Honey Garlic Shrimp Skewers

Name: Honey Garlic Shrimp Skewers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1/4 cup honey; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste; Wood or metal skewers

Highlighted under: International Dish Inspirations

I love making Honey Garlic Shrimp Skewers for gatherings because they are so easy and flavorful! The sweet and sticky glaze combines perfectly with the shrimp, creating a dish that's not only delicious but visually appealing. Grilling them adds a lovely smoky flavor that you just can't resist. In about 30 minutes, you can have these skewers ready to impress your friends and family. Trust me, they will be asking for seconds!

Created by

Tina

Last updated on 2026-01-13T12:07:31.211Z

When I first tried making Honey Garlic Shrimp Skewers, I was amazed at how quickly they disappeared at the dinner table. The balance of sweet honey and savory garlic is what makes this dish so addictive. The trick I found to keep the shrimp juicy is marinating them for at least 15 minutes before grilling—this helps them soak in all that wonderful flavor.

One evening, I decided to experiment with adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade and it really took the skewers to another level! The subtle heat balanced the sweetness perfectly, making them my new favorite appetizer. I can't wait for you to try them!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Perfectly caramelized shrimp with a sweet and savory glaze
Quick to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings
Versatile recipe that can be served as an appetizer or main dish

      

Marinating for Maximum Flavor

The marinade is the heart of the Honey Garlic Shrimp Skewers. Letting the shrimp soak in the mixture of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and olive oil for at least 15 minutes allows the flavors to penetrate the shrimp thoroughly, enhancing the overall taste. If you can spare an hour, I recommend marinating them longer in the fridge for even deeper flavor and a more impactful glaze when cooked.

Ensure that your shrimp are well-coated in the marinade. I often use a resealable plastic bag for marinating, as it allows for even distribution and prevents the shrimp from overcrowding in a bowl. Remember to flip the bag halfway through the marinating time to ensure all shrimp pieces get equal exposure to the flavorful marinade.

Perfecting the Grill Technique

Grilling the skewers requires a medium-high heat setting, typically around 375°F to 450°F. Make sure to preheat your grill for at least 10-15 minutes before placing the skewers on it. This will help to achieve that beautiful, caramelized exterior while keeping the shrimp tender and juicy inside. A hot grill also helps prevent the shrimp from sticking to the grates.

To check if the shrimp are done, look for a vibrant pink color and opaque appearance, which usually indicates they are cooked through. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp can quickly turn rubbery. Three to four minutes on each side should suffice, but keep an eye on them as grill temperatures can vary. If using wooden skewers, soaking them in water for about 30 minutes before grilling helps prevent burning.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to make your Honey Garlic Shrimp Skewers.

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 cup honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Wood or metal skewers

Make sure to soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes if you're using them.

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to prepare your Honey Garlic Shrimp Skewers.

Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Marinate the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the marinade and let them soak for at least 15 minutes.

Assemble the Skewers

Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.

Grill the Skewers

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and grill the skewers for 2-3 minutes per side or until the shrimp is pink and cooked through.

Serve

Remove from the grill and serve immediately, drizzling any leftover marinade over the top.

Enjoy your skewers fresh off the grill!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, add vegetables like bell peppers or onion to the skewers. They're a great way to add color and texture!

Serving Suggestions

These Honey Garlic Shrimp Skewers shine as both a main dish and an appetizer. For a hearty meal, I suggest pairing them with a refreshing side salad or a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa, which helps soak up the delightful glaze. If serving as an appetizer, consider offering toothpicks with the skewers for easy handling. For added presentation, garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds before serving.

For an exciting flavor twist, serve the skewers with a side of spicy dipping sauce, like sriracha mixed with a bit of the leftover marinade for a complementary kick. Alternatively, you can serve a lime wedge on the side to drizzle fresh citrus over the skewers just before eating, enhancing both the flavor and appearance of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, store the skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When reheating, be cautious to avoid drying out the shrimp. I recommend using a non-stick pan over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes, just until warmed through. You can also microwave them in short bursts of 30 seconds, checking frequently to prevent overcooking.

Although these skewers are best enjoyed fresh, they can also be frozen if you have leftovers after a gathering. Lay the skewers flat in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer bag once solid. They’ll keep well for up to three months. Reheat them straight from the freezer by grilling for a few extra minutes, ensuring they are heated all the way through.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

→ How long can I marinate the shrimp?

You can marinate the shrimp for up to 1 hour, but avoid marinating too long as the shrimp can become mushy.

→ What should I serve with the skewers?

These skewers pair well with rice, a green salad, or steamed vegetables.

→ Can I bake these skewers instead of grilling?

Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 10-12 minutes.