This Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli dish is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and rich flavors. Tender shrimp are coated in a luscious honey garlic butter sauce, paired with crisp, vibrant broccoli for a satisfying meal that’s ready in just 20 minutes. It’s a quick, easy, and healthy dinner option that’s great for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a takeout-style dish at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes with minimal prep.
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything is cooked in a single pan for easy cleanup.
- Balanced Flavors: The combination of honey, garlic, and butter creates a sweet-savory sauce that’s irresistible.
- Healthy: Packed with protein from the shrimp and fiber from the broccoli.
Ingredients
Here are some key ingredients to get started (find the full list with measurements in the recipe card below):
- Shrimp: Fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined, for a clean and tender protein base.
- Broccoli: Adds a crisp texture and pairs perfectly with the sauce.
- Honey: Brings sweetness to balance the garlic and butter.
Steps
- Prepare the Shrimp and Broccoli: Thaw the shrimp if frozen, and pat them dry. Cut broccoli into bite-sized florets.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes on each side until pink. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Broccoli: In the same skillet, add broccoli and a splash of water. Cover and steam for 2–3 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Make the Sauce: Push the broccoli to the side. Add minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, and a little butter to the pan. Stir and let the sauce simmer for 1–2 minutes.
- Combine: Return the shrimp to the pan, toss with broccoli and sauce until everything is evenly coated.
- Serve: Plate immediately with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or green onions if desired.
Variations
- Protein Swap: Use chicken, tofu, or salmon instead of shrimp.
- Vegetables: Add bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for extra color and nutrients.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
Tips and Tricks
- Use fresh shrimp for the best texture, but frozen works well too when thawed properly.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp—they cook quickly and can become rubbery if left too long.
- For a thicker sauce, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the pan.
How to Serve
Serve this dish over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. For a low-carb option, pair it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prep the shrimp and broccoli in advance for quicker assembly.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Just steam it slightly before adding to the pan to avoid excess moisture.
What’s the best shrimp size for this recipe?
Medium to large shrimp are ideal for this dish to ensure they cook evenly and stay juicy.
Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop Sauté
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
This dish combines tender shrimp and crispy broccoli in a rich, sweet, and savory sauce made with honey, garlic, and soy sauce. It’s ready in under 30 minutes and works wonderfully over rice, noodles, or as a standalone meal.
Ingredients
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Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails optional)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
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Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 tsp cornstarch
-
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
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Prepare the Shrimp: Toss shrimp in a bowl with salt, pepper, and 1/3 of the sauce. Marinate for at least 10–30 minutes for enhanced flavor.
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Cook the Broccoli: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add broccoli, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 5–6 minutes until tender-crisp. Remove and set aside.
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Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet.
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Thicken the Sauce: Stir the cornstarch into the reserved sauce and add it to the skillet. Let it simmer over low heat for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Combine and Serve: Return the shrimp and broccoli to the skillet, tossing to coat everything evenly in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
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Serve: Serve hot over rice, noodles, or on its own. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired level of spiciness.
- Ensure not to overcook the shrimp to maintain their tender texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 220mg