Oh my goodness, you have to try this honey garlic glazed shrimp with sweet potato mash. It’s one of those magical recipes that comes together in no time but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. I first made this when my sister came over at the last minute (because, of course, she forgot to tell me she was bringing her new boyfriend), and now it’s our go-to “impress people without stressing” meal. The sweet honey and garlic combo clinging to those juicy shrimp? Perfection. And that creamy sweet potato mash underneath? It balances everything out so beautifully. What I love most is how it feels indulgent but is actually packed with good stuff, lean protein, vitamin-rich sweet potatoes, and just enough of that sticky glaze to make every bite exciting. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll find excuses to whip it up all the time!
Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Glazed Shrimp with Sweet Potato Mash
This dish has become my weeknight superhero for so many reasons, and I know you’ll adore it too. Here’s why:
- Fast & easy: From fridge to table in 30 minutes flat, perfect for those “what’s for dinner?” panic moments
- Flavor fireworks: That sweet-salty-garlicky glaze makes every bite exciting (kids and picky eaters go crazy for it)
- Healthy but feels indulgent: Packed with protein and vitamins, but tastes like you’re cheating on your diet
- One-pan wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time to actually enjoy your meal
- Endlessly adaptable: Swap ingredients based on what’s in your fridge; it’s hard to mess this one up!
Seriously, this recipe checks all the boxes: quick, healthy, delicious, and impressive enough for company. What’s not to love? For more quick dinner ideas, check out what others are cooking up at familytastes.com.
Ingredients for Honey Garlic Glazed Shrimp with Sweet Potato Mash
Grab these simple ingredients and let’s make magic happen! I like to separate everything into two groups, one for the star shrimp and one for that dreamy mash. Trust me, having everything prepped before you start cooking makes this dish come together like a breeze.
For the Honey Garlic Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, your choice!)
- 2 tbsp honey: that golden sweetness that makes the glaze irresistible
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: fresh is best for that punchy flavor
- 1 tbsp olive oil: for that perfect sear
For the Sweet Potato Mash:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 4 cups)
- 2 tbsp butter: makes it luxuriously creamy
- 1/4 cup milk: any kind works, but whole milk gives the richest texture
- Salt and pepper to taste: don’t be shy with the seasoning!
How to Make Honey Garlic Glazed Shrimp with Sweet Potato Mash
Alright, let’s get cooking! This dish comes together so quickly, you’ll want to have everything prepped before you start. I like to multitask, getting the sweet potatoes boiling while I prep the shrimp. That way, everything finishes at the same tim,e and you’re sitting down to eat in no time.
Preparing the Sweet Potato Mash
First things first, let’s tackle those sweet potatoes. Drop your cubed potatoes into a pot of salted boiling water (just like you’d do for regular mashed potatoes). Here’s my trick: test them with a fork after about 12 minutes; they’re ready when the fork slides in easily, but before they get mushy. Drain well, then mash with butter and milk until creamy. I like mine slightly chunky for texture, but go smooth if that’s your jam. Season generously with salt and pepper; sweet potatoes can handle it! Cover and keep warm while you work on the shrimp.
Cooking the Honey Garlic Shrimp
Now for the star of the show! Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and give it just 30 seconds to become fragrant; any longer and it’ll burn. Toss the shrimp in a single layer (crowd them, and they’ll steam instead of sear). Cook about 2 minutes per side until they turn that perfect pink color and curl slightly. Here’s the key: remove the pan from the heat before adding the honey. Stir it in quickly; the residual heat will create that gorgeous glaze without burning the sugar. Return to low heat for just 30 seconds if needed to thicken. And whatever you do, don’t overcook those shrimp, they go from perfect to rubbery in seconds!
Tips for Perfect Honey Garlic Glazed Shrimp with Sweet Potato Mash
After making this dish dozens of times (my family won’t let me stop!), I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks. Always use fresh garlic; that jarred stuff just doesn’t give the same punch. If your glaze seems too thin, let it bubble for an extra 30 seconds off the heat to thicken. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of chili flakes with the garlic. And here’s my secret: pat the shrimp dry before cooking so they sear instead of steam. Oh, and taste your sweet potato mash before serving, sometimes it needs an extra sprinkle of salt to really sing!
Serving Suggestions for Honey Garlic Glazed Shrimp with Sweet Potato Mash
Presentation is everything with this dish! I love serving the shrimp piled high over that creamy sweet potato mash, letting all that gorgeous glaze drizzle down the sides. For color, scatter some chopped parsley or green onions on top. It pairs perfectly with simple steamed greens, think broccoli or asparagus, or a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Pro tip: warm your plates first so everything stays toasty while you eat! If you are looking for other great side dishes, check out our broccoli salad with raisins.
Storing and Reheating Honey Garlic Glazed Shrimp with Sweet Potato Mash
Here’s the good news: leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any!) keep beautifully. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, go low and slow. Microwave the sweet potato mash at 50% power and warm the shrimp separately in a skillet to keep that perfect texture. The shrimp might lose a bit of their snap, but the flavors actually deepen overnight. Want to freeze? Just the sweet potato mash holds up well for a month, thaw in the fridge overnight before gently rewarming with a splash of milk.
Honey Garlic Glazed Shrimp with Sweet Potato Mash Variations
One of my favorite things about this recipe? How easily you can mix it up! Swap the honey for maple syrup if you want a deeper sweetness, or try brown sugar in a pinch. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary add a lovely earthiness to the mash. For extra texture, mix in some toasted pecans or walnuts. And if you’re feeling fancy, a splash of orange juice in the glaze brightens it all up beautifully. The possibilities are endless! If you enjoy maple flavors, you might also like our maple pecan blondie bars.
Honey Garlic Glazed Shrimp with Sweet Potato Mash Nutrition
Now, I’m no nutritionist, but I can tell you this dish packs a delicious balance of protein, complex carbs, and good-for-you fats. Keep in mind, nutritional values are estimates and will vary based on your specific ingredients and brands used. That said, it’s definitely a meal you can feel good about serving!
FAQs About Honey Garlic Glazed Shrimp with Sweet Potato Mash
Over the years, I’ve gotten so many great questions about this recipe! Here are the ones that pop up most often with my tried-and-true answers:
Can I use frozen shrimp? Absolutely! Just thaw them overnight in the fridge or run under cold water for 5 minutes. Pat them extra dry before cooking; frozen shrimp release more water.
How can I make it spicier? Oh, I love this question! Add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes with the garlic, or a dash of hot sauce when you stir in the honey. My husband swears by a sprinkle of cayenne, too.
Can I make the mash ahead? You bet! Whip it up to 2 days early, then reheat with a splash of milk. The flavors actually get better as they sit.
What if my glaze is too thin? No worries! Just let the shrimp simmer in it for an extra minute off the heat, and it’ll thicken right up.
Print
20-Minute Honey Garlic Glazed Shrimp with Sweet Potato Mash Perfection
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A delicious and healthy dish featuring succulent shrimp glazed with honey and garlic, served over creamy sweet potato mash.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil sweet potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes.
- Drain and mash with butter and milk. Season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2 minutes per side.
- Stir in honey and cook for another minute until glazed.
- Serve shrimp over sweet potato mash.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for best results.
- Adjust honey amount to your sweetness preference.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 180mg