Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp

Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli is a lifesaver for weeknight dinners when you want something both fast and memorable. In under twenty minutes you get a glossy stir fry that feels fancy yet requires almost no effort. The honey garlic sauce alone makes everything taste irresistible and my family starts hovering as soon as I heat the pan.

My kids always ask for this after soccer practice and I love knowing I can say yes and still get dinner on the table quickly.

Ingredients

• Raw large shrimp: Buy already peeled and deveined to save time The fresher the better for best flavor
• Honey: Brings all the sweetness and glaze Pure honey is best for thick sauce
• Low sodium soy sauce: This balances the sweetness and keeps things from getting too salty Choose a high quality brand for flavor
• Fresh ginger: Adds a warm kick Grate it fresh for the brightest taste
• Minced garlic: Creates the backbone of the dish Go for fresh cloves over the jarred kind
• Red pepper flakes: Add gentle heat Adjust to taste if you like things spicy
• Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce for that perfect honey glaze Look for a fine powder without clumps
• Butter: Brings rich flavor and helps the sauce cling to the shrimp Unsalted gives you control over saltiness
• Broccoli: Use fresh florets for crisp tender results Check for deep green color and firm texture
• Olive oil: Helps sauté the broccoli Look for extra virgin for best results
• Salt and pepper to taste: Finish the dish with a sprinkle to draw out all the flavors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Sauce:

In a mixing bowl whisk honey soy sauce ginger garlic and red pepper flakes until everything is smooth and fully combined The sauce should smell sweet and a bit spicy

Marinate the Shrimp:

Place shrimp in a bowl and pour in about a third of the honey garlic mixture Toss the shrimp well so each piece is coated Set it aside for at least ten minutes while the rest of the prep happens

Add Cornstarch to Sauce:

To the remaining reserved sauce whisk in the cornstarch until completely dissolved This will become the luscious thick glaze later on

Sauté the Broccoli:

Heat a skillet or wok over high heat Once hot add olive oil and then broccoli Sprinkle with a bit of salt and pepper Stir and cook for five to six minutes until the broccoli softens and turns bright green but stays crisp Remove from pan and set aside

Cook the Shrimp:

Drop butter into the same hot skillet and once melted add the marinated shrimp in a single layer Discard leftover marinade Sear shrimp for about two minutes per side until they turn pink and curl up Try not to overcook or they can get rubbery

Simmer the Sauce:

Give the reserved honey garlic sauce a stir and pour it into the pan with the shrimp Let it come to a low simmer Cook for two to three minutes stirring gently as the sauce thickens and coats the shrimp

Add Broccoli and Toss:

Slide the broccoli back in and toss everything together for a minute so the sauce clings to each bit and everything is warmed through

Serve and Enjoy:

Spoon the shrimp and broccoli over rice noodles or simply enjoy as is Spoon extra sauce from the pan over the top

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The honey butter combo is my absolute favorite part of this dish Every time I stir in the butter at the end the kitchen smells incredible and my family knows dinner is about to get special We had our first batch on a weekend at the beach and now this is our summertime tradition

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave Just note the shrimp will toughen slightly if reheated too long The sauce stays delicious though so I sometimes make extra just to have more for meal prep

Ingredient Substitutions

Try maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness Frozen shrimp works well just thaw and pat dry If you are out of fresh ginger use a pinch of ground ginger in a pinch For broccoli swap in sugar snap peas or zucchini for variety Gluten free soy sauce such as tamari is perfect if you want it gluten free

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Serving Suggestions

Serve this over fluffy white rice jasmine is my favorite or toss with quick rice noodles For a lower carb twist spoon it right over a bowl of steamed cauliflower rice Add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or fresh scallions for a nice finish

Cultural or Historical Context

Honey garlic and soy is a classic combination influenced by Asian stir fry dishes The sauce in this recipe pays homage to teriyaki and Chinese garlic shrimp but with an American weeknight twist Shrimp and broccoli have been paired for generations because they cook at the same speedy pace and keep things light yet satisfying

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the skillet.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Steamed rice, white or brown, or your choice of pasta make a perfect base for soaking up the sauce.

→ Do I need to marinate the shrimp?

Marinating for 30 minutes boosts flavor, but you can skip this step for a quicker meal.

→ Can I substitute other vegetables for broccoli?

Absolutely! Snap peas, bell peppers, or asparagus also complement the honey garlic flavors well.

→ How do I prevent shrimp from overcooking?

Cook shrimp just until pink on each side, around 2 minutes, to keep them tender and juicy.

→ Is this dish spicy?

It has a mild heat from red pepper flakes, but you can adjust or omit them to suit your preference.