If you’re on the hunt for a quick yet impressively delicious meal, this Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli dish is just the thing you need. A medley of succulent shrimp and vibrant broccoli, all wrapped up in a luscious honey garlic sauce, makes this a recipe that will soon become a household favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together in just 20 minutes.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a tantalizingly sweet and savory sauce.
- Healthy & Satisfying: Packed with protein and vegetables, it’s a well-rounded meal that doesn’t skimp on taste.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the ingredients to suit your dietary preferences or what you have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple ingredients, you’re well on your way to making a dish that’s as delicious as it is colorful. Each component, from the honey to the fresh ginger, plays an important role in creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.
- Honey: Provides natural sweetness that balances the garlic and soy perfectly.
- Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Adds depth without overpowering the other flavors—plus, it’s kinder on the salt intake!
- Fresh Grated Ginger: Gives this dish its bright, zesty kick. Fresh ginger really is unrivaled.
- Minced Garlic: The cornerstone of the sauce, bringing warmth and aromatic flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Just a hint for those who enjoy a mild heat.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency for coating the shrimp and broccoli.
- Large Shrimp: Juicy and tender, they’re the star of this dish.
- Butter: Richness incarnate, offering that buttery melt-in-the-mouth feel.
- Chopped Broccoli: Adds a healthy, crunchy element that complements the tender shrimp.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing, keeping things rich but light.
- Salt & Pepper to Taste: Enhances and rounds out all the flavors.
Variations
Don’t be afraid to make this Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli your own! The best part about cooking is the freedom to adapt recipes to fit your needs or simply to use what you have in your pantry.
- Swap the Protein: Try this sauce with chicken, tofu, or even a mix of your favorite seafood.
- Vegetarian Version: Double the broccoli and add additional veggies like bell peppers or snow peas.
- Spice it Up: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to boost the heat level.
How to Make Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, fresh ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. This mixture will serve as both a marinade and a sauce, enriching the shrimp and broccoli with its robust flavor.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
Place the peeled and deveined shrimp into a bowl, adding one-third of your prepared honey garlic sauce. Let the shrimp soak up these flavors for at least 30 minutes if you have the time, which will infuse them with a deeper taste.
Step 3: Cook the Broccoli
Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Toss in the broccoli, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and sauté for about 5-6 minutes until just tender. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
In the same skillet, melt the butter and then add the shrimp, discarding any leftover marinade. Sear the shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side, until just pink and cooked through.
Step 5: Finish with Sauce
Mix the reserved sauce with cornstarch, then pour it into the pan with the shrimp. Let it gently simmer until it thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes, before adding the broccoli back to the pan. Toss everything together until heated through. Delicious!
Pro Tips for Making Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli
- Ingredient Selection: Choose shrimp of large or jumbo size to assure the perfect bite and prevent overcooking.
- Make Ahead Marinade: Marinate the shrimp overnight for a flavor burst that will surprise your taste buds!
- Perfect Broccoli Texture: Blanch the broccoli before adding it to the skillet if you like them softer.
- Sauce Thickness: Add more cornstarch if you like the sauce extra thick, or reduce it slightly for a looser consistency.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or freshly chopped scallions for a pop of color and a nutty, aromatic finish.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with steamed jasmine or brown rice, or even rice noodles, which perfectly soak up the delectable honey garlic sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a beautiful presentation, serve the shrimp and broccoli over a bed of vibrant greens like spinach or kale and garnish with lemon slices for an impressive touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow leftovers to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’re best consumed within 2-3 days.
Freezing
To freeze, transfer the cooked shrimp and broccoli into a freezer-safe container or bag. It’ll keep its tasty charm for up to 2 months—ideal for a quick future meal!
Reheating
Gently reheat the dish in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before marinating.
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Is it necessary to use fresh ginger?
While fresh ginger gives the best flavor, ground ginger can be a convenient substitute. Use half the amount.
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What kind of broccoli should I use?
Fresh broccoli holds its texture well during cooking, but frozen broccoli can be used if thawed and patted dry beforehand.
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How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Swap regular soy sauce with a gluten-free version or tamari to make the dish gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
Give this Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli recipe a whirl and relish in a meal that feels like a restaurant-quality treat but is as easy as a Sunday morning. Dive into its sweet and savory goodness, and watch it become a staple in your culinary repertoire!
PrintHoney Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Description
Enjoy a quick and flavorful Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli, perfect for a weeknight dinner. This dish features juicy shrimp coated in a sweet and savory sauce, complemented by tender broccoli and finished with a touch of butter for richness. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a delicious way to incorporate seafood and greens into your meal.
Ingredients
Honey Garlic Sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Shrimp and Vegetables
- 1 pound large shrimp peeling, deveined, tails optional
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 2 cups chopped broccoli
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Mix well until all ingredients are incorporated.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl. Add one-third of the sauce to the shrimp and toss to coat. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes for better flavor.
- Thicken the Sauce: Whisk the cornstarch into the remaining sauce and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat a skillet or wok over high heat. Add olive oil, then the broccoli, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still crisp. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Cook Shrimp: Add butter to the same skillet. Discard any marinade from the shrimp and add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and are cooked through.
- Make the Sauce: Pour the reserved sauce with cornstarch into the skillet. Bring to a low-medium simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked broccoli back into the skillet, tossing everything to combine and heat through. Serve hot over rice or pasta.
Notes
- Marinate the shrimp for 30 minutes for more intense flavor if desired.
- Use jumbo 16/20 size shrimp for best texture; smaller shrimp will cook faster.
- Feel free to remove the tails for a cleaner presentation or leave them on for more flavor.
- Fresh broccoli is preferred, but frozen works after thawing and drying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 215 kcal
- Sugar: 36 g
- Sodium: 638 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg