Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli is a dish that dances on your palate with the sweet kiss of honey, the punch of garlic, and the crunch of fresh broccoli. Imagine succulent shrimp coated in a glossy honey-garlic sauce, all while vibrant green broccoli adds a pop of color and nutrition to this delicious ensemble. It’s not just food; it’s an experience that transforms any ordinary evening into a delightful culinary adventure.
Picture this: you’ve had a long day, and the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. Enter Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli—a dish that’s as quick to whip up as it is satisfying to devour. This recipe has been my go-to for impressing friends and family alike, especially when they walk through the door, lured by the tantalizing aroma wafting from my kitchen. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will make you wonder why you ever settled for takeout!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The preparation is incredibly simple, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- The flavor profile combines sweetness and savory notes that will leave your taste buds dancing.
- Its visual appeal adds a splash of color to your dinner plate, making it Instagram-worthy.
- Plus, this dish is versatile enough to pair with rice or noodles for an easy meal!
Ingredients for Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Shrimp: Use fresh or thawed shrimp; medium-sized works best for even cooking.
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets add vibrant color and a satisfying crunch; frozen can work too if you’re short on time.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential for that aromatic flavor; minced garlic from a jar also works but may lack some depth.
- Honey: Choose pure honey for natural sweetness; avoid processed varieties that may contain additives.
- Butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over flavor; feel free to substitute with vegan butter if desired.
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps balance flavors without overwhelming saltiness; tamari can be used as a gluten-free option.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness and acidity; bottled juice can work in a pinch.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by ensuring your shrimp are clean and deveined. Rinse the broccoli florets under cold water, then cut them into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and lemon juice until well combined. This sauce will coat your shrimp beautifully!
Step 3: Cook the Broccoli
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt half of your butter. Add the broccoli florets and sauté them for about 4-5 minutes until they turn bright green and tender-crisp.
Step 4: Sauté the Shrimp
Push the broccoli to one side of the skillet (or remove it temporarily). Add the remaining butter and shrimp to the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Pour your delicious honey-garlic sauce over both the shrimp and broccoli in the skillet. Toss everything together gently so every piece gets coated in that luscious glaze.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Transfer your colorful creation onto plates or into bowls. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if you’re feeling fancy!
Now grab your fork (or chopsticks if you’re feeling adventurous) and dive into this mouthwatering Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli dish! Trust me—you’ll find it hard not to go back for seconds or even thirds!
You Must Know
- This delightful Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli recipe not only bursts with flavor but also simplifies your meal prep.
- It’s colorful, aromatic, and equally stunning for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering.
- Versatile enough to suit various cooking methods!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve maximum efficiency and deliciousness, start by cooking the shrimp first, followed by blanching the broccoli while preparing the honey garlic butter sauce. This sequence ensures every ingredient shines at its best.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize this recipe! Swap shrimp for chicken or turkey, add a dash of red pepper flakes for heat, or toss in some snap peas for extra crunch. The possibilities are endless!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over low heat until heated through, keeping the shrimp juicy and the broccoli vibrant.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect results, use fresh shrimp instead of frozen for better flavor.
- Avoid overcooking the shrimp; they should turn pink and opaque quickly.
- Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving to ensure maximum yumminess.
Sometimes I whip up this dish when friends come over, and their compliments make my heart sing! Nothing beats seeing everyone enjoy a meal crafted with love and a little bit of butter.
FAQs:
What is the best way to cook Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli?
To cook Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli perfectly, start by sautéing the shrimp in a mixture of butter and garlic until they turn pink. Then, add broccoli florets and continue cooking until they’re bright green and tender-crisp. The honey adds a sweet touch, while soy sauce enhances the flavor. This method ensures that both the shrimp and broccoli retain their natural flavors.
Can I make this recipe without butter?
Yes, you can easily make Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli without butter by substituting it with olive oil or coconut oil. This option will still provide a delicious base for the garlic and honey sauce. The dish remains flavorful, offering a healthier alternative while maintaining its richness.
How do I store leftovers of Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli?
Store any leftover Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last up to three days when stored properly. To reheat, simply microwave it for a few minutes or warm it in a skillet over low heat. This helps maintain the texture of the shrimp and broccoli while ensuring it’s safe to eat.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using frozen shrimp is convenient and can save time. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can do this by placing them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes or leaving them in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, follow the same cooking instructions as fresh shrimp for delicious results.
Conclusion for Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli:
In summary, Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli is a quick and delicious dish that combines succulent shrimp with vibrant broccoli, all enhanced by a sweet and savory sauce. This recipe is versatile, allowing substitutions like olive oil instead of butter or frozen shrimp for convenience. With easy preparation steps and minimal cleanup, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests at dinner parties. Enjoy this delightful meal packed with flavor!

Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli
- Author: Sofia
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli is a delightful, quick-to-make dish that combines succulent shrimp and fresh broccoli in a sweet and savory honey-garlic sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this vibrant meal is not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor. In just 30 minutes, you can impress your family or guests with this easy yet sophisticated recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Prep ingredients: clean shrimp and cut broccoli into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, and lemon juice to create the sauce.
- Melt half of the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add broccoli and sauté for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Push broccoli aside, add remaining butter and shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until shrimp are pink.
- Pour the honey-garlic sauce over both shrimp and broccoli, tossing gently to coat.
- Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 320g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: Swap shrimp for chicken or turkey for a different protein option. Add red pepper flakes for extra heat or toss in snap peas for added crunch. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.