Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp

This honey garlic butter shrimp and broccoli dish combines succulent shrimp with crisp broccoli in a sticky sweet and savory sauce that coats every bite perfectly. The quick cooking time makes it ideal for busy weeknights while still delivering restaurant-quality flavor.

I created this recipe when I was craving Chinese takeout but wanted something fresher and lighter. It has since become my go-to impressive dinner when friends come over unexpectedly as it looks and tastes far more complex than the effort required.

Ingredients

• Honey: Gives this dish its signature sticky sweet glaze and caramelizes beautifully when cooked
• Low sodium soy sauce: Provides savory depth without overwhelming saltiness
• Fresh grated ginger: Adds warming aromatic notes that pair perfectly with seafood
• Minced garlic: Creates the foundation of flavor; choose fresh over jarred for best results
• Red pepper flakes: Add a gentle heat that balances the sweetness; select Korean flakes for milder heat
• Cornstarch: Creates that restaurant-quality thickness in the sauce without any floury taste
• Large shrimp: Cook quickly and absorb flavors wonderfully; look for sustainable wild-caught when possible
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create caramelization on the shrimp
• Fresh broccoli: Provides texture contrast and nutritional balance; choose bright green heads with tight florets
• Olive oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds subtle flavor to the broccoli

Step-by-Step Instructions

Create the Sauce Base:

Combine honey, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl, whisking thoroughly until the honey fully incorporates with the other ingredients. The mixture should be fragrant with the garlic and ginger aromas dominating.

Marinate the Shrimp:

Pour approximately one third of your prepared sauce over the cleaned shrimp in a separate bowl, ensuring each piece gets coated evenly. Allow to sit for at least 5 minutes but no longer than 15 minutes as the acid in the soy sauce will begin cooking the delicate shrimp.

Prepare the Thickening Agent:

Add cornstarch to your remaining sauce, whisking vigorously until completely dissolved with no visible white specks. This step is crucial for achieving that glossy restaurant-style sauce that clings perfectly to your ingredients.

Cook the Broccoli:

Heat your skillet until very hot, then add olive oil and broccoli with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for precisely 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally until the broccoli turns bright green with slightly charred edges but still maintains a pleasant crunch. Remove and set aside.

Sear the Shrimp:

Melt butter in the same hot skillet, then add marinated shrimp in a single layer, discarding any excess marinade. Allow to cook undisturbed for 2 minutes until the bottom develops a golden crust, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes until shrimp curl into a C shape and turn completely pink.

Create the Glaze:

Pour the reserved cornstarch-sauce mixture into the pan with the shrimp and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer gently while stirring occasionally for 2-3 minutes as the sauce thickens to a napable consistency that coats the back of a spoon.

Combine and Finish:

Return the cooked broccoli to the pan, gently folding it into the shrimp and sauce mixture until evenly coated and heated through, about 1 minute. The broccoli should absorb some sauce while maintaining its texture.

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The honey in this recipe does something magical when it caramelizes with the butter, creating little pockets of sweetness that burst with each bite. My husband, who typically avoids seafood, will make an exception for this dish, requesting it specifically when he sees broccoli in our vegetable drawer.

Perfect Pairings

This versatile dish works beautifully over various bases depending on your preference. Jasmine rice absorbs the sauce wonderfully while maintaining its fragrant identity. For a lower carb option, cauliflower rice provides the perfect neutral canvas. If you prefer something with more texture, brown rice or quinoa add nutty notes that complement the honey garlic flavors.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavor actually improves overnight as the sauce penetrates deeper into the ingredients. When reheating, avoid microwaving which can make the shrimp rubbery. Instead, gently warm in a skillet with a splash of water to revitalize the sauce. If making for meal prep, consider storing the sauce separately and combining just before serving.

Quick Variations

The basic sauce in this recipe is incredibly versatile. Substitute chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces for a different protein option, cooking about 5-7 minutes per side. For a vegetarian version, extra firm tofu, pressed and cubed, works wonderfully absorbing the flavorful sauce. You can also swap broccoli for sugar snap peas, bell peppers, or asparagus depending on seasonal availability, all requiring similar cooking times.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen shrimp for this dish?

Yes, frozen shrimp works well. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly rather than steam. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or place in a colander under cold running water for a quick thaw.

→ What can I substitute for honey?

If you don't have honey, maple syrup or brown sugar can work as alternatives. Maple syrup will give a different but complementary flavor, while brown sugar dissolved in a tablespoon of water provides similar sweetness. Adjust quantities to taste as honey is generally sweeter.

→ Can I make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! For a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon or add a tablespoon of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the honey soy mixture. You can also add fresh sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.

→ What other vegetables work well in this dish?

This versatile dish works well with bell peppers, snap peas, asparagus, zucchini, or carrots. Just adjust cooking times accordingly as some vegetables need more or less time than broccoli. Harder vegetables like carrots should be added earlier, while softer ones like zucchini need less cooking time.

→ How do I know when the shrimp are properly cooked?

Shrimp cook very quickly and are done when they turn from translucent to opaque pink and curl into a loose 'C' shape. This typically takes about 2 minutes per side. Be careful not to overcook them as they can become tough and rubbery. When they form a tight 'O' shape, they're overcooked.

→ Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the honey garlic sauce can be prepared up to 3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes for an even quicker meal preparation. Just whisk the sauce again before using, as some ingredients may separate during storage.