Oh my gosh, you have to try these hot honey garlic shrimp skewers! They’re my go-to when I need something ridiculously flavorful but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. I discovered this sweet-spicy combo during a summer cookout when I accidentally dumped extra honey into my usual garlic shrimp marinade – best kitchen “oops” ever! The shrimp cook in minutes, and that sticky, fiery-sweet glaze? Absolute magic. I’ve made this for everything from quick weeknight dinners to backyard parties, and every single time, people go crazy for those perfect little bite-sized morsels of deliciousness.

Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Hot Honey Garlic Shrimp Skewers
Trust me, once you try these skewers, they’ll become your new obsession. Here’s why:
- Lightning fast – From fridge to plate in under 30 minutes (perfect for those “I’m starving NOW” moments)
- Easy-peasy – Just mix, skewer, and grill (my 10-year-old niece could make these!)
- Flavor bomb – That sweet-spicy-tangy glaze will make you lick the skewers clean
- Guilt-free – Packed with protein, low in calories, and way healthier than takeout
- Crowd favorite – I’ve served these to picky kids and foodie friends with equal success
Ingredients for Hot Honey Garlic Shrimp Skewers
Okay, let’s talk ingredients – and I mean exactly what you’ll need to make these skewers taste incredible. I’ve learned through many (many!) test batches that these specific amounts and quality ingredients make all the difference between “meh” and “WOW.” Here’s everything you’ll grab:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (21-25 count works best – trust me on the size!)
- 3 tbsp honey – the good, runny kind that coats everything beautifully
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is non-negotiable – no jarred stuff!)
- 1 tbsp sriracha – or more if you’re feeling brave
- 1 tbsp soy sauce – I use low-sodium to control saltiness
- 1 tbsp olive oil – helps everything caramelize on the grill
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes – for that extra kick
- 1/2 tsp black pepper – freshly ground if you’ve got it
- 1/4 tsp salt – just enough to enhance without overpowering
- 1 tbsp lemon juice – the bright, fresh touch that balances the heat
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes (so they don’t turn into little torches on your grill!)
See? Nothing fancy or hard to find – just simple ingredients that work absolute magic together. Now let’s make some skewers!
Print
Hot Honey Garlic Shrimp Skewers in Just 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Juicy shrimp skewers glazed with a sweet and spicy hot honey garlic sauce. Quick to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix honey, minced garlic, sriracha, soy sauce, olive oil, red pepper flakes, black pepper, salt, and lemon juice.
- Thread shrimp onto skewers, about 4-5 per skewer.
- Brush the shrimp skewers generously with the hot honey garlic sauce.
- Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and slightly charred.
- Brush with extra sauce while cooking.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- Adjust sriracha to control spiciness.
- If using bamboo skewers, soak them for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Serve with rice or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: hot honey garlic shrimp, shrimp skewers, grilled shrimp, spicy shrimp, honey garlic sauce
Equipment You’ll Need
Don’t worry – you don’t need fancy gear for these skewers! Just grab:
- A grill or grill pan (my trusty cast-iron one works wonders when it’s too cold outside)
- A medium mixing bowl for that glorious sauce
- Wooden skewers (remember to soak ’em!)
- A basting brush – silicone ones won’t lose bristles in your food
That’s it! Now let’s get cooking. If you’re craving another shrimp favorite, try this crispy and tropical Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp that pairs perfectly with sweet dipping sauces.
How to Make Hot Honey Garlic Shrimp Skewers
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part – making these irresistible skewers! I’ll walk you through each step like I’m right there in your kitchen (wearing my favorite “Kiss the Cook” apron, of course). Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have restaurant-quality shrimp skewers in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Hot Honey Garlic Sauce
First, grab that mixing bowl and let’s make magic happen. Whisk together the honey, garlic, sriracha, soy sauce, olive oil, red pepper flakes, black pepper, salt, and lemon juice until it’s perfectly smooth. Now here’s my secret – taste it! Adjust the heat by adding more sriracha if you’re feeling bold or more honey if you prefer it sweeter. This sauce is your flavor foundation, so make it sing!
Step 2: Skewer the Shrimp
Thread 4-5 shrimp onto each soaked skewer – I like to curve them into a loose “C” shape for even cooking. Don’t crowd them! Leave a little space between each shrimp so the heat can work its magic. Pro tip: Pat the shrimp dry first so the sauce sticks better. Now brush them generously with that luscious sauce – don’t be shy!
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
Fire up your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. When it’s hot (a drop of water should sizzle), lay those skewers down. Cook for just 2-3 minutes per side – you’ll know they’re ready when they turn that gorgeous pink color with slight char marks. Brush with extra sauce while cooking for maximum flavor. And whatever you do, don’t walk away! Shrimp cook crazy fast, and overcooked shrimp are sad shrimp.
Tips for Perfect Hot Honey Garlic Shrimp Skewers
After making these skewers more times than I can count, here are my can’t-live-without tips:
- Fresh is best – That jar of minced garlic won’t give you the same punch as freshly chopped cloves
- Control the heat – Start with 1 tbsp sriracha, then add more after tasting the sauce
- Space them out – Give each shrimp breathing room on the skewer for even cooking
- Prep ahead – Soak skewers for a full 30 minutes to prevent flaming disasters
Follow these, and you’ll get perfect skewers every single time!
Serving Suggestions
Oh, the possibilities! I love serving these skewers over fluffy jasmine rice to soak up all that glorious sauce, or with a simple green salad for a lighter meal. For parties, I arrange them on a platter with lime wedges and chopped cilantro – the bright flavors cut through the richness perfectly. And don’t forget crusty bread for swiping up every last drop of that addictive hot honey garlic goodness!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Okay, confession time – I rarely have leftovers because we gobble these up! But if you do, here’s how to keep them tasty: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days max. When reheating, skip the microwave (unless you like rubbery shrimp!) – instead, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat or pop them under the broiler for a minute. They’ll taste almost as good as fresh!
Want more quick and flavorful dishes? Browse our Pinterest boards for endless shrimp recipes, appetizers, and weeknight dinner ideas.
Hot Honey Garlic Shrimp Skewers FAQs
I get asked these questions ALL the time about my hot honey garlic shrimp skewers – so I’m saving you the trouble of texting me at midnight when you’re making these! Here are the answers to everything you might wonder:
Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw them overnight in the fridge or run under cool water in a pinch. Pat them super dry before skewering – frozen shrimp tend to release more moisture that can dilute your delicious sauce.
Help! I made it too spicy – how do I fix it?
No worries – we’ve all been there! Balance the heat by adding more honey (start with 1 extra tablespoon) and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Serve with cooling sides like cucumber salad or yogurt dip to tame the flames.
Can I bake these instead of grilling?
You bet! Arrange skewers on a parchment-lined baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes per side – watch closely so they don’t burn. The sauce won’t get quite as caramelized, but still totally delicious.
How do I know when the shrimp are cooked perfectly?
Look for that pretty pink color and a slightly firm texture – they’ll curl into a loose “C” shape when done. Overcooked shrimp form a tight “O” and get rubbery (sad times). When in doubt, pull them off a minute early – they keep cooking a bit after removal.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The flavors actually get better after sitting. Mix it up to 3 days in advance and store in the fridge – just give it a good stir before using. The garlic mellows beautifully, and the spices really bloom.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the skinny on these flavor-packed skewers (per serving):
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 18g (hello, muscle fuel!)
- Carbs: 15g
- Sugar: 12g (mostly from that glorious honey)
- Fat: 6g
Remember – nutrition can vary based on your exact ingredients and how much sauce you lick off the spoon (no judgment here!). But overall, these are way lighter than most restaurant appetizers while packing serious flavor.