If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet incredibly simple to prepare, these Honey Garlic Glazed Shrimp Skewers with Lime Rice will quickly become a favorite in your weeknight rotation. Sweet, savory, and tangy, this recipe combines succulent shrimp coated in a sticky honey garlic glaze with bright, fragrant lime-infused jasmine rice. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a perfect balance of fresh ingredients and bold flavors that make for an impressive yet approachable meal.
Why This Honey Garlic Glazed Shrimp Skewers with Lime Rice Stands Out
What makes this recipe a standout is its perfect harmony between the sticky-sweet honey garlic glaze and the zesty lime rice. The shrimp are marinated briefly to soak up the garlicky goodness, then grilled to perfection, giving you a slight char and smoky depth. Paired with fluffy jasmine rice brightened with fresh lime zest and juice, every bite is a refreshing contrast of textures and tastes. Plus, the dish is nutritious, quick, and versatile enough for any occasion — from casual dinners to weekend gatherings.
If you’re a fan of shrimp dishes, you might also love the creamy richness of Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Gnocchi, which offers another delightful twist on seafood and garlic flavors.
Ingredient Breakdown
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the dish, these shrimp cook quickly and absorb the glaze beautifully. Opt for fresh or thawed frozen shrimp.
- 1/4 cup honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create that glossy, sticky glaze.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the glaze with aromatic pungency and depth.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Provides umami and saltiness to balance the honey’s sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice: Brightens the glaze and ties into the lime rice perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor without overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to lightly coat the shrimp and help with grilling.
- 1 cup jasmine rice: Aromatic, fluffy rice that’s the ideal base for the lime infusion.
- 2 cups water: For cooking the rice to tender perfection.
- 1 lime, zested and juiced: Adds vibrant citrus notes to the rice.
- Salt to taste: Essential for seasoning rice and glaze correctly.
- Fresh cilantro for garnish: Provides a fresh, herbal finish that complements the lime.
Equipment & Tools
- Grill or grill pan: For cooking the shrimp skewers evenly with a nice char.
- Skewers (wooden or metal): If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Medium saucepan: To cook the jasmine rice perfectly.
- Mixing bowls: For marinating the shrimp and mixing glaze ingredients.
- Whisk or fork: To blend the glaze ingredients smoothly.
- Tongs: Handy for flipping shrimp skewers on the grill.
- Zester or grater: To zest the lime for the rice.
Honey Garlic Glazed Shrimp Skewers with Lime Rice: From Prep to Plate
Step 1: Prepare the Lime Rice
Start by rinsing 1 cup of jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and water is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork. Stir in the zest and juice of one lime, adjusting salt to taste. Set aside, keeping it warm.
Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, fresh lime juice, ground black pepper, and garlic powder until well combined. This glaze will coat the shrimp with a sweet, savory, and tangy flavor.
Step 3: Marinate the Shrimp
Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and pour half of the honey garlic glaze over the shrimp. Toss to coat evenly and let marinate for at least 10 minutes to soak up the flavors.
Step 4: Thread Shrimp on Skewers
If using wooden skewers, ensure they’ve been soaked to prevent burning. Thread the shrimp onto the skewers, about 4-5 shrimp per skewer, leaving a little space between each to cook evenly.
Step 5: Grill the Shrimp
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the shrimp skewers on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, brushing occasionally with the remaining honey garlic glaze. The shrimp should be opaque and slightly charred on the edges when done.
Step 6: Assemble and Garnish
Serve the shrimp skewers over a bed of lime rice. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of color and herbal freshness. For an extra touch of flavor and texture, consider serving with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp salad.
If you’re looking for another delicious shrimp dish with a sweet garlic twist, check out these Crispy Honey Garlic Shrimp Rice Bowls that bring a crunchy element to the table.
Variations for Dietary Needs
- Vegetarian: Substitute shrimp with firm tofu or tempeh, marinated and grilled similarly.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
- Low-Sodium: Reduce or omit soy sauce and add salt to taste as needed.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the glaze for heat.
- Whole Grain: Swap jasmine rice for brown rice or quinoa for added fiber.
Avoid These Traps
- Don’t overcook the shrimp — they cook quickly and become rubbery if left too long on the grill.
- Avoid skipping the lime zest in the rice; it’s key to achieving that bright, fresh flavor.
- Make sure to soak wooden skewers to prevent them from burning during grilling.
- Resist adding all the glaze at once; saving some for basting during grilling helps build layers of flavor.
Freezer-Friendly Notes
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the shrimp prior to cooking. Marinate the shrimp and place them in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to one month. For the rice, it’s recommended to cook fresh rice for best texture, but cooked rice can be frozen separately and reheated gently with a splash of water to restore moisture.
Honey Garlic Glazed Shrimp Skewers with Lime Rice Q&A
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating. This ensures the glaze sticks well and the shrimp cook evenly.
What’s the best way to prevent shrimp from sticking to the grill?
Lightly oil the grill grates before heating them, and brush the shrimp with olive oil before placing them on the grill. This helps create a non-stick surface and avoids tearing the shrimp.
Can I prepare this dish without a grill?
Yes, you can use a grill pan or even broil the shrimp in the oven. Just keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking and turn once halfway through.
How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?
Shrimp turn from translucent to opaque with a slight pink hue when cooked through. They should curl into a loose “C” shape. Overcooked shrimp curl tightly and become rubbery.
Quick Weeknight Wins
- Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Gnocchi – A rich, comforting alternative with garlic-infused cream sauce and tender gnocchi.
- Crispy Honey Garlic Shrimp Rice Bowls – For those craving a crunchy texture paired with the same sweet garlic flavors.
Final Bite
This Honey Garlic Glazed Shrimp Skewers with Lime Rice recipe delivers a stunning balance of sweet, savory, and citrusy flavors that elevate simple ingredients into a memorable meal. The glaze’s sticky, aromatic coating on the shrimp pairs beautifully with the fragrant lime-infused jasmine rice, creating a dish that’s as pleasing to the palate as it is to the eyes. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or enjoy a hassle-free dinner, this recipe hits all the right notes.
Savor every bite, and don’t forget to experiment with the variations to make it your own culinary signature!
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Honey Garlic Glazed Shrimp Skewers with Lime Rice
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Rinse 1 cup of jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and water is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork. Stir in the zest and juice of one lime, adjusting salt to taste. Set aside, keeping warm.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, fresh lime juice, ground black pepper, and garlic powder until well combined to make the honey garlic glaze.
- Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and pour half of the honey garlic glaze over the shrimp. Toss to coat evenly and let marinate for at least 10 minutes.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the shrimp onto the skewers, about 4-5 shrimp per skewer, leaving space between each.
- Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates. Place shrimp skewers on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, brushing occasionally with the remaining honey garlic glaze. Cook until shrimp are opaque with a slight char.
- Serve shrimp skewers over lime rice and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Optionally serve with steamed vegetables or a crisp salad.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the shrimp to avoid a rubbery texture.
- Soak wooden skewers before grilling to prevent burning.
- Save some glaze for basting during grilling to build layers of flavor.
- Substitute shrimp with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
