Name: Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup honey; 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 1 tsp fresh grated ginger; 2 tbsp minced garlic; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; 1 tsp cornstarch (to thicken); 1 lb large shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails removed if desired); 2 tbsp butter; 2 cups chopped broccoli; 1 tsp olive oil; Salt & pepper to taste

If you’re on the hunt for a fast, flavorful, and satisfying dinner option that will impress everyone at the table, then this Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli recipe is about to become your new go-to. We’re talking about juicy shrimp cooked to perfection, tossed in a rich, sticky honey garlic butter sauce, and paired with tender broccoli for a balanced and nutritious meal. The best part? It’s all done in under 20 minutes!

I remember the first time I whipped up this recipe on a busy weeknight. I had just gotten home from a long day, starving and with barely any energy left. Staring at my fridge, I saw some shrimp and broccoli, and I thought, “What can I do with this that’s quick and delicious?” A little honey, some garlic, butter, and a dash of soy sauce later, I was hooked. And let me tell you, the sticky, sweet, and savory sauce clinging to every bite of shrimp and broccoli was pure magic.

What makes this recipe so special is how easily it comes together with simple, everyday ingredients. You don’t need to be a master chef to make this work, which is why I love it so much. And if you’re like me, always looking for easy yet impressive dishes, this Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli is about to be your new best friend.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli recipe is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and satisfying. Here’s why you’ll absolutely love making and eating this dish:

Quick and Easy: This dish takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for those hectic weeknights when you want something delicious without all the fuss.
Simple Ingredients: You only need basic pantry staples like honey, soy sauce, butter, garlic, and ginger. Plus, shrimp and broccoli are easy to find and budget-friendly.
Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of honey, garlic, and butter creates a mouth-watering sauce that coats every piece of shrimp and broccoli. It’s sweet, savory, and has just the right amount of kick from red pepper flakes.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters love this dish. The sauce is mild enough for kids but still packs a punch of flavor for adults.
Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe to suit your preferences. Swap broccoli for other veggies, adjust the spice level, or even add some rice or noodles to make it more filling.
Healthy and Nutritious: Not only does this dish taste amazing, but it’s also packed with protein from the shrimp and vitamins from the broccoli. It’s a feel-good meal you’ll want to make again and again.

Health Benefits

This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits, making it a guilt-free addition to your meal rotation. Let’s break down some of the goodness this dish offers:

High-Quality Protein: Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein. It provides essential amino acids needed for muscle repair and growth while being low in calories. This makes shrimp a great option for those looking to maintain or lose weight while staying satisfied.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Shrimp is a powerhouse of essential nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, iodine, and phosphorus. These nutrients contribute to improved metabolism, brain health, and thyroid function.
Antioxidant Boost: Broccoli is loaded with antioxidants, especially sulforaphane, which may help reduce inflammation, boost heart health, and support detoxification. It’s also rich in vitamin C and K, which are essential for immune function and bone health.
Heart-Healthy Fats: While this recipe uses butter for flavor, you can easily swap it out for olive oil if you prefer a healthier fat source. The small amount of butter used adds richness without going overboard on calories.
Blood Sugar Control: The balance of protein, healthy fats, and fiber-rich broccoli can help regulate blood sugar levels, making this dish a good choice for those watching their blood sugar.
Gluten-Free Option: As long as you use gluten-free soy sauce, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per Serving: 215 kcal
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 39g
Fat: 7g
Sodium: 638mg

Ingredients List

For the Sauce:

1/2 cup honey – Provides natural sweetness and helps create that sticky, irresistible glaze.
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce – Adds depth and a touch of saltiness to balance the sweetness of the honey.
1 tsp fresh grated ginger – Adds warmth and complexity to the flavor profile.
2 tbsp minced garlic – The star of the show, giving the sauce its aromatic punch.
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes – Just enough to add a mild heat that complements the sweetness.
1 tsp cornstarch – Helps thicken the sauce to a perfectly glossy consistency.

For the Dish:

1 lb large shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails removed if desired) – The main protein source, tender and succulent when cooked properly.
2 tbsp butter – Adds richness and a smooth, buttery finish to the dish.
2 cups chopped broccoli – A nutritious and hearty vegetable that pairs beautifully with shrimp.
1 tsp olive oil – Used to cook the broccoli, giving it a delicious, slightly crispy texture.
Salt & pepper to taste – To enhance and balance the overall flavors.

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Whisk the ingredients together until well-mixed.
Pour about 1/3 of the sauce over the shrimp in a shallow bowl or zip-top bag. Let the shrimp marinate for about 30 minutes if you have the time. If not, even a quick 10-minute soak will do the trick.
In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch with the remaining sauce and set it aside. This will be used to thicken the sauce later.

Cook the Broccoli

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chopped broccoli and season with salt and pepper. Stir-fry for about 5-6 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still crisp.
Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set it aside.

Cook the Shrimp

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
Add the shrimp (discarding the marinade) and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.

Combine and Finish

Add the reserved sauce (with cornstarch) to the skillet with the cooked shrimp.
Bring the sauce to a low simmer, stirring constantly until it thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the broccoli back to the skillet and toss until everything is well-coated in the sauce and heated through.

Serve

Remove from heat and serve immediately. This dish is perfect over a bed of rice, pasta, or even cauliflower rice if you’re keeping it low-carb.

How to Serve

This Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli is so versatile that you can serve it in several delicious ways. Here are some great ideas:

Over Rice: Serve it over steamed white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice to soak up all the flavorful sauce.
With Noodles: Toss the shrimp and broccoli with cooked noodles like linguine, spaghetti, or rice noodles for a satisfying stir-fry-style dish.
Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, serve it over cauliflower rice.
As a Salad Topper: Place it over a bed of fresh greens for a light and nutritious meal.
With Crusty Bread: Dip crusty bread into the honey garlic butter sauce for a satisfying side.

Pairing Suggestions

To make this meal feel like a complete feast, consider pairing it with:

Side Dishes: Garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette.
Drinks: Refreshing lemon water, iced tea, or sparkling water with citrus slices.
Desserts: Fresh fruit salad, lemon sorbet, or a light vanilla yogurt parfait.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

Storing leftovers properly helps maintain the flavor and freshness of your dish.

Storage: Store any leftover shrimp and broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze cooked shrimp and broccoli for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag.
Reheating: To reheat, place the shrimp and broccoli in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator first.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is simple, a few common mistakes can impact the final result. Here’s what to avoid:

Overcooking the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly. Overcooking makes them tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
Using Too Much Cornstarch: Adding too much cornstarch can make the sauce overly thick and pasty. Stick to the recommended amount.
Skipping the Marinating Step: While optional, marinating the shrimp enhances the flavor. Don’t skip it if you have a few extra minutes.
Using High Heat: When reheating, avoid using high heat as it can dry out the shrimp and broccoli.
Crowding the Pan: Cook the shrimp in batches if needed to ensure even cooking.

Pro Tips

Want to take your Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli to the next level? Here are some helpful tips:

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger provide the best flavor. If you can, avoid using powdered versions.
Adjusting Spice Level: Add more red pepper flakes if you like extra heat. Or, if you prefer it milder, leave them out altogether.
Serving with Citrus: A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice over the finished dish adds a nice, tangy brightness.
Adding Vegetables: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or zucchini.
Making Extra Sauce: If you love extra saucy dishes, double the sauce ingredients and drizzle more over your rice or noodles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

What if I don’t have fresh ginger?
You can substitute 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger for each teaspoon of fresh ginger.

Can I use other vegetables instead of broccoli?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, zucchini, snap peas, or asparagus work wonderfully.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and chop the broccoli ahead of time. Cook the shrimp and broccoli just before serving.

What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave at 50% power to avoid overcooking.

Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
Yes, olive oil is a great option if you prefer a healthier fat.

Can I freeze the sauce separately?
Yes, the sauce can be prepared and frozen separately for up to 3 months.

How do I make it extra saucy?
Simply double the sauce ingredients and enjoy extra deliciousness.

Can I use chicken instead of shrimp?
Sure! Thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs would be fantastic. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli is one of those recipes that checks all the boxes. It’s quick, easy, flavorful, and versatile. Whether you’re whipping it up for a speedy weeknight dinner or serving it to impress guests, it never disappoints. The combination of sweet honey, savory garlic, and buttery richness will have everyone asking for seconds.

If you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Did you add your own twist? Share your experience in the comments below. And if you’re feeling generous, share this recipe with your friends and family so they can enjoy it too. Happy cooking!