Honey Shrimp and Green Beans: Your Go-To 20-Minute Weeknight Dinner
Searching for a meal that’s both incredibly quick and bursting with flavor? Look no further! This Honey Shrimp and Green Beans recipe is a true game-changer, promising a delightful dinner in just about 20 minutes. Crafted with a handful of accessible ingredients, this dish delivers a savory and slightly sweet experience that will quickly become a family favorite. It’s the perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you crave something homemade and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
For a complete and utterly delicious meal, we highly recommend serving this vibrant dish with fluffy garlic buttery rice or your favorite noodles. The rich, sticky sauce is designed to be soaked up by these accompaniments, ensuring every bite is packed with incredible taste. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this effortlessly gourmet creation!
One of the key secrets to achieving perfectly cooked honey shrimp and green beans lies in cooking them separately initially. Shrimp, being delicate, cooks extremely quickly, often in just a minute or two per side. Green beans, on the other hand, require a bit more time to reach that tender-crisp perfection. By cooking them in stages, you ensure both components are cooked ideally without overcooking the shrimp or undercooking the beans. However, the magic truly happens when you bring them together with our irresistible honey garlic sauce. Once the sauce is added, combine everything in the skillet and let it simmer for just a minute or two to allow the flavors to meld beautifully and the sauce to thicken slightly. It’s a simple technique that yields fantastic results!
Looking for more tantalizing shrimp recipes to add to your repertoire? Explore these other fantastic options: for a comforting classic, try our Southern fried shrimp; for a lighter, oven-baked option, don’t miss the baked shrimp and asparagus; and for a refreshing, zesty appetizer, our shrimp ceviche is a must-try. Each offers a unique way to enjoy this versatile seafood!
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS EASY HONEY SHRIMP RECIPE
This Honey Shrimp and Green Beans recipe isn’t just another meal; it’s a culinary triumph for several compelling reasons:
- Healthy and Versatile Veggies: Green beans are packed with nutrients, offering a delicious and healthy base for your meal. But why stop there? This recipe is incredibly adaptable, allowing you to easily incorporate more vegetables to boost its nutritional value and appeal. Think colorful bell peppers for a sweet crunch, earthy mushrooms for umami depth, tender broccoli florets, or even asparagus. This flexibility makes it easy to customize based on what’s in season or what you have on hand, ensuring you and your family get a generous dose of goodness.
- Irresistible Sauce-Soaking Goodness: The secret weapon of this dish is its perfectly balanced honey-soy garlic sauce. It’s sweet, savory, and has just the right amount of tang. When served with rice, noodles, or even quinoa, these grains act like sponges, soaking up every last drop of that flavorful sauce. The result is a symphony of tastes and textures that makes every spoonful utterly addictive. It’s truly a sauce you’ll want to savor!
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Forget long grocery lists and obscure items! This recipe champions simplicity, requiring only a few common ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry or can easily find at any local grocery store. This makes it an incredibly convenient option for a last-minute dinner or when you’re looking to minimize fuss. Despite its simplicity, the combination of honey, soy, and garlic creates a complex and deeply satisfying flavor profile that tastes much more elaborate than it is.
- Lightning-Fast Preparation: In today’s fast-paced world, time is a luxury. This recipe respects that, delivering a wholesome and delicious meal from start to finish in approximately 20 minutes. This makes it an absolute lifesaver for busy weeknights, offering a healthy alternative to takeout without sacrificing flavor or quality.
- Customizable to Your Taste: Whether you prefer a sweeter profile, a bolder savory kick, or a hint of spice, this recipe is designed for personalization. It’s easy to adjust the ratios of honey and soy sauce, and the addition of chili flakes allows you to control the heat. This adaptability ensures that everyone at the table can enjoy it exactly how they like it.
ESSENTIAL INGREDIENT NOTES FOR PERFECT HONEY SHRIMP
Understanding each ingredient’s role is key to mastering this delicious honey shrimp and green beans recipe. Here’s a deeper look:
- Shrimp – For the best results, you’ll want to use raw shrimp that are already peeled and deveined. This saves a lot of prep time. If you’re using frozen shrimp, it’s crucial to thaw them completely before cooking. The best way to do this is to place them in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes or refrigerate them overnight. Once thawed, pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. Excess moisture can prevent the shrimp from searing properly, leading to a steamed rather than beautifully browned texture, and can dilute your delicious sauce. Medium to large shrimp (31/40 count or 26/30 count) work well, as they cook evenly and have a good bite.
- Green Beans – Fresh green beans are highly recommended for their crisp texture and vibrant flavor. Avoid using frozen green beans for this recipe, as they tend to become mushy and lack the desired snap when stir-fried. Before cooking, remember to wash and trim the ends of the green beans. If you’re not a fan of green beans, or simply want to switch things up, feel free to substitute with other firm vegetables like fresh broccoli florets, asparagus spears, snap peas, or even thin slices of bell peppers or carrots.
- Soy Sauce – This forms the rich, umami-packed base of your sauce. We recommend using a good quality light (or “all-purpose”) soy sauce. If you’re watching your sodium intake, a low-sodium variety works perfectly. For those who need a gluten-free option, tamari is an excellent substitute that offers a similar depth of flavor.
- Honey – The star sweetener that gives this dish its signature glaze and balances the savory notes of the soy sauce. Any kind of liquid honey will work beautifully. If you don’t have honey on hand, or prefer a different sweetener, you can use an equal amount of brown sugar or maple syrup as a substitute, though the flavor profile will subtly change.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic is absolutely essential for the best flavor! Finely mincing fresh garlic cloves releases their aromatic oils, infusing the sauce with an unparalleled depth. While pre-minced garlic can be a time-saver, it often lacks the punch and brightness of fresh garlic. Aim for 2-3 cloves, depending on your love for garlic.
- Cornstarch – This humble ingredient is your secret weapon for achieving that perfectly glossy, slightly thickened sauce that clings beautifully to the shrimp and green beans. Cornstarch, when mixed with a cold liquid (like soy sauce or water) before being added to heat, prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, luscious consistency.
- Sesame Oil – While optional, a dash of toasted sesame oil adds an incredible nutty aroma and distinct Asian-inspired flavor that truly elevates the dish. Add it at the end of cooking for the most potent fragrance, as its flavor can diminish with prolonged heat.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional) – For those who enjoy a little kick, red pepper flakes provide a gentle warmth and subtle heat that complements the sweet and savory notes. Adjust the quantity to your preference, or omit if you prefer a mild dish.
- Oil – You’ll need a neutral cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil, for searing the green beans and shrimp.
EXPERT TIPS FOR HONEY SHRIMP PERFECTION
Achieving restaurant-quality Honey Shrimp and Green Beans at home is easy with these insider tips:
- Customize to Your Palate: This recipe is incredibly flexible! Taste the sauce before adding it to the pan and adjust it to your personal preference. If you desire a sweeter profile, feel free to add another teaspoon or two of honey. For a saltier or more umami-rich flavor, a splash more soy sauce or a pinch of salt can do the trick. Remember, balance is key, so add gradually and taste as you go.
- Control the Heat: We’ve included a suggestion for red pepper flakes to add a subtle hint of spice. If you’re a fan of extra heat, don’t be shy! You can add a more generous amount of red pepper flakes, or for a bolder, more complex spice, a dollop of sriracha or chili garlic sauce works wonderfully. For a milder dish, simply omit the flakes entirely.
- Elevate with Garnishes: A simple garnish can elevate both the presentation and flavor of your dish. Sprinkling fresh, thinly sliced scallions (green onions) adds a mild, oniony crunch and beautiful color. Toasted sesame seeds offer a delicate nutty flavor and an appealing texture. You could also try a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice for an extra burst of freshness.
- Protein Swaps: While shrimp is fantastic in this recipe, it’s incredibly versatile with other proteins too. Thinly sliced chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces, make an excellent alternative. Simply cook the chicken until it’s fully cooked through before adding the sauce. Scallops are another superb option, cooking quickly like shrimp and soaking up the flavors beautifully. For a vegetarian option, firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed, would also work well.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks very quickly, and overcooked shrimp can become rubbery. Cook for just 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. They will finish cooking briefly in the sauce.
- High Heat for Searing: When cooking the green beans and shrimp, ensure your skillet is adequately hot (medium-high heat) to achieve a nice sear and prevent them from steaming. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- Prep Ahead for Speed: To truly make this a 20-minute meal, do your prep work in advance. Whisk the sauce ingredients together and mince the garlic earlier in the day. Trim the green beans and have your shrimp thawed and patted dry. This mise en place makes cooking a breeze.
STORAGE AND REHEATING MADE EASY
Got leftovers? No problem! This honey shrimp and green beans dish stores and reheats beautifully, making it excellent for meal prep or enjoying again the next day.
Allow any remaining portions to cool completely to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation and helps maintain food safety. Once cooled, transfer the honey shrimp and green beans to an airtight container. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best quality, we recommend consuming it within this timeframe.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply reheat them until heated through. You have a few options:
- Microwave: This is the quickest method. Place your portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until warmed to your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat the shrimp, as they can become rubbery.
- Stovetop: For a more even reheat, especially if you have a larger portion, transfer the leftovers to a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a tiny splash of water or broth to help create some steam and prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until thoroughly warmed. This method helps preserve the texture of the green beans.
We do not recommend freezing this dish, as the texture of shrimp and green beans can change significantly upon thawing, becoming less appealing.
Tried this incredibly easy and flavorful recipe? We’d love to hear from you! Please consider leaving a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below and/or sharing your thoughts with a review in the comments section further down the page. Your feedback helps others discover and enjoy this recipe too! And for more delicious meal ideas and culinary inspiration, don’t forget to follow me on Facebook or Pinterest!
Honey Shrimp and Green Beans
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Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp , peeled and deveined (thawed and patted dry if frozen)
- 10 ounces fresh green beans , trimmed
- ¼ cup soy sauce, low sodium or tamari for gluten-free
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil , toasted (optional, for flavor)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional, adjust to taste
- 2 garlic cloves, freshly finely minced for best flavor
- cooking oil , e.g., vegetable, canola, or avocado oil
Instructions
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Heat about 2 tablespoons of your chosen cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 5-6 minutes, tossing frequently, until they are tender-crisp and slightly charred in places. Remove the green beans from the skillet and set aside.
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While the green beans are cooking, prepare the flavorful honey-soy sauce. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, sesame oil (if using), red pepper flakes (if using), and minced garlic. Whisk everything together until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the sauce is well combined.
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Return the skillet to medium-high heat. If needed, add another teaspoon of oil. Add the patted-dry shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer. Cook for just 20-30 seconds on each side, until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and a good sear.
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Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the cooked shrimp. Immediately add the cooked green beans back to the skillet. Mix everything well, tossing to ensure the shrimp and green beans are evenly coated in the glistening sauce. Let it simmer for a minute or two, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving. Enjoy your delicious 20-minute dinner!
Notes
- The recipe can easily be adjusted to your liking. If you want it sweeter, add more honey; if you want it saltier, add more soy sauce or a pinch of salt.
- I used red pepper flakes to add a little bit of heat, but if you like it extra spicy, add a generous amount of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.
- Garnish with fresh scallions or toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch and enhanced flavor.
- This versatile recipe also works wonderfully with thinly sliced chicken breasts or delicate scallops as protein alternatives.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation. It can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Additional Info
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