Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli

The rich, sweet, and savory flavors of honey, garlic, and butter come together in this quick and easy shrimp and broccoli skillet. Perfectly seared shrimp are glazed in a glossy, aromatic sauce that coats every bite, while tender broccoli adds freshness and balance to the dish.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, dinner guests, or when you’re simply craving something that’s both comforting and bold. Best of all, it’s versatile, serve it over rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter low-carb option. If you’re looking for a flavor-packed seafood recipe that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, this one’s a keeper.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 2 cups broccoli florets

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup honey

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Sesame seeds, for garnish

• Green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish

• Cooked rice, for serving (optional)

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add olive oil. Sauté garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

3. Add shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.

4. In the same skillet, add broccoli and a splash of water. Cover and steam for 2-3 minutes until just tender.

5. Return shrimp to the pan and pour in the honey garlic sauce. Cook, stirring frequently, until sauce thickens slightly and shrimp are well coated, about 2-3 minutes.

6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve over rice if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli: A Weeknight Favorite with Gourmet Flavor

When it comes to weeknight dinners, we often search for recipes that are fast, easy, and don’t sacrifice flavor. That’s where this Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli recipe shines. Combining the richness of butter, the aromatic punch of garlic, and the sweetness of honey, this dish hits every note, savory, sweet, and umami, in perfect harmony. It’s a recipe that feels indulgent yet is light, fresh, and full of protein and nutrients. Even better? It takes less than 30 minutes from prep to plate, making it ideal for busy families, singles cooking for one, or couples wanting something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Shrimp is one of those versatile proteins that cooks quickly and absorbs flavor exceptionally well. When paired with crisp-tender broccoli and a glossy honey garlic sauce, it transforms into something absolutely crave-worthy. The sauce itself is a simple mix of pantry staples, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and butter, yet it delivers big, bold taste. You can serve this dish on its own or over fluffy rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. It’s gluten-free (when using tamari or gluten-free soy sauce), dairy-optional, and easy to adapt for different dietary preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

One of the greatest things about this honey garlic shrimp and broccoli is its versatility. Not only does it come together with just a handful of ingredients, but the flavor is so universally loved that it’s a hit with picky eaters, seafood fans, and even kids. The shrimp are lightly seared in butter and olive oil, creating a juicy texture and golden exterior. The broccoli, quickly steamed in the same pan, retains a slight crunch, offering a satisfying contrast in each bite.

But what really brings it all together is the sauce, a sticky, garlicky, sweet-savory glaze that clings to every morsel. It’s rich and complex enough to taste like something from a restaurant, but made in your very own skillet. This dish is equally perfect for a weeknight dinner, date night, or even as part of a meal prep rotation. It keeps well in the fridge and reheats beautifully, making it great for leftovers or next-day lunches.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

Here’s a closer look at some of the main ingredients and how you can modify the recipe to suit your pantry or preferences:

• Shrimp – Use large or jumbo shrimp for the best texture. Fresh or frozen (thawed) both work well. For convenience, buy them peeled and deveined.

• Garlic – Use fresh garlic for the most intense flavor, but pre-minced or garlic paste can be used in a pinch.

• Honey – Adds natural sweetness and helps the sauce caramelize slightly. Maple syrup or agave nectar are suitable substitutes.

• Soy Sauce – Brings depth and saltiness. Use low-sodium soy sauce, tamari (for gluten-free), or coconut aminos (for soy-free diets).

• Butter – Enhances richness and gives the sauce a velvety finish. If you’re dairy-free, use vegan butter or simply stick with olive oil.

• Broccoli – Fresh broccoli florets are best, but frozen can be used (just thaw and drain well). You can also swap in green beans, snap peas, or zucchini.

• Red Pepper Flakes (optional) – A touch of spice elevates the flavor. Adjust to your preference or omit for a milder version.

Nutritional Highlights

This recipe isn’t just delicious, it’s nutritious too. Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein and is low in calories. It’s also rich in key nutrients like selenium, B12, and iodine. Broccoli brings fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and powerful antioxidants to the table. Even the honey, while sweet, offers trace antioxidants and a natural energy boost.

By using olive oil and minimizing added sugar (with honey as the only sweetener), this dish fits well into a clean eating plan. It’s gluten-free (if using the right soy sauce), and can easily be made dairy-free, paleo-friendly, or even keto-adaptable.

Tips for Perfect Shrimp Every Time

Cooking shrimp can be tricky, just a minute too long and they become rubbery. Here are a few pro tips for making sure your shrimp are perfectly tender every time:

1. Dry your shrimp before cooking – Pat them with paper towels so they sear rather than steam.

2. Use high heat – This ensures a quick sear and locks in moisture.

3. Cook in batches if necessary – Crowding the pan will reduce heat and lead to uneven cooking.

4. Look for the curl – When shrimp are just cooked, they form a loose “C” shape. If they’re tightly curled into an “O,” they’re overcooked.

How to Serve This Dish

There are countless ways to enjoy this dish:

• With rice – White, brown, jasmine, or basmati all work well.

• Over noodles – Try soba, ramen, or rice noodles.

• As a lettuce wrap – A fresh, low-carb twist perfect for summer.

• With quinoa or farro – Add some extra fiber and texture.

• On its own – It’s flavorful and hearty enough to stand alone.

Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an added pop of flavor and texture. A squeeze of lime or lemon at the end can also brighten up the whole dish.

Meal Prep & Storage Tips

This honey garlic shrimp and broccoli recipe is meal prep–friendly. Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Make ahead – Cook and store in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the fridge.

• Reheat gently – Use the stovetop on medium-low heat or microwave in 30-second bursts to avoid overcooking.

• Freeze – While shrimp can get rubbery when reheated from frozen, the sauce and broccoli freeze well. If freezing, consider undercooking the shrimp slightly and reheating gently later.

Pairing Suggestions

Looking to turn this into a full meal? Here are some great pairing options:

• Appetizers: Miso soup, fresh spring rolls, or cucumber salad

• Side dishes: Jasmine rice, coconut rice, stir-fried veggies, or a fresh slaw

• Beverages: White wine (like Sauvignon Blanc), ginger tea, sparkling water with lime

Conclusion

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or someone just starting out in the kitchen, this Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s everything we love in a home-cooked meal: quick, delicious, healthy, and deeply satisfying. With just a few ingredients and one pan, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that’s perfect for any night of the week.

So, the next time you’re craving something savory, sweet, and a little bit fancy, without breaking a sweat, give this recipe a try. It just might become your new go-to.