein and cooling contrast.
Avoid overheating honey: Cook sauce on medium heat and add the honey after deglazing to prevent scorching and bitterness.
Marinate briefly: For more flavor, marinate shrimp 15–30 minutes in half the sauce (reserve remaining sauce for cooking). Don’t exceed 30 minutes for shrimp or the acid will start to “cook” the flesh.

Variations

Spicy: Add sriracha or increase red pepper flakes.
Low-sugar: Swap honey for a sugar-free syrup or reduce honey and increase vinegar/sesame for balance.
Keto: Replace quinoa with cauliflower rice and use a sugar substitute in the glaze.
Surf & Turf: Add thinly sliced flank steak cooked separately for an even higher-protein plate.

Meal prep & storage

Cooked shrimp: Best eaten same day; can be refrigerated up to 24–48 hours.
Sauce and sides: Store separately in airtight containers for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating: Gently reheat shrimp in a skillet over low heat or briefly in a microwave to avoid rubberiness.

Serving suggestions

Serve over a bed of quinoa with steamed broccoli and edamame for a balanced bowl.
Wrap in whole-grain tortillas with slaw and avocado for protein-packed tacos.
Plate with a leafy green salad and lemon-greek yogurt dressing for a lighter option.

Conclusion

If you want a tested reference for a honey-garlic shrimp glaze and technique while building a high-protein meal around it, check this Honey-Garlic Shrimp recipe for ideas and measurements: Honey-Garlic Shrimp.