Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli

The blend of rich butter, sweet honey, and aromatic garlic makes this dish absolutely irresistible. Each bite of tender shrimp is perfectly coated in a glossy, sticky glaze that hits every note; sweet, salty, savory, and just a little bit spicy. Paired with vibrant broccoli, this dish not only looks stunning but also brings in a balanced freshness that brightens the entire plate.

Perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave a restaurant-quality meal at home, this Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli is a flavor-packed showstopper. Serve it over a warm bed of rice, garnish with sesame seeds and scallions, and you’ve got yourself a dinner that’s as comforting as it is impressive.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 cups broccoli florets
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Cooked white rice, for serving
Sesame seeds, for garnish
Green onions, sliced, for garnish

Directions:

In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add broccoli florets and sauté for 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp. Remove and set aside.
Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add shrimp in a single layer. Cook 1–2 minutes per side until just pink.
Pour the honey garlic sauce over the shrimp. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Return broccoli to the pan. Stir well to coat with the sauce. Add sesame oil and red pepper flakes, if using.
Remove from heat. Serve over white rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 325 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli: A Quick and Flavorful Weeknight Favorite

When it comes to cooking a delicious dinner that feels gourmet but takes less than 30 minutes, Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli is an unbeatable option. This dish delivers an incredible flavor profile; sweet, garlicky, buttery, and savory all at once. The shrimp are juicy and tender, the broccoli is vibrant and slightly crisp, and the rich honey garlic glaze brings it all together into one cohesive, mouthwatering bite. Whether you’re cooking for your family or looking to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe is your new go-to.

Shrimp is an excellent choice when you want something fast and high in protein. It cooks in a flash and absorbs flavor beautifully. Pairing it with fresh broccoli not only adds color and nutrition to your plate but also gives the dish a fresh, earthy balance that cuts through the rich sauce. The honey garlic butter glaze is where the magic really happens, it turns simple ingredients into something indulgent and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Quick & Easy: From prep to plate in just about 20 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
Minimal Ingredients: Most of the items are pantry staples; like honey, soy sauce, garlic, and butter.
Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of honey and garlic caramelizes into a sticky glaze that coats the shrimp beautifully.
One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup, more enjoyment.
Versatile: Serve it over rice, noodles, or quinoa. You can also customize the heat level or add in extra vegetables.

A Nutritional Powerhouse

Let’s talk about the health benefits. Shrimp is low in calories yet high in protein and essential nutrients like iodine, selenium, and vitamin B12. It’s also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart and brain health. Broccoli, on the other hand, is a cruciferous vegetable loaded with fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins like C, K, and folate. When combined, these two ingredients create a dish that’s not only satisfying but also supports a healthy, balanced diet.

Honey, though often associated with sweetness, actually brings antimicrobial properties and a natural energy boost. Garlic contributes its powerful anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects, making this a dish that tastes as good as it is good for you.

Flavor Breakdown

This dish strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory, with a slight spicy edge if you opt to add red pepper flakes. The honey provides a rich, natural sweetness that caramelizes in the pan, while the garlic infuses the butter with an aromatic warmth that coats the shrimp. Soy sauce brings umami depth and rounds out the sweetness with its salty, slightly tangy profile. Butter, of course, adds that luxurious mouthfeel that makes every bite indulgent. When the broccoli is tossed in the same glaze, it soaks up all those delicious flavors, transforming it from a basic side into a star component.

If you like your food with a bit of kick, a small sprinkle of chili flakes or a dash of sriracha can take the flavor profile up a notch, delivering just the right amount of heat without overwhelming the sweet and buttery glaze.

Ideal Serving Suggestions

Serve Over Steamed White or Brown Rice: This helps soak up the flavorful sauce and creates a complete, filling meal.
Noodle Bowls: Toss some cooked ramen or soba noodles in the remaining sauce for a fun and satisfying twist.
Grain Bowls: For a healthier version, serve it over quinoa or farro.
Lettuce Wraps: Turn this dish into a light and fresh appetizer or low-carb lunch by serving it in crisp lettuce cups.
With Cauliflower Rice: A great low-carb option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions & Additions

This recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing you to customize it based on what you have on hand:

Shrimp Alternatives: Try scallops, cubed chicken breast, or tofu for a vegetarian version.
Vegetables: You can add bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or zucchini for extra texture and color.
Soy Sauce Substitute: Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
Honey Alternatives: Maple syrup or agave syrup work well, although they’ll slightly alter the taste.
Butter Alternatives: Olive oil or plant-based butter can be used if you’re dairy-free.

Tips for Perfect Execution

Pat Your Shrimp Dry: This ensures a nice sear and prevents the sauce from becoming watery.
Use Fresh Garlic: Pre-minced garlic will work, but fresh garlic offers a more robust and aromatic flavor.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, usually just 1–2 minutes per side. Overcooking can make them rubbery.
Cook Broccoli Until Tender-Crisp: This helps retain its vibrant green color and satisfying crunch.
Deglaze the Pan: If the sauce starts to stick, add a splash of water or broth to lift all that flavor off the bottom.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep

Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli is also an excellent meal-prep option. You can make it ahead and store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors intensify as they sit, making leftovers even more delicious. For best results, reheat gently in a pan over low heat to prevent overcooking the shrimp.

You can even prep the sauce a day or two in advance and refrigerate it separately. Then, when you’re ready to cook, all you need to do is toss everything into the pan, making dinner virtually effortless.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli is more than just a quick dinner, it’s a dish that delivers bold, comforting flavor with every bite. The buttery garlic-infused glaze, the sweetness of the honey, the umami kick from soy sauce, and the crunch of perfectly cooked broccoli make this a recipe you’ll want to keep in rotation week after week. Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping meals for the week, or simply treating yourself to something indulgent and satisfying, this dish has you covered.

It’s quick, it’s healthy, it’s customizable, and it’s packed with restaurant-quality flavor you can create in your own kitchen. Give it a try once, and it just might become one of your favorite go-to meals. Pair it with fluffy rice, noodles, or just enjoy it on its own; either way, it’s bound to impress.

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