Last Updated on October 30, 2024 by Arif Chowdhury
Listen, I’ve got a confession to make – I used to think healthy eating meant saying goodbye to all things delicious.
Girl, was I wrong!
After stumbling upon this honey garlic shrimp skewer recipe during one of my late-night Pinterest binges, I’ve become somewhat obsessed.
And get this: a 2023 survey found that shrimp ranks as the most popular seafood in America, with the average person consuming about 4.6 pounds annually!
Why This Recipe Will Make You Look Like a Kitchen Genius
Before we dive into the good stuff, here’s something that’ll blow your mind: shrimp is packed with protein (20 grams per 3-ounce serving!) while being surprisingly low in calories.
It’s basically the superhero of seafood for anyone watching their waistline.
What You’ll Need (Your Shopping List)
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (don’t be shy!)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust if you’re a spice warrior)
- Wooden skewers
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
The Magic Behind the Marinade
Fun fact: A study in the Journal of Nutrition found that compounds in garlic can help boost metabolism by up to 8%! So while you’re enjoying these flavor bombs, your body’s working overtime.
The Marinade Mix-Up
- In a bowl big enough to host a shrimp party, whisk together minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, olive oil, lime juice, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Reserve about ¼ cup of marinade for later (trust me on this one).
- Toss your shrimp in the remaining marinade and let them hang out in the fridge for 30 minutes. Any longer and they’ll start getting weird on you.
Let’s Get Cooking!
Prep Work (5 minutes):
- Soak those wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes (unless you enjoy the taste of burnt wood).
- Thread your marinated shrimp onto skewers like you’re making seafood jewelry.
The Main Event (10 minutes):
- Fire up your grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F).
- Place your skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Brush with reserved marinade while grilling (this is where the magic happens).
- They’re done when they turn pink and slightly charred.
Serving It Up
Lay these bad boys over a bed of fluffy brown rice. I like to sprinkle some chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top because, let’s be real, we eat with our eyes first.
Storage Secrets
If you somehow manage to have leftovers (who are you?), they’ll keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days. But let’s be honest – they’ve never lasted that long in my house.
The Skinny on Nutrition
Per serving (about 4 skewers with ½ cup rice):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 42g
- Fat: 8g
Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
- Don’t skip the marinating time – those 30 minutes are crucial for flavor invasion.
- If you’re meal prepping, keep the sauce separate until you’re ready to cook.
- Indoor cooking? A grill pan works great too!
Look, I’m not saying these honey garlic shrimp skewers will change your life, but my neighbor Dave hasn’t stopped asking for the recipe since I brought them to last summer’s BBQ.
And honestly? That’s all the endorsement I need.