Okay, friends, let me tell you — if you haven’t tried mixing sweet honey with a kick of heat and that garlicky goodness, you’re seriously missing out. These shrimp skewers bring together that sticky, shiny glaze that clings perfectly to every bite, while the spicy notes make your taste buds dance. Plus, they’re quick to throw together and grill up in no time, which means more time enjoying and less time sweating over the stove. I’m buzzing just thinking about the sizzle and aroma when these hit the grill—juicy, caramelized shrimp with that addictive honey glaze. Ready to spice up your next dinner? Let’s dive in!
Quick Facts
Yield: Serves 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 23 minutes
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
8 wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce / Garnish:
¼ cup honey
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
How I Make It
Step 1:
First, toss your peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This simple seasoning preps them for grilling and builds a subtle smoky base.
Step 2:
Thread the shrimp onto the soaked wooden skewers—about 4-5 shrimp per skewer. This keeps them intact and makes flipping easier on the grill or grill pan.
Step 3:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together honey, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Let it simmer gently until the garlic softens and the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes. Watch it carefully so the honey doesn’t burn!
Step 4:
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the shrimp skewers on and cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they’re pink and just starting to char.
Step 5:
Flip the skewers and brush generously with the honey garlic sauce. Cook another 2-3 minutes, continuing to brush on more sauce for that sticky glaze.
Step 6:
Remove the skewers from the grill, sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro if you want, and serve immediately with extra sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.
Variations & Tips
If you like it extra spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce or swap red pepper flakes for sriracha.
Swap shrimp for chicken pieces, but cook a little longer until chicken reaches 165°F.
Try adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice to the sauce for a zesty twist.
Use metal skewers if you want to save soaking time and have better heat conduction.
If grill marks aren’t an option, a hot cast-iron skillet works great for crisping the shrimp.
Don’t overcrowd the skewers; give shrimp a little breathing room to cook evenly.
How I Like to Serve It
These spicy honey garlic shrimp skewers shine with a side of fluffy jasmine rice or a crisp, fresh salad to balance that sweetness and heat. Summer cookouts? Absolutely perfect, especially paired with chilled corn on the cob and a cold drink. I also love them wrapped in warm tortillas with avocado for a quick shrimp taco night!
Notes
Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; best reheated quickly in a skillet with a splash of water.
If you want to skip the skewers, simply cook shrimp directly in the sauce over medium heat, stirring until fully cooked.
Closing: This recipe is my go-to whenever I want fast, flavorful, and finger-licking good shrimp — it never disappoints!
Hi, I’m Lina, the creator of Lina Easy Recipes. Cooking has always been my passion, and I love sharing simple, homemade dishes that anyone can prepare.
