If you’re looking for a quick, knock-your-socks-off dinner that feels restaurant special but takes less than 30 minutes at home, Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli is about to become your new go-to. This vibrant dish balances plump shrimp coated in a sweet, garlicky glaze with crisp-tender green broccoli—all finished with a buttery richness that turns every bite into pure comfort. It’s a lightning-fast meal that brings together crave-worthy flavors, colorful veggies, and a hint of zing, perfect for impressing your family on a busy weeknight or simply treating yourself to something delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best meals are often the simplest, and Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli is no exception. Each ingredient plays a key role in building layers of sweet, savory, and fresh flavors, while also bringing beautiful colors and textures to your plate.
- Shrimp (1 lb, large, peeled and deveined): Choose big, juicy shrimp for the most satisfying bite; prepping them ahead saves precious minutes.
- Broccoli Florets (3 cups): Bright green and perfectly crisp, broccoli adds freshness, color, and healthy crunch to the dish.
- Butter (2 tbsp): Infuses the shrimp with rich, silky flavor and helps create that irresistible glossy sauce.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic brings warmth and fragrance—don’t skimp, as this provides the punchy backbone to the sauce!
- Honey (1/4 cup): For that essential sticky-sweet glaze that clings to every morsel of shrimp and broccoli.
- Soy Sauce (2 tbsp): The savory, salty counterpoint to honey, deepening the overall umami profile.
- Lemon Juice (1 tbsp, optional): Adds brightness and balances the sweet and savory notes, especially if you love a little zing.
- Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Helps sear the shrimp while keeping the butter from burning.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Seasoning is key—don’t forget to taste and adjust to make the flavors pop.
- Cooked Rice (for serving): The cozy, fluffy base that soaks up every drop of the luscious sauce.
- Sesame Seeds & Green Onions (optional, for garnish): A sprinkle of these adds extra texture, flavor, and a pretty finishing touch.
How to Make Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli
Step 1: Whisk Together the Sauce
Start by grabbing a small bowl and whisking together honey, soy sauce, lemon juice (if you’re using it), and just a touch of black pepper. This mixture is the heart of your Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli, setting up that perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy. Give it a quick taste—if you want a bit more zing, go ahead and add a little more lemon juice.
Step 2: Prep the Broccoli
Bring a pot of water to a gentle boil or set a steamer basket over simmering water. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until they’re a vibrant green and tender-crisp. Drain immediately and set aside; you want the broccoli to hold its shape and color for a beautiful finish.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet set over medium heat, pour in the olive oil and add the butter. Once the butter has melted and is gently bubbling, toss in the minced garlic. Stir for about 30 seconds—just long enough to release its fantastic aroma without letting it brown.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Scatter the shrimp in a single layer over the garlicky butter. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes per side, flipping just once. Watch as the shrimp turn that gorgeous pink and become fully opaque. Season them with salt and pepper as they cook for maximum flavor.
Step 5: Glaze With the Honey Soy Sauce
Now pour in the honey-soy mixture you prepped earlier. Give everything a stir so the shrimp are nicely coated, and let it all simmer for a minute or two. The sauce will start to thicken just enough to become glossy and clingy—exactly what you want for Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli.
Step 6: Toss in the Broccoli
Add the steamed broccoli florets back to the pan and toss them with the shrimp and sauce. Everything should be well combined and heated through, with that golden glaze coating both the vegetables and shrimp. It’s almost ready!
Step 7: Serve it Up Hot
Spoon the Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli over fluffy rice and don’t forget your garnishes: sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if you want a little extra crunch and a pop of color. Serve immediately while it’s hot and irresistible.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli
Garnishes
A finishing touch makes all the difference! Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds and a shower of thinly sliced green onions over the Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli right before serving. These simple additions add color, flavor, and crunch, elevating your dish effortlessly.
Side Dishes
This dish already shines when served over steamed jasmine or brown rice. For something extra, try pairing it with rice noodles, quinoa, or even a side of stir-fried snow peas. A lightly dressed Asian slaw or crunchy cucumber salad also brings a refreshing contrast to the rich, buttery shrimp and broccoli.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, dish up Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli in individual bowls over rice, or serve it family-style on a big platter for everyone to dig in together. For a fun twist, scoop the shrimp and broccoli into lettuce cups for a lighter, hand-held version, or pile it onto grain bowls with extra veggies for a nutrient-packed lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for lunch meal prep or a speedy dinner the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, let it cool first. Pack the shrimp and broccoli (without rice) into a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll keep for up to 2 months, though texture is best enjoyed fresh. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
For reheating, warm gently in a skillet over low-medium heat until piping hot, adding a splash of water or extra soy sauce if the sauce has thickened too much. The microwave works too—just cover and reheat in short bursts to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this dish?
Absolutely! Just thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. This ensures they sear nicely in the pan and won’t water down the sauce.
Is there a way to make Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli gluten-free?
Yes, simply use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a fantastic choice for a variety of diets.
What’s the best way to avoid rubbery shrimp?
Shrimp cook very quickly—the secret is to sauté them just until they turn pink and opaque, usually about 2–3 minutes per side. Overcooking leads to tough, rubbery bites, so keep a close eye and remove them from the heat as soon as they’re done.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce for some heat. You can also stir in a little grated fresh ginger to amp up the flavor.
What vegetables can I substitute for broccoli?
Feel free to swap in snow peas, snap peas, asparagus, or even bell peppers. The beauty of Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli is its flexibility—use whatever crisp, quick-cooking veggies you have on hand.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a weeknight meal that dazzles without spending hours in the kitchen, give Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli a try. It’s as easy as it is delicious, with a sweet-savory sauce that keeps everyone reaching for seconds. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, and I hope it becomes a repeat favorite at your table!
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Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delectable dish of Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. This Asian-inspired recipe features succulent shrimp coated in a luscious honey garlic sauce, paired with vibrant broccoli florets. Serve over a bed of fluffy rice for a satisfying meal that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Broccoli:
- 3 cups broccoli florets
For Serving:
- Cooked rice
- Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, and black pepper. Set aside.
- Cook the Broccoli: Steam or blanch the broccoli until tender but still crisp. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Shrimp: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add Sauce and Broccoli: Pour the honey soy mixture over the shrimp. Simmer until slightly thickened. Add broccoli and toss to combine.
- Serve: Serve hot over rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, marinate shrimp in the sauce before cooking.
- You can swap broccoli with snow peas or snap peas for variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (without rice)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
