If you’ve ever wished for a quick, wholesome dish bursting with bold flavors and vibrant colors, then the Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe is about to become your new go-to meal. This dish perfectly balances sweet honey, savory garlic, and buttery richness that clings to succulent shrimp and crisp-tender broccoli. The harmony of textures and the delicious glaze make every bite a little celebration — and the best part is it all comes together in just about 20 minutes! Whether you want a weeknight dinner that feels special or a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to pull off, this Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe checks all the boxes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each bringing something special to the table. From the natural sweetness of honey to the fresh zing of ginger, they combine to deliver flavor, texture, and that irresistible glossy finish that makes this dish shine.
- Honey (1/2 cup): Adds natural sweetness and a sticky glaze that perfectly coats shrimp and broccoli.
- Low sodium soy sauce (1/4 cup): Brings savory umami without overpowering the other flavors.
- Fresh grated ginger (1 teaspoon): Infuses a warm, slightly spicy note that wakes up the sauce.
- Minced garlic (2 tablespoons): Essential for that classic garlicky depth everyone loves.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon): Delivers just a hint of heat to balance the sweetness.
- Cornstarch (1 teaspoon): Used to thicken the sauce into a luscious, clingy finish.
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined (1 pound): The star protein that soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds a rich, creamy texture that elevates the sauce and the shrimp.
- Chopped broccoli (2 cups): Provides a fresh crunch and vibrant color, making the dish balanced and healthy.
- Olive oil (1 teaspoon): For sautéing the broccoli to tender-crisp perfection.
- Salt & pepper to taste: Simple seasonings to bring all the components into harmony.
How to Make Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by whisking together honey, soy sauce, grated ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. This blend creates the signature flavor that makes this Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe so addictive. Take a moment to appreciate the aroma—it’s already promising something wonderful.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
Place your peeled and deveined shrimp into a bowl and toss them with one-third of the sauce mixture. Letting the shrimp marinate for at least 30 minutes allows those bold flavors to seep in, making every bite juicy and flavorful. This step is key to the success of your dish!
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
Whisk the cornstarch into the remaining sauce until smooth and set this mixture aside. This is what will transform your sauce from liquid to a luscious glaze, perfectly coating the shrimp and broccoli.
Step 4: Cook the Broccoli
Heat olive oil over high heat in a skillet or wok and toss in the chopped broccoli. Season with salt and pepper, then cook for 5 to 6 minutes until tender-crisp and bright green. The quick sear keeps the broccoli vibrant and gives it just the right bite before you set it aside.
Step 5: Cook the Shrimp
In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the marinated shrimp, discarding the marinade they sat in. Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. This quick cooking keeps the shrimp tender and perfectly cooked without any rubberiness.
Step 6: Combine and Simmer
Pour the reserved sauce into the skillet with the shrimp and simmer over low to medium heat. Stir frequently and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens, clinging to every piece of shrimp with that irresistible honey garlic butter glaze.
Step 7: Add Broccoli and Serve
Return the broccoli to the skillet, toss everything together to heat through and get evenly coated with the sauce. Serve immediately, spooning this flavorful mixture over fluffy rice or your favorite pasta to soak up every bit of that glorious sauce.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can brighten this dish wonderfully. Try sprinkling chopped green onions or freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. A few toasted sesame seeds also add a lovely nutty crunch that pairs beautifully.
Side Dishes
This recipe really shines when paired with simple sides. Steamed jasmine rice or garlic butter noodles are perfect for soaking up all the sauce. For a lighter option, quinoa or cauliflower rice also work well and keep things gluten-free.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests or make this meal feel extra special? Serve the shrimp and broccoli over fluffy mashed potatoes or even tucked inside lettuce cups for a fun handheld twist. Making individual bowls with your favorite grains and veggies can turn this into a vibrant, healthy bowl meal too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen after resting, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, though it’s best to freeze the cooked shrimp and broccoli separately from any rice or noodles. Store the shrimp and broccoli in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems too thick. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the shrimp tender and prevent the broccoli from getting soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating to avoid excess moisture that could affect the sauce consistency.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos to keep the flavors while making it safe for gluten-sensitive diners.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a mild warmth rather than intense heat. You can adjust the amount or leave them out completely if you prefer a milder meal.
Can I substitute the broccoli with other vegetables?
Definitely! Snap peas, green beans, or even asparagus make fantastic alternatives that hold up well in the skillet and pair nicely with the honey garlic sauce.
What’s the best way to prevent shrimp from overcooking?
Cook shrimp quickly over high heat and remove them from the pan as soon as they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking makes them tough, so keep a close eye during sautéing.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe enough for anyone looking to add something fresh, flavorful, and fuss-free to their dinner rotation. With simple ingredients and a short prep time, you get a dish that’s both comforting and impressive. Give it a try and watch how it becomes a fast favorite in your kitchen!
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Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli recipe is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender shrimp marinated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce are sautéed with butter and paired with crisp-tender broccoli cooked in olive oil. The sauce is thickened to coat both shrimp and vegetables perfectly, creating a delicious and satisfying meal that can be served over rice or pasta.
Ingredients
Sauce & Marinade
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed if desired
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups chopped broccoli
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, low sodium soy sauce, fresh grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes until well combined to create a flavorful sauce base.
- Marinate the shrimp. Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl, add one-third of the sauce mixture, and toss to coat evenly. Let the shrimp marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Thicken the sauce. Whisk the cornstarch into the remaining two-thirds of the sauce mixture until no lumps remain, then set aside for later use.
- Cook the broccoli. Heat a skillet or wok over high heat, add olive oil, then the chopped broccoli. Season with salt and pepper and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still crisp. Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the shrimp. In the same skillet, add butter and then the marinated shrimp (discarding the used marinade). Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and are cooked through.
- Combine and simmer. Pour the reserved sauce with cornstarch into the skillet with the shrimp, bring it to a low-medium simmer, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the shrimp well.
- Add broccoli and serve. Return the cooked broccoli to the skillet, toss to combine with the shrimp and sauce, and heat through. Serve immediately over rice or pasta for a complete meal.
Notes
- For added flavor, you can garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds before serving.
- If you prefer spicier food, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This dish pairs well with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles.
