Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli

The way honey caramelizes with garlic in butter creates this incredible glossy coating that clings to everything it touches. I first made this on a Tuesday when takeout felt like too much effort but I still wanted something that felt special and satisfying.

My husband actually asked if Id ordered from our favorite seafood restaurant the first time I plated this. Watching someone take that first bite and immediately reach for seconds is exactly why this recipe earned a permanent spot in my weeknight rotation.

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined: Large shrimp hold up better during cooking and stay juicy while smaller ones can turn rubbery quickly
• 3 cups broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli gives the best texture but frozen works in a pinch just thaw and pat dry first
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: A high heat oil prevents the shrimp from sticking and helps them develop a nice golden sear
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Unsalted lets you control the sodium level since soy sauce already brings plenty of saltiness
• 4 cloves garlic minced: Fresh garlic is nonnegotiable here jarred minced garlic has a harsher aftertaste
• 3 tablespoons honey: The honey creates that beautiful caramelized glaze and balances the salty soy sauce perfectly
• 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce: Low sodium is crucial because the sauce reduces and concentrates salt
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Fresh lemon cuts through the richness and brightens the entire dish
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Even if you dont like heat this tiny amount adds depth without making it spicy
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Parsley adds a fresh pop of color and a mild herbaceous finish
• Lemon wedges: Extra lemon on the table lets everyone adjust brightness to their taste

Instructions

Blanch the broccoli:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add the broccoli florets. Cook for exactly 2 minutes until they turn bright green then immediately drain and set aside.

Sauté the shrimp:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over mediumhigh heat until it shimmers slightly. Arrange shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque throughout.

Build the sauce:

In the same skillet melt butter over medium heat and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant then stir in honey soy sauce lemon juice and red pepper flakes.

Bring it all together:

Let the sauce simmer for 30 seconds to thicken slightly then return the shrimp and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything gently until coated in the glossy sauce.

Plate and garnish:

Transfer to a serving platter or individual plates and sprinkle generously with fresh parsley. Add lemon wedges alongside for squeezing at the table.

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This recipe became our go to dinner for celebrating small wins like a promotion or just making it through a particularly long week. Theres something about the combination of tender shrimp and crisp broccoli in that sweet glossy sauce that makes any Tuesday feel like a feast.

Make It Your Own

The beauty of this sauce is its versatility and ability to transform whatever proteins or vegetables you have on hand. Ive made it with scallops cubes of chicken breast and even extrafirm tofu when we needed a meatless night.

Serving Suggestions

A bed of fluffy white rice soaks up every drop of that incredible sauce but cauliflower rice works beautifully if youre watching carbs. Sometimes I just serve it with crusty bread for dipping because that sauce is absolute gold.

Timing Is Everything

Have all your ingredients prepped and measured before you start cooking because once you begin everything moves quickly. The shrimp cook in under 4 minutes total and the sauce comes together in seconds so being prepared means the difference between restaurant quality and overcooked seafood.

• Mince your garlic while the water comes to a boil
• Measure sauce ingredients into a small bowl beforehand
• Pat shrimp completely dry for the best sear

Save

Something magical happens when sweet honey meets salty soy and buttery garlic it just works every single time.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen shrimp work perfectly for this honey garlic butter dish. Thaw them completely by placing in the refrigerator overnight or running under cold water for 15 minutes. Pat thoroughly dry before cooking to prevent steaming and ensure proper searing.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or extra butter to refresh the sauce. Avoid microwaving as it may make the shrimp rubbery.

→ What vegetables can substitute for broccoli?

Snap peas, asparagus, bell peppers, or cauliflower florets all work wonderfully. Adjust cooking times accordingly—thin vegetables like snap peas need only 1-2 minutes, while denser options like cauliflower may require 3-4 minutes of blanching.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. The flavors actually deepen overnight. Portion into individual containers with your grain of choice. When meal prepping, slightly undercook the broccoli and shrimp during preparation so they don't overcook during reheating.

→ Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, replace the butter with equal parts olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. The sauce will still achieve that luxurious consistency, though the flavor profile will shift slightly. Consider adding a teaspoon of toasted sesame oil for extra richness.

→ What's the best way to prevent overcooked shrimp?

Watch carefully—shrimp cook remarkably fast. They're done when they turn pink and opaque, typically just 1-2 minutes per side. Remove immediately from heat even if they seem slightly underdone, as residual heat will complete the cooking process.