Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick and utterly delicious meal, our “Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli” is a game-changer. This delightful dish combines the sweet and savory flavors of honey and garlic with the fresh, crisp texture of broccoli, all complemented by succulent shrimp in a buttery sauce. It’s one of those meals that feels like a comforting hug in a bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to Make: This recipe takes just 20 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Flavor-packed: The combination of honey, garlic, and butter creates a sauce that’s rich and flavorful.
  • Healthy Ingredients: With broccoli and shrimp, you’re getting a good dose of vegetables and protein.
  • Versatile: Enjoy it over rice, pasta, or as a standalone entrée for a lighter meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for our Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli are simple yet incredibly important to achieve that flavorful punch. Each plays a key role in bringing the dish to life, from the succulent shrimp to the sweet honey and crisp broccoli.

  • 1/2 cup honey: This is the sweet component that balances the salty and savory elements beautifully.
  • 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce: Provides a salty umami flavor without overpowering the dish.
  • 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger: Adds a subtle warmth and fragrance.
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic: Essential for that rich, aromatic base.
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Just a hint to add a little kick without making it spicy.
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to coat the shrimp and broccoli perfectly.
  • 1 pound large shrimp: Opt for peeled and deveined for ease – they soak up all the flavors nicely.
  • 2 tablespoons butter: This adds a rich, creamy finish to the dish.
  • 2 cups chopped broccoli: Provides a fresh, crispy texture and a nutritional punch.
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil: Helps cook the broccoli just right without burning it.
  • Salt & pepper to taste: Basic seasoning to enhance all the flavors.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Part of the charm of this Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli recipe is how easily you can tweak it to match your preferences or what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to play around with these ideas to make this recipe your own!

  • Spicy Kick: If you love spice, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha for an extra kick.
  • Vegetarian Twist: Replace shrimp with tofu for a plant-based version that still delivers on flavor.
  • Noodle Swap: Try swapping the rice or pasta with soba noodles for a fun twist.

How to Make Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together the honey, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and red pepper. This flavorful marinade not only imparts delightful tastes to the shrimp but also becomes the luscious sauce to drizzle over your dish. Set aside a portion mixed with cornstarch for thickening later.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

Heat up your skillet or wok and toss in the olive oil followed by the broccoli, seasoned with salt and pepper. Sauté until the broccoli becomes tender yet crisp, capturing that beautiful vibrant green. Remove them from the pan once done.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

With the skillet still hot, add butter and, once melted, toss in your marinated shrimp. Let them sizzle for a couple of minutes on each side, cooking until they turn a beautiful pink color.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Introduce the reserved sauce into the skillet, letting it all simmer to thicken. This ensures every piece of shrimp and broccoli is coated in that lovely sauce. Add the cooked broccoli back to the pan and toss to combine.

Pro Tips for Making Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli

  • Marination Time: Allowing the shrimp to marinate for at least 30 minutes deepens the flavors tremendously.
  • Broccoli Texture: Cook the broccoli just until it’s tender-crisp to retain its beautiful green color and nutrition.
  • Sauce Thickness: Keep an eye on the sauce as it simmers to attain a perfect glaze consistency—neither too runny nor too thick.
  • Shrimp Size: Use jumbo shrimp for a meatier bite and ensure even cooking by maintaining similar sizes.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli

Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A little sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions can add a delightful crunch and color to your Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli. A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving can also elevate the flavor profile.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or hearty quinoa. You can also serve it over a bed of warm pasta for a more filling meal. Each option offers a unique texture and taste experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a more visually appealing presentation, use large shallow bowls and arrange your shrimp and broccoli artfully. Drizzle some sauce over the top and add garnishes for a dish that looks as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Ensure they have cooled to room temperature before sealing in the container to maintain freshness.

Freezing

If you wish to freeze, it’s best to do so before adding the sauce. The cooked shrimp and broccoli can be frozen for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and adding the sauce.

Reheating

Reheat your Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving as it may toughen the shrimp.

FAQs

  1. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

    While pre-cooked shrimp can be used in a pinch, the flavors shine brighter when using raw shrimp, as they absorb more of the sauce during cooking.

  2. Is there a substitute for soy sauce?

    Yes, you can substitute soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option or slightly diluted Worcestershire sauce for a different flavor take.

  3. Can I use frozen broccoli?

    Frozen broccoli is a great option if fresh isn’t available. Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the dish.

  4. What’s the best way to marinate shrimp?

    Marinate the shrimp for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. The longer the marinating time, the more robust the flavors will become.

Final Thoughts

Our Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli offers a harmony of flavors that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether it’s a family meal or a quick solo dinner, this dish is sure to please. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience the symphony of sweet and savory flavors dancing on your palate. Enjoy your culinary adventure!

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Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe

Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 110 reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Stovetop
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian-inspired
  • Diet: Low Carb

Description

This Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli recipe is a quick and flavorful dish combining succulent shrimp coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, paired with tender broccoli. It’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that comes together in just about 20 minutes.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Sauce

  • 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

For the Shrimp and Vegetables

  • 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

  1. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, add honey, soy sauce, grated ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes, and whisk until well combined.
  2. Marinate the shrimp: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl, add one-third of the sauce mixture, and toss to coat. Let sit for at least 30 minutes for more flavor.
  3. Thicken the sauce: Whisk the cornstarch into the remaining sauce and set aside.
  4. Cook the broccoli: Heat a skillet or wok over high heat. Add olive oil, then the broccoli, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes until tender, then remove and set aside.
  5. Cook the shrimp: In the same skillet, add butter and the marinated shrimp (discard the used marinade). Cook for about 2 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink.
  6. Combine and simmer: Pour in the reserved sauce, bringing it to a low-medium simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
  7. Add broccoli and serve: Return the broccoli to the skillet, toss to combine and heat through. Serve immediately over rice or pasta.

Notes

  • Marinate the shrimp for 30 minutes for a deeper flavor.
  • Use jumbo 16/20 size shrimp for best results, but smaller ones will cook faster.
  • Leave the tails on for added flavor and presentation, or remove if preferred.
  • Fresh broccoli works best; if using frozen, thaw and pat dry before cooking.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 215 kcal
  • Sugar: 36 g
  • Sodium: 638 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg

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