Honey-Glazed Shrimp and Asparagus

Name: Honey-Glazed Shrimp and Asparagus
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces; 1/4 cup honey; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; Salt and pepper to taste; Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Healthy Recipe Ideas

I absolutely love making Honey-Glazed Shrimp and Asparagus! This dish beautifully balances sweet and savory flavors, creating a mouthwatering experience that never fails to impress. The plump shrimp glisten with the sticky honey glaze, while the asparagus maintains its delightful crunch. In just 30 minutes, I can serve up a vibrant and nutritious meal that's perfect for any occasion. Whether it's a busy weeknight or an inviting weekend dinner, this recipe hits the spot every time. I can't wait to share it with you!

Created by

Emma Johnson

Last updated on 2026-02-04T17:29:28.093Z

When I first tried Honey-Glazed Shrimp and Asparagus at a friend's gathering, I was blown away by the delicious combination of flavors. I decided to recreate it in my own kitchen, and it quickly became a regular staple in our meals. The key is to marinate the shrimp just long enough to soak in the honey-soy glaze before cooking, ensuring that each shrimp is bursting with flavor.

To elevate the dish further, I like to add a sprinkle of sesame seeds right before serving. Not only does it add a lovely crunch, but it also enhances the visual appeal. Cooking the asparagus until it's tender-crisp is crucial; it maintains its vibrant color and nutrients, making this dish not just tasty but also healthy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes.
The sweet honey glaze perfectly complements the savory shrimp.
A colorful, nutritious dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredient Insights

The star of this dish, shrimp, not only delivers flavor but also contributes protein and a satisfying texture. For optimal results, select shrimp that are firm and has a slightly translucent appearance. Large shrimp, around 16/20 count, provide the ideal size to hold up against the glaze yet stay juicy when cooked. If fresh shrimp aren’t available, frozen shrimp can be substituted; just be sure to thaw them thoroughly in the refrigerator for a few hours before marinating.

As for the asparagus, it’s essential to choose bright green stalks with firm tips and no blemishes. The vibrant color indicates freshness and optimal flavor. While I prefer traditional green asparagus in this recipe, you can also experiment with purple or white asparagus. Both versions add a unique twist to the dish, but be mindful of cooking times, as thicker stalks may require a longer sauté to achieve that perfect tender-crisp texture.

Technique Tips

Marinating the shrimp is a crucial step that allows the flavors to penetrate deeply. I recommend a full 10 minutes for maximum flavor absorption. If time permits, consider extending the marination to 30 minutes but avoid any longer as the shrimp can start to break down due to the acidity in the soy sauce. This brief marinating time also ensures the shrimp remain tender instead of becoming gummy.

When cooking the asparagus, it's important to monitor the heat closely. Sauté them over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, to achieve a tender-crisp result. Visual cues should guide you; look for the vibrant green color and a slight char on some edges, which typically takes about 3–4 minutes. If they start to wilt, it's a sign they’re overcooked, but if you pull them off at just the right moment, they'll maintain their crunch and nutritional benefits.

Serving and Storing

Serve this dish hot, garnished with sesame seeds for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal. To enhance the meal further, consider pairing it with steamed jasmine rice or quinoa, which complements the honey glaze beautifully. If you're feeling adventurous, a drizzle of sriracha or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can add a spicy kick that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the glaze.

For leftovers, store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, do so gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp. If you prefer to freeze, keep in mind that the texture may change slightly upon thawing. To minimize this, avoid freezing the asparagus as it loses its crispness; instead, freeze just the shrimp and use them in a soup or stir-fry later.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp and Asparagus

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Salt and pepper to taste
Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Marinate the Shrimp

In a bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper. Add the shrimp and toss to coat. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.

Cook the Asparagus

While the shrimp marinates, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the trimmed asparagus and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Cook the Shrimp

In the same skillet, add the marinated shrimp along with the marinade. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.

Combine and Serve

Return the asparagus to the skillet and toss everything together until heated through. Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds if desired.

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a splash of lime juice during the cooking process. It brightens the dish and adds a refreshing zing.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

A common issue that can arise when making this dish is overcooking the shrimp. Keep a close watch on them; once they turn pink and opaque, they are done. If you find your shrimp turning too rubbery, it likely means they were cooked for too long. Promptly remove them from heat as they will continue to cook slightly from residual heat even after being taken off the skillet.

Regarding the glaze, if you find it too runny, consider letting it simmer for a minute or two in the skillet before combining it with the shrimp. This will allow it to thicken slightly, resulting in that desirable sticky consistency. Conversely, if the glaze becomes overly thick while cooking, add a splash of water to loosen it up.

Variations to Try

If you're looking to mix flavors, consider adding different vegetables alongside the asparagus, like bell peppers or snap peas for added color and taste. These veggies can be sautéed together with the asparagus. Just ensure that they are all cut uniformly to manage even cooking. Alternatively, to make this recipe more hearty, toss in some cooked rice noodles during the final combine step for a delicious and filling twist.

For those who prefer a bit of heat, incorporate chili garlic sauce into the marinade to add a spicy depth to the glaze. If you're accommodating dietary restrictions, swap out regular soy sauce for a gluten-free version or use tamari, which has a similar flavor profile and is a great alternative for a gluten-free diet.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

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

→ What can I substitute for asparagus?

You can use green beans or snap peas for a similar crunch.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Add some red pepper flakes to the marinade for a kick of heat.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can marinate the shrimp in advance, but it's best to cook them fresh for the best texture.