The sweet and savory harmony of this Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli recipe is simply irresistible. Juicy shrimp are sautéed to tender perfection and coated in a sticky honey garlic glaze that seeps into every bite. Crisp-tender broccoli brings freshness and balance to this flavorful one-pan dish.
With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this recipe delivers restaurant-style satisfaction right from your home kitchen. It’s a crowd-pleaser perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals alike. Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or noodles for the ultimate comfort food experience that’s as impressive as it is easy.
Full Recipe:
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1/2 cup honey
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1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
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1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
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2 tablespoons minced garlic
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1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
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1 teaspoon cornstarch
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1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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2 tablespoons butter
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2 cups chopped broccoli
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1 teaspoon olive oil
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
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Place shrimp in a bowl and add 1/3 of the sauce to marinate. Set aside the rest.
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Mix the cornstarch into the reserved marinade and whisk until smooth.
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Add broccoli, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–6 minutes until tender. Remove and set aside.
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Add butter to the skillet and cook shrimp in a single layer for about 2 minutes per side or until pink and opaque.
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Pour in the reserved sauce and simmer until thickened (about 2–3 minutes).
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Return broccoli to the skillet, toss with shrimp and sauce until heated through.
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Serve hot over rice or noodles for a full meal.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 215 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
An Irresistible Combination: Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli
Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli is more than just a quick weeknight dinner — it’s a beautiful harmony of flavor, texture, and simplicity. This dish is beloved not just for its bold, comforting flavors, but also for its ease of preparation and universal appeal. With succulent shrimp glazed in a rich blend of honey, garlic, butter, and soy sauce, balanced perfectly with crisp-tender broccoli, it’s no wonder this meal has become a go-to recipe for many households.
Perfect for busy families, health-conscious individuals, or even those new to cooking, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results in under 30 minutes. And it doesn’t stop at convenience — the nutritional profile and flexibility of the recipe make it a true standout.
The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish
While Honey Garlic Shrimp is often associated with Asian-style cuisine due to the use of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, this version brings in a Western twist with the addition of butter. It’s a fusion of East and West, bringing together the umami richness of soy with the silky decadence of butter. This fusion is what gives the dish its luscious texture and signature sweet-savory punch.
Stir-fries like this are rooted in the ancient Chinese cooking tradition of quick-cooking protein and vegetables in a hot wok, preserving freshness while intensifying flavor. Over time, Western cooks adapted the method and flavors to suit local palates, and this version reflects that — a comforting, sticky glaze that’s flavorful but approachable for even picky eaters.
Why Shrimp and Broccoli Are a Perfect Pair
Shrimp is a versatile seafood choice, loved for its delicate texture and ability to soak up bold sauces. When paired with broccoli — a vegetable that holds up well to heat and provides a mild, slightly bitter contrast — the result is a perfect interplay of textures and flavors.
Broccoli also adds bulk and brightness to the dish. While shrimp cooks quickly and can feel light, broccoli offers a satisfying bite that rounds out the meal, making it both filling and nutrient-rich. Plus, their combined colors — the vibrant green of the broccoli and the golden glaze of the shrimp — make the dish visually appealing.
The Power of Honey Garlic Sauce
The honey garlic sauce in this recipe is a showstopper. It’s sticky, glossy, and packed with layered flavors. Honey brings natural sweetness and a golden hue. Garlic, as always, adds a depth of flavor and savoriness that enhances any protein. A touch of soy sauce adds umami, and red pepper flakes bring the optional heat that lifts the entire dish.
This sauce can be used across multiple recipes. Once you master it here, you’ll find yourself drizzling it over salmon, chicken, tofu, or even vegetables. It’s adaptable and addictive, and can be easily modified depending on your taste — spicier with more chili, sharper with a squeeze of lime, or creamier with a dash of cream or coconut milk.
Health Benefits of This Dish
This recipe isn’t just delicious — it’s also packed with nutrients. Shrimp is a low-calorie, high-protein seafood option that’s also rich in selenium, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids. It’s ideal for those watching their calorie intake while still aiming to get sufficient protein.
Broccoli, on the other hand, is a well-known superfood. It’s high in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, and potassium. It also contains more protein than most other vegetables. The presence of antioxidants and bioactive compounds makes it a fantastic addition to any diet.
Even the honey — often dismissed as “just sugar” — brings some benefits. It’s less processed than refined sugar and contains small amounts of antioxidants. The key, of course, is moderation.
Time-Saving and Meal-Prep Friendly
One of the greatest strengths of this recipe is its speed. From start to finish, you can have dinner on the table in 20 minutes. For anyone managing a packed schedule, this dish proves that fast doesn’t have to mean bland.
It’s also a great candidate for meal prep. The cooked shrimp and broccoli reheat well and can be stored in airtight containers for up to three days. Pair them with rice, quinoa, noodles, or even cauliflower rice to create diverse meals throughout the week. The sauce thickens and settles beautifully, so leftovers may even taste better the next day.
Customizing the Dish to Suit Any Diet
This recipe is naturally gluten-free (if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari), and it’s low in carbs, making it ideal for many diet plans including keto and paleo (with slight tweaks).
Want to make it vegetarian or vegan? Substitute the shrimp for tofu or tempeh and swap the butter for a vegan alternative. Want more veggies? Add bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots to the mix. Craving more heat? Add Sriracha or sliced chili. This recipe serves as a reliable base for countless variations.
For extra crunch, consider topping the final dish with toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions. A sprinkle of crushed peanuts or cashews can also add a nutty layer of flavor and texture.
Ideal Occasions for Serving
Because it’s quick and crowd-pleasing, this dish is perfect for weeknights. But it also shines as a dinner party option. The glossy, golden shrimp look impressive on the plate, especially when served over jasmine rice or noodles and garnished with fresh herbs.
You can easily double or triple the batch if you’re feeding a crowd. It pairs well with a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, or a sparkling water with citrus for a refreshing contrast.
Tips for Cooking Shrimp Perfectly Every Time
Shrimp can go from tender to rubbery in a matter of seconds. The key is to cook them just until they turn opaque and curl into a gentle “C” shape. Overcooked shrimp become tight and chewy.
Using a hot pan and cooking in a single layer helps sear the shrimp quickly without overcooking. Another tip: dry the shrimp with a paper towel before marinating. This helps them brown more evenly.
If you’re unsure, cook one shrimp first as a test. When you get the timing right, finish the batch.
Storage and Reheating Advice
To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely and refrigerate in airtight containers. It keeps well for 2–3 days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid the microwave if possible — it tends to overcook shrimp quickly.
If making ahead for meal prep, consider keeping the rice or noodles separate until serving to maintain texture.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli is more than just a tasty dinner idea — it’s a foundation. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes part of your regular rotation because of its adaptability, speed, and flavor. Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or whip up something nourishing in minutes, this dish checks all the boxes.
It’s quick but not rushed, indulgent without being unhealthy, and satisfying without being heavy. From flavor to functionality, it offers everything a modern home cook could want. Once you try it, it’s likely to become your go-to for years to come.