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This simple 4 ingredient Honey Ginger Baked Shrimp is a simple and easy delicious low calorie and low carb appetizer that tastes gourmet, quick!
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Baked Honey Ginger Shrimp
Honey Ginger Baked Shrimp, with its delightful blend of sesame ginger salad dressing, honey, and chile paste, offers a perfect harmony of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that tantalize the taste buds. The succulent shrimp are coated in this luscious marinade and baked to perfection, creating a dish that’s not only mouthwateringly delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare for a family dinner. Green onions add a fresh, crisp finish to the dish, enhancing its complex flavors and adding a pop of color that makes it visually appealing.
This dish is an excellent choice for health-conscious families seeking a meal that doesn’t compromise on taste while providing essential nutrients. Its simplicity, combined with the gourmet-level flavor profile, makes Honey Ginger Baked Shrimp a go-to recipe for a satisfying and wholesome family meal.
How to Make Honey Ginger Baked Shrimp
First assemble the following ingredients:
- Shrimp (1 lb) – Succulent and versatile, shrimp serve as the perfect canvas for absorbing the rich and aromatic flavors of the dish.
- Sesame Ginger Salad Dressing (2 tbsp) – This dressing infuses the shrimp with a delightful blend of nutty sesame and zesty ginger, adding depth and complexity to the dish.
- Honey (1 tbsp) – Honey brings a natural sweetness that balances the heat and spice, creating a harmonious glaze that clings beautifully to the shrimp.
- Mongolian fire oil (1 tsp) – A dash of Mongolian Fire Oil introduces a bold and fiery kick, elevating the dish with its intense heat and smoky undertones.
- Green onions (1/4 cup) – Chopped green onions add a fresh, crisp finish and a burst of color, providing a light and aromatic contrast to the rich flavors.
Use this Method
Marinate. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, mix dressing and honey together, stirring well to combine.
Bake. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Add shrimp to bowl and toss in dressing and honey. Let marinate until oven is done preheating (or overnight if you prefer more flavor). Place shrimp on foil or parchment paper and fold into an envelope shape. Bake 15 minutes, until shrimp is opaque and no longer grey.
Serve. Serve immediately and top with scallions or green onions if desired.
Tips and Tricks for Honey Ginger Shrimp
Marinate for Flavor: Allow the shrimp to marinate in the mixture of sesame ginger salad dressing, honey, and chile paste for at least 30 minutes to several hours in the refrigerator. This will infuse the shrimp with depth and layers of flavor.
Choose the Right Shrimp: Opt for fresh or frozen raw shrimp that have been deveined and shelled for convenience. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are thoroughly thawed before marinating to ensure even flavor absorption.
Balance the Flavors: Adjust the sweetness and spiciness according to your preference. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more honey. For more heat, increase the amount of chile paste. Remember, the sesame ginger dressing already contains flavorful components, so taste as you go.
Preheat Your Oven: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to the recommended baking temperature before adding the shrimp. A hot oven will sear the outside of the shrimp, locking in the juices and flavor.
Use a Lined Baking Sheet: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. You can also lightly grease it to prevent the shrimp from sticking.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Spread the shrimp out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than baking, which might affect the texture of the shrimp.
Bake Until Just Done: Shrimp cook quickly and can become tough if overcooked. They’re done when they turn pink and opaque. Depending on their size, this usually takes between 6 to 8 minutes.
Garnish for Freshness and Color: After baking, sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped green onions and perhaps a squeeze of lime or lemon juice. This will add a fresh, vibrant touch and a bit of acidity to balance the sweetness.
Serve Immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve the shrimp immediately after baking. They are best enjoyed hot, straight from the oven.
Consider the Sides: Pair the shrimp with complementary sides like steamed jasmine rice, a fresh salad, or sautéed vegetables to turn it into a well-rounded meal.
Experiment with Texture: For added texture, consider sprinkling the shrimp with sesame seeds before baking, adding a subtle nuttiness and crunch.
FAQS
Medium to large shrimp are ideal for baking, as they offer a good balance of flavor and texture. Look for shrimp labeled as 21/25 or 26/30 (which refers to the number of shrimp per pound). You can use fresh or frozen shrimp, but ensure they are peeled, deveined, and thawed if frozen.
It’s best to use raw shrimp for this recipe. Pre-cooked shrimp can become tough and overcooked when baked again with the marinade.
Marinating the shrimp for at least 30 minutes to an hour in the refrigerator is recommended to infuse them with flavor. If you have more time, letting them marinate for up to 4 hours can enhance the taste even further.
It’s not strictly necessary but flipping the shrimp halfway through can ensure they cook evenly and get nicely coated with the marinade, leading to better flavor and texture.
Shrimp cook quickly and are done when they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes between 6 to 8 minutes in a preheated oven. Avoid overcooking to prevent them from becoming rubbery.
While shrimp are best enjoyed fresh, you can marinate them ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, bake them according to the recipe instructions for a quick and delicious meal.
If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of chile paste or substitute it with a sweet chili sauce, which offers a milder heat and a touch of sweetness.
Sprinkle sesame seeds over the shrimp before baking for an added crunch. You can also garnish the dish with chopped nuts like cashews or peanuts for extra texture and flavor.
What to Enjoy with Baked Shrimp
Coconut Jasmine Rice: The subtle sweetness of coconut milk infused in Jasmine rice complements the honey’s sweetness and the ginger’s zing in the shrimp, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Sesame Green Beans: Lightly sautéed green beans with a sprinkle of sesame seeds add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor, offering a simple yet flavorful contrast to the tender and richly marinated shrimp.
Cilantro Lime Quinoa: The fresh, citrusy notes of lime and the aromatic cilantro in quinoa can provide a refreshing and light base, balancing the sweet and spicy profile of the shrimp.
Mango Avocado Salad: A tropical salad with ripe mangoes and creamy avocado dressed in a light citrus vinaigrette can add a sweet and refreshing element, enhancing the shrimp’s ginger and honey flavors.
Roasted Asparagus with Lemon: The natural sweetness of roasted asparagus, accentuated with a hint of lemon, complements the ginger’s warmth and the honey’s sweetness, adding a bright and earthy component to the meal.
Soba Noodle Salad: Cold soba noodles tossed with a light soy and sesame dressing, along with crisp vegetables, offer a delightful texture contrast and a savory element that pairs well with the shrimp’s sweet and tangy glaze.
Steamed Bok Choy: The mild, slightly sweet flavor of bok choy provides a clean and crisp side that contrasts nicely with the rich flavors of the shrimp, adding a healthy and light component to your meal.
Sweet Potato Mash: The creamy and slightly sweet profile of sweet potato mash can complement the honey in the shrimp while providing a comforting and hearty side dish.
Cucumber Noodle Salad: Spiralized cucumber noodles dressed in a light vinaigrette can offer a crunchy and refreshing counterpoint to the shrimp’s robust flavors, making for a light and healthful side.
Grilled Pineapple Slices: The caramelized sweetness and slight tartness of grilled pineapple can echo the honey’s sweetness and ginger’s spice in the shrimp, adding a smoky and fruity flavor that ties the meal together.
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Honey Ginger Baked Shrimp
Equipment
- SESAME GINGER SALAD DRESSING. Vegan salad dressing with Sesame Oil & Organic Coconut Aminos. Keto, Paleo, Low Sodium, Low Carb, Low Sugar, Gluten Free, Dairy Free by Brick House Vinaigrettes (12 oz)
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, shells removed (tail on or off)
- 2 tbsp Sesame Ginger Salad Dressing
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp mongolian fire oil or chile paste
- ¼ cup fresh diced green onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a large bowl, mix dressing and honey together, stirring well to combine.
- Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Add shrimp to bowl and toss in dressing and honey. Let marinate until oven is done preheating (or overnight if you prefer more flavor).
- Place shrimp on foil or parchment paper and fold into an envelope shape.
- Bake 15 minutes, until shrimp is opaque and no longer grey.
- Serve immediately and top with scallions (green onions) if desired.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Wow, this looks incredible! My 17 year old would love it, he’s a big fan of shrimp. Pinning it for his birthday. ๐
So gorgeous! Love how simple and flavorful this appetizer looks!
WOW – your pics are phenomenal!!! YUM!