Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe

If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that effortlessly wows, Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli is your answer. Sweet honey, savory garlic, and a luscious butter sauce coat perfectly plump shrimp and crisp-tender broccoli for a dish that tastes restaurant-fancy but comes together in a flash.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about honest, flavorful ingredients that are easy to find in any pantry. Each one brings something special—whether it’s a pop of color, umami punch, or silky texture—to make this Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli absolutely unforgettable.

• Honey: Delivers natural sweetness and that craveable sticky glaze that coats the shrimp and broccoli beautifully.
• Low sodium soy sauce: Balances the sweetness, gives depth, and keeps the sauce perfectly savory without overpowering saltiness.
• Fresh grated ginger: Lends bright, zingy warmth—be sure to use fresh for the best punch.
• Minced garlic: The star flavor! Use freshly minced for the boldest, most aromatic results.
• Red pepper flakes: Adds just a hint of gentle heat that cuts through the richness.
• Cornstarch: The secret to a glossy, thickened sauce that clings to every bite.
• Large shrimp (peeled & deveined): Tender and succulent; jumbo shrimp are especially dramatic and impressive, but any size works.
• Butter: Gives the sauce a luxurious finish and helps brown the shrimp beautifully.
• Chopped broccoli: Adds fresh crunch and vibrant color—fresh is best, but frozen will do in a pinch.
• Olive oil: For sautéing the broccoli while keeping everything light and flavorful.
• Salt & pepper, to taste: Simple seasoning to bring all the flavors together.

Variations

There’s all sorts of fun ways to make Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli your own. Whether you want to swap in what you have or tailor it to your family’s tastes, don’t be afraid to get creative—this recipe is endlessly adaptable!

• Swap the Veggie: Try snap peas, bell pepper strips, or asparagus in place of or alongside the broccoli for extra crunch and color.
• Go Spicier: Mix in more red pepper flakes, a splash of sriracha, or even a dash of chili crisp to dial up the heat to your liking.
• Make It Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with a good vegan butter or more olive oil for a completely dairy-free version.
• Add Citrus: Squeeze fresh lemon or lime juice into the sauce for a bright, tangy twist that makes the flavors pop.

How to Make Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli

Step 1: Mix Up the Sauce & Marinate the Shrimp

In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. This sweet and savory blend is the heartbeat of your Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli. Pour a third of it over the shrimp and let them marinate while you prep your other ingredients—just 10 minutes is great, but up to 30 minutes will give even more flavor.

Step 2: Thicken the Reserved Sauce

Take the remaining sauce and whisk in the cornstarch until smooth. This step is crucial, because it transforms the marinade into a beautiful, glossy sauce that’ll hug every shrimp and piece of broccoli later.

Step 3: Sauté the Broccoli

Heat a skillet or wok with olive oil over high heat. Add the broccoli, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and cook for about 5-6 minutes. The goal: bright green, just-tender florets that still have a satisfying bite. Remove and set aside when they’re ready.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Melt the butter in the same hot pan. Add the shrimp (discard the marinade!) in a single layer and let them sizzle—about 2 minutes per side, or until each piece is pink, opaque, and just cooked through. Don’t overcook or you’ll lose that gorgeous tenderness!

Step 5: Create the Sauce & Combine

Pour in the reserved sauce mixture and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally as it thickens and turns irresistibly glossy—this takes about 2-3 minutes. Add back your cooked broccoli and toss until everything is beautifully coated and heated through.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Ladle your luscious Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli over a bed of fluffy rice, noodles, or anything you love. Dinner, done!

How to Serve Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli

Garnishes

Add the finishing touch with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or a handful of fresh cilantro. These tiny details add color, crunch, and a bright, herbaceous lift to your Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli.

Side Dishes

This dish practically begs to be spooned over steamed jasmine rice or bouncy lo mein noodles, soaking up every last drop of sauce. For a lighter twist, try cauliflower rice or a bed of crisp greens—it’s just as satisfying!

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful: pile the shrimp and broccoli into lettuce cups for a fun, handheld dinner, or serve family-style on a large platter for a wow-worthy centerpiece. For meal prep, layer over rice in lunch bowls for vibrant, grab-and-go lunches all week long.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a delicious choice for next-day lunches.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, but shrimp tend to change texture after freezing. If you do, let it cool completely and freeze in a single layer; thaw overnight in the fridge before gently reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving for too long, as shrimp can become rubbery.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something gleefully satisfying about making a dish that’s simple, vibrant, and tastes like pure comfort. I hope you love this Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli as much as I do—it’s a guaranteed hit that’ll make any ordinary weeknight feel extra special. Give it a whirl, and let your kitchen be filled with those delicious, irresistible aromas!

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