If you’re looking for a vibrant, flavor-packed dinner that comes together in under half an hour, let me introduce you to this Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe. There’s something truly magical about tender shrimp wrapped in a sweet, garlicky, buttery glaze with fresh broccoli and a punch of savory soy. It creates a beautiful harmony of taste and texture that will have everyone at your table digging in for seconds. Let’s dive in together and see why this is one meal you’ll reach for on busy weeknights and special occasions alike!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This is the kind of meal that feels luxurious but only needs simple, readily-available ingredients. Each one brings something unique—whether that’s sweetness, aroma, color, or a little bit of heat—and together, they create the irresistible flavor of this Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe.
- Shrimp: Use 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; they cook quickly and soak up all that delicious buttery sauce.
- Broccoli Florets: Three cups of broccoli add crunch, color, and soak up the honey garlic glaze.
- Butter: Two tablespoons add richness and help create the classic savory glaze.
- Garlic: Three minced cloves infuse the whole dish with bold, mouthwatering aroma.
- Honey: A quarter cup provides sweetness and helps create that glossy coating.
- Soy Sauce (low sodium): Two tablespoons add salty, umami depth—use low sodium to keep things balanced.
- Olive Oil: One tablespoon prevents sticking and helps sauté the broccoli to bright green perfection.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): A quarter teaspoon gives an optional kick of spice for those who love a little heat.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Adjust to taste—season each layer for maximum flavor.
- Cornstarch Slurry (optional): One tablespoon cornstarch mixed with two tablespoons water thickens the sauce if you like it extra luscious.
- Cooked Rice: The perfect base to soak up every drop of that sweet and savory sauce.
How to Make Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Up the Honey Garlic Sauce
Start by grabbing a small bowl and whisking together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes if you’re in the mood for some gentle heat. This luscious blend is the backbone of our Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe, infusing every bite with sweet, garlicky goodness and a hint of zing.
Step 2: Sauté the Broccoli
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your broccoli florets and sauté them for four to five minutes until they’re vibrant green and just barely tender—think crisp yet yielding. Once done, scoop the broccoli out and set it aside, keeping that lovely green color intact.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
In that same skillet, melt the butter and add the shrimp in a single layer. Let them sear for one to two minutes on each side, just until they turn pink and opaque—overcooking makes them rubbery, so keep an eye out for that gorgeous color change!
Step 4: Sauce It Up!
Now, pour the honey garlic sauce right over the shrimp and let everything come to a gentle simmer. If you like your sauce on the thicker side, this is the time to stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook for another one or two minutes, and like magic, your sauce will turn shiny and cling to the shrimp beautifully.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Add your sautéed broccoli back into the skillet, tossing everything together so the broccoli and shrimp both get a chance to bathe in that glorious sauce. Cook for another minute or two to heat everything through, then serve immediately over a bed of fluffy rice.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up every serving with a sprinkle of sliced green onions or a shower of toasted sesame seeds. If you’re a fan of citrus, a quick squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds welcome brightness and intrigue to the Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe.
Side Dishes
The natural pairing is freshly steamed rice, which soaks up that sweet and savory glaze to perfection. For a change, consider buttery noodles or even cauliflower rice for a lighter twist. If you want more veggies on your plate, roasted carrots or snap peas round things out beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try piling the shrimp and broccoli over coconut rice and topping with fresh cilantro for a tropical flair. Or, fill lettuce cups with the mixture for light, party-ready bites. For a family-style feast, serve straight from the skillet, garnished generously—everyone will want to dig in together!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Just spoon out what you need and reheat gently when you’re ready for another serving.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the shrimp and broccoli (without the rice) in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to three months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to preserve the texture of the shrimp and veggies.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir gently until everything is heated through; avoid microwaving for too long, as shrimp can become tough if overcooked.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp work wonderfully. Just be sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before adding them to the pan so you get that perfect sear and sauce coverage.
What are some good substitutes for broccoli?
If you want something different, try using snap peas, green beans, or even asparagus. The key is choosing a veggie that cooks quickly and maintains a pleasant crunch.
How do I keep the shrimp from becoming rubbery?
Shrimp cook fast—usually just a minute or two per side is enough. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, take them off the heat to ensure they stay tender and juicy in your Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, just swap in tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce for the regular soy sauce. Every other ingredient is naturally gluten-free, making this a breeze for guests with dietary restrictions.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
If you like a more substantial glaze, mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water, then add it to the simmering sauce. In a couple of minutes, the sauce will thicken up nicely to coat each bite.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tried this Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe yet, tonight’s the night! It’s quick, absolutely bursting with crave-worthy flavor, and sure to win over everyone at the table. Serve it up, share it with someone you love, and savor every single bite—you’re going to want to add this to your recipe rotation.
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Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and easy-to-make recipe for Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli. Succulent shrimp and crisp broccoli are coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, perfect for serving over a bed of rice.
Ingredients
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Shrimp and Broccoli:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
- Cook the Broccoli: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté broccoli for 4–5 minutes until slightly tender. Remove from skillet.
- Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, cook shrimp in butter until pink and opaque. Pour in the honey garlic sauce and simmer.
- Thicken the Sauce: For a thicker sauce, add cornstarch slurry and cook until slightly thickened.
- Combine Ingredients: Add broccoli back to the skillet and toss everything to coat in the sauce. Heat through.
- Serve: Serve the shrimp and broccoli over rice and enjoy!
Notes
- Feel free to use frozen shrimp, just ensure they’re thawed and dried before cooking.
- Swap broccoli for green beans or snap peas if preferred.
- Add a splash of fresh lemon juice for a zesty touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
