Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a flavor explosion! You will love the perfect mix of sweet honey and spicy chili on grilled shrimp. Paired with fluffy rice, it is a full meal that feels fancy and comforting. It is quick enough for a busy night but good enough for guests. Plus, it has good protein and you can change the spice to your liking.
How to Make Honey Chili Grilled Shrimp with Rice
Making Honey Chili Grilled Shrimp with Rice is easy. You will first make a tasty marinade for the shrimp, then cook your rice, and finally grill the shrimp. Putting it all together results in a delicious meal.
Ingredients of Honey Chili Grilled Shrimp with Rice
For the Honey Chili Grilled Shrimp
* **Fresh Shrimp:** Large (21/25 count) or extra-large (16/20 count), peeled and deveined, tails on or off.
* **Honey:** Pure natural honey for sweetness.
* **Sriracha or Chili Garlic Sauce:** For heat – use more or less as you like.
* **Soy Sauce:** Adds deep flavor.
* **Fresh Garlic:** Minced, for a strong smell and taste.
* **Fresh Ginger:** Grated, for a fresh, bright flavor.
* **Lime Juice:** Makes the dish bright and helps soften the shrimp.
* **Olive Oil:** Helps the marinade stick and stops shrimp from sticking to the grill.
* **Sesame Oil:** A small amount for an Asian smell.
* **Red Pepper Flakes (Optional):** For more spice if you want it.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste.
For the Fluffy Rice
* **Basmati or Jasmine Rice:** Choose what you like for a fragrant and fluffy base.
* **Water or Broth:** To cook the rice.
* **Salt:** To season the rice.
Garnish (Optional but Recommended)
* **Fresh Cilantro:** Chopped, for freshness.
* **Green Onions:** Sliced, for a mild onion crunch.
* **Toasted Sesame Seeds:** Adds texture and a nutty taste.
* **Lime Wedges:** For a final squeeze of bright flavor.
Directions of Honey Chili Grilled Shrimp with Rice
Preparing the Honey Chili Marinade
1. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, mix honey, Sriracha (or chili garlic sauce), soy sauce, lime juice, olive oil, and sesame oil until well combined.
2. **Add Aromatics:** Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger.
3. **Season:** Add a pinch of salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Taste and adjust for your desired balance of sweet, spicy, and savory.
Marinating the Shrimp
1. **Add Shrimp:** Put the peeled and deveined shrimp into the bowl with the marinade. Make sure each shrimp is fully covered.
2. **Chill:** Cover the bowl and put it in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes. Do not marinate longer than 30 minutes, or the lime juice can make the shrimp tough.
Cooking the Rice
1. **Rinse Rice:** Wash your rice under cold water until the water is clear. This helps make the rice fluffier.
2. **Cook According to Package:** Put rinsed rice, water or broth, and salt in a pot. Bring to a boil, then turn down the heat, cover, and let it cook until all liquid is gone and the rice is soft. Fluff with a fork.
Grilling the Honey Chili Shrimp
1. **Preheat Grill:** Heat your outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates so nothing sticks.
2. **Skewer (Optional):** Put the marinated shrimp on skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water first so they do not burn). This makes them easier to handle on the grill.
3. **Grill to Perfection:** Put the shrimp right on the hot grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are white and pink with some grill marks. Do not cook too long!
How to Serve Honey Chili Grilled Shrimp with Rice
- Plate the Rice: Put a good amount of fluffy rice on each plate.
- Add Shrimp: Arrange the grilled honey chili shrimp next to or on top of the rice.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and toasted sesame seeds. Serve with a lime wedge for more fresh taste.
How to Store Honey Chili Grilled Shrimp with Rice
Store any leftover Honey Chili Grilled Shrimp and rice in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Heat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to the rice if needed.
Tips to Make Honey Chili Grilled Shrimp with Rice
- Do Not Marinate Too Long: Shrimp cooks fast, even in acid. Stick to 15-30 minutes for the best texture.
- Hot Grill, Fast Cook: Shrimp cooks very quickly! Make sure your grill is hot to get a good sear without cooking the shrimp too much.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The good flavors of this dish come from fresh garlic, ginger, and lime juice.
- Adjust the Heat: This is your dish! Feel free to use more or less Sriracha or chili garlic sauce based on what you like.
- Rest the Rice: After cooking, let the rice sit covered for 5-10 minutes off the heat before fluffing it. This helps the steam spread evenly.
Variations
Make it a Power Bowl
Add steamed broccoli, sliced bell peppers, or shelled edamame to your rice bowl for more vegetables and nutrients. Drizzle with a little extra marinade.
Pan-Seared Honey Chili Shrimp
No grill? No problem! Heat one tablespoon of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until done.
Honey Chili Shrimp Tacos
Serve the grilled shrimp in warm tortillas with a simple slaw, avocado, and a squeeze of lime for great tacos.
Serving Ideas
* **Classic Comfort:** Just serve with the fluffy rice, as shown.
* **Fresh & Zesty:** Serve next to a crisp green salad with a light dressing.
* **Asian Inspired:** With a side of steamed Asian vegetables like bok choy or snap peas.
* **Appetizer Style:** Serve the shrimp alone with a dipping sauce, or as part of a larger meal.
FAQs
Can I prepare the Honey Chili Grilled Shrimp ahead of time?
You can make the marinade the day before. However, it is best to add the shrimp no more than 30 minutes before grilling to get the best texture for your Honey Chili Grilled Shrimp. You can cook the rice early and heat it again.
What is the best way to ensure juicy Honey Chili Grilled Shrimp and not tough shrimp?
The key is a hot grill and quick cooking! Shrimp cooks very fast, so make sure your grill is hot to medium-high and only cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn white and pink. Do not walk away!
Can I make Honey Chili Grilled Shrimp spicier or milder?
Yes, you can! To make your Honey Chili Grilled Shrimp spicier, use more Sriracha or chili garlic sauce, or add more red pepper flakes. For a milder version, use less chili sauce or do not use red pepper flakes at all.
Zesty Honey Chili Grilled Shrimp with Fluffy Basmati
A vibrant dish featuring succulent shrimp marinated in a zesty honey-chili sauce, perfectly grilled, and served alongside fragrant, fluffy Basmati rice.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Preparation
- In a medium bowl, whisk honey, Sriracha, soy sauce, lime juice, olive oil, and sesame oil; then stir in minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, adjusting to taste.
- Add shrimp to the marinade, ensuring full coating, and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes, but no longer to keep the shrimp tender.
Cooking
- Rinse Basmati rice until clear, then combine with water and salt in a pot, bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until liquid is absorbed; let sit for 5-10 minutes before fluffing.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, lightly oil grates, and thread marinated shrimp onto skewers, soaking wooden skewers beforehand if used.
- Place shrimp skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque pink and white with grill marks, being careful not to overcook.
Serving
- Plate Basmati rice, arrange grilled shrimp, and garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and toasted sesame seeds, serving with lime wedges.
Notes
For best results, do not marinate shrimp longer than 30 minutes to maintain tenderness. For extra flavor, consider charring a lime wedge on the grill before serving.