If you are craving a mouthwatering, quick, and vibrant meal that never fails to impress, the Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish brings together juicy shrimp coated in a luscious honey garlic butter sauce, paired with perfectly tender broccoli that adds just the right amount of crunch and color. The balance of sweet, savory, and mildly spicy flavors creates a truly irresistible combination that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to unlocking the magic of this Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe. Each item is simple but plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that eye-catching contrast on your plate.
- Honey (1/2 cup): Provides natural sweetness and helps to glaze the shrimp beautifully for that sticky-smooth finish.
- Low sodium soy sauce (1/4 cup): Adds umami depth and balances the honey’s sweetness perfectly without overpowering.
- Fresh grated ginger (1 teaspoon): Brings a refreshing, zesty note and a subtle warmth to brighten the dish.
- Minced garlic (2 tablespoons): A powerful flavor booster, it infuses the sauce with robust aroma and taste.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a hint of heat that amps up the flavor profile without making it too spicy.
- Cornstarch (1 teaspoon): Essential for thickening the sauce to that perfect glossy consistency.
- Large shrimp (1 pound): Peeled, deveined, and with tails removed if preferred—these are the stars of the dish.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps meld the flavors of the sauce.
- Chopped broccoli (2 cups): Offers vibrant color, a satisfying crunch, and a healthy dose of nutrients.
- Olive oil (1 teaspoon): Used for sautéing the broccoli to caramelized perfection.
- Salt & pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that bring out the natural flavors in every ingredient.
How to Make Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by whisking together the honey, soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. This mixture is what will turn your shrimp and broccoli into a sticky, savory-sweet sensation—make sure it’s well combined to evenly coat every bite.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
Place your peeled and deveined shrimp into a bowl and pour in one-third of the sauce mixture. Toss the shrimp gently to coat them nicely, then let them sit for at least 30 minutes. This step allows all those wonderful flavors to soak into the shrimp, making each bite juicy and flavorful.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
To give the sauce that irresistible, glossy thickness, whisk the cornstarch into the remaining sauce mixture. Set it aside for now—this will come to life later when it’s time to coat the shrimp and broccoli with that perfect finishing touch.
Step 4: Cook the Broccoli
Heat your skillet or wok over high heat and add olive oil. Toss in the chopped broccoli, seasoning it lightly with salt and pepper. Stir-fry for about 5 to 6 minutes until the broccoli becomes tender but still retains a delightful crunch. Then, remove it from the pan and set it aside. The broccoli’s vibrant green color and fresh texture will add both visual appeal and balance to the dish.
Step 5: Cook the Shrimp
Using the same skillet, melt the butter and add the marinated shrimp. Discard the marinade used for soaking. Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes per side or until they turn pink and opaque. This quick cooking process locks in their juicy essence and prepares them to soak up the sauce.
Step 6: Combine and Simmer
Pour the reserved thickened sauce into the skillet with the shrimp. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens beautifully, enveloping the shrimp in a sticky, flavorful glaze.
Step 7: Add Broccoli and Serve
Return the broccoli to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined and heated through. This final combination ensures every bite features that perfect mix of tender shrimp, crunchy broccoli, and luscious honey garlic butter sauce. Serve immediately over fluffy rice or pasta for a complete, satisfying meal.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a pop of color and texture. These simple touches not only elevate the presentation but also provide an added layer of flavor that complements the dish’s sweetness and savory edge.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, garlic butter noodles, or even a side of quinoa for a lighter option. Consider serving it alongside a crisp cucumber salad or roasted sweet potatoes to round out the meal with different textures and tastes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the shrimp and broccoli on lettuce wraps for a handheld delight or spoon it over cauliflower rice to keep the dish low-carb. You can also plate it in a colorful bowl with an extra drizzle of sauce on top and a wedge of lemon for a fresh burst at the end.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the dish has cooled before covering it tightly to preserve freshness and flavor.
Freezing
This dish doesn’t freeze as well due to the delicate texture of the shrimp and broccoli, which can become mushy. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but if needed, freeze the cooked shrimp and sauce separately from the broccoli for better results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low to medium heat to preserve the shrimp’s tenderness and keep the sauce from drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the shrimp rubbery and the broccoli limp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for the Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating to avoid excess water diluting the sauce’s flavor.
Is this dish spicy?
The red pepper flakes add a mild warmth, but you can easily adjust the amount to suit your heat preference or omit them for a completely mild version.
Can I substitute broccoli with another vegetable?
Yes, vegetables like snap peas, asparagus, or green beans work well here and bring their own unique textures and flavors to the dish.
How long does the marinade time affect the flavor?
Marinating for at least 30 minutes helps the shrimp absorb the sauce flavors deeply, but if short on time, even 15 minutes will add noticeable flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, choose a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and you’re good to go without compromising flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the combination of sweet honey, bold garlic, and tender shrimp paired with crisp broccoli to brighten up any dinner table. This Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe is as simple as it is sensational, perfect for busy nights or impressing friends without fuss. Give it a try—you just might find your new favorite go-to meal that’s both delicious and easy to whip up anytime!
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Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Sodium
Description
This Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli recipe offers a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. A tantalizing blend of honey, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic creates a sweet and savory sauce that complements succulent shrimp and tender broccoli. The dish is cooked in a skillet, making it simple and fast to prepare in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
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
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed if desired
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups chopped broccoli
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, low sodium soy sauce, fresh grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Marinate the shrimp: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl, add one-third of the prepared sauce, and toss to coat thoroughly. Let the shrimp marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavor.
- Thicken the sauce: Whisk the cornstarch into the remaining two-thirds of the sauce and set aside for later use.
- Cook the broccoli: Heat a skillet or wok over high heat and add the olive oil. Then add the chopped broccoli, seasoning with salt and pepper. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the shrimp: In the same skillet, add butter and then the marinated shrimp (discarding used marinade). Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and are cooked through.
- Combine and simmer: Pour the reserved sauce mixture into the skillet with the shrimp and bring to a low to medium simmer. Allow the sauce to thicken, cooking for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add broccoli and serve: Return the cooked broccoli to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat the broccoli evenly with the sauce. Heat through briefly, then serve immediately. This dish pairs well over rice or pasta.
Notes
- Marinating the shrimp for longer than 30 minutes can intensify the flavors even more.
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of chili sauce.
- Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor, but frozen shrimp is also acceptable if thawed properly.
- Broccoli can be substituted with other vegetables like snap peas or bell peppers for variety.
- Serve with steamed rice or your favorite pasta to make a complete meal.
