This dish is all about bold flavor with minimal fuss. The honey garlic butter sauce brings out the sweetness of the shrimp while adding a rich, savory depth. Paired with perfectly sautéed broccoli, it’s a combination that feels indulgent without the guilt.
Perfect for busy weeknights or a quick date night in, this recipe gives you the satisfaction of a restaurant-style seafood entrée in just 20 minutes. Whether served over rice or enjoyed on its own, each bite bursts with sweet garlic richness and a hint of heat. It’s a dish that proves simplicity and flavor can go hand-in-hand.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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2 cups broccoli florets
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3 tablespoons butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1/4 cup honey
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional for thickening)
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Cooked rice, for serving
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Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish
Directions:
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In a small bowl, mix together the honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Set aside.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add broccoli and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it starts to become tender but still crisp. Remove and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add butter and shrimp. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until shrimp is just pink.
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Pour in the honey garlic sauce. Stir and let simmer for 1-2 minutes.
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If desired, add the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Stir until thickened, about 1 minute.
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Add broccoli back into the skillet and toss to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
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Serve hot over a bed of rice, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Weeknight Wonder in Under 30 Minutes
Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli is the type of meal that proves great cooking doesn’t need to be complicated. This quick, flavorful dish is perfect for those nights when you’re short on time but still want something satisfying and delicious. With a combination of juicy shrimp, tender-crisp broccoli, and a sticky-sweet honey garlic glaze, every bite offers a perfect balance of taste and texture.
It’s a one-pan wonder, meaning cleanup is minimal—a major bonus for busy households. The shrimp cook fast, the broccoli retains a slight crunch for that satisfying bite, and the sauce clings beautifully to every piece, making it feel like a dish that took much more effort than it actually does. Whether you’re cooking for your family or treating yourself to a solo dinner, this is a recipe that delivers restaurant-level flavor without the takeout wait.
The Power of Flavor Pairings
What makes this dish a standout is its clever contrast of sweet and savory flavors. Honey provides the natural sweetness and helps to caramelize the sauce, while soy sauce adds that unmistakable umami depth. Garlic infuses the dish with an aromatic warmth, and butter ties everything together with a rich, velvety finish. It’s this harmony of flavors that gives the recipe its signature appeal.
The shrimp absorb all the goodness from the sauce in just a few minutes, transforming into tender morsels of flavor-packed seafood. Meanwhile, the broccoli not only adds a pop of color but also introduces a freshness that balances the richness of the sauce. The end result? A dish that’s rich but not overwhelming, comforting yet bright, with every component complementing the others.
Health Benefits Without Sacrificing Taste
Despite its indulgent flavor, Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli can be quite nutritious. Shrimp is low in calories and high in lean protein, containing important nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids. Broccoli, on the other hand, is a powerhouse vegetable packed with fiber, vitamins C and K, and potent antioxidants that support overall health.
When paired with steamed brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, this meal becomes a balanced plate that fuels your body while still tasting like a treat. It’s a great recipe for those looking to eat healthier without giving up on rich and satisfying meals.
Meal Prep & Leftover Friendly
Another reason this dish is a kitchen favorite is its suitability for meal prep. You can easily double the recipe and pack the leftovers into lunch containers with some rice or noodles. It reheats well, and the sauce even gets more flavorful the next day as it melds with the shrimp and broccoli.
If you’re into weekly meal prepping, this recipe is a dream—prep your shrimp, chop the broccoli, and mix the sauce ahead of time. When dinner time rolls around, just throw everything into the pan, and you’re good to go in under 20 minutes.
Customizing the Dish to Suit Your Taste
While the base recipe is fantastic on its own, it also acts as a blank canvas for customization. Want a bit more heat? Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha. Prefer a citrusy twist? A bit of lime zest or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end can add a fresh brightness that balances the sweet honey.
You can swap the broccoli for other veggies like snap peas, asparagus, or bell peppers. Not into shrimp? This recipe works beautifully with chicken or tofu as well. The sauce is versatile enough to complement a wide variety of proteins and vegetables, giving you the freedom to adapt it to your mood or what you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions That Elevate the Experience
For the best experience, serve this dish over a bed of fluffy jasmine or basmati rice, which will soak up the flavorful sauce beautifully. It’s also delicious with noodles like soba or lo mein, or spooned over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting twist.
Garnishes can really make this dish pop: sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or freshly chopped green onions on top for added crunch and a touch of brightness. A little drizzle of sesame oil or a few crushed peanuts can elevate the texture and flavor profile even further.
A Recipe for All Seasons
Whether it’s a cold winter evening when you crave something warm and rich, or a hot summer night when you need something fast and light, Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli fits the bill. It’s a flexible, seasonless dish that adapts to your kitchen and your cravings.
In the summer, it pairs beautifully with a light cucumber salad or grilled corn. In colder months, serve it with roasted sweet potatoes or a hearty vegetable stir-fry for a more comforting meal. Its versatility makes it an ideal recipe to keep in regular rotation.
Why This Dish Belongs in Your Recipe Collection
If you’re trying to build a repertoire of go-to meals that are easy, fast, and universally loved, this recipe absolutely belongs in your collection. It doesn’t rely on obscure ingredients or fancy cooking techniques. It’s approachable for beginners but still impressive enough for seasoned cooks who want a reliable and tasty fallback.
This dish also impresses on the dinner table—its glossy, golden shrimp and vibrant green broccoli are a feast for the eyes. If you’re cooking to impress a guest or need a last-minute showstopper for a weeknight dinner party, this is a recipe you can count on.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Balance of Speed, Simplicity, and Flavor
Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli is a standout recipe because it checks all the boxes: quick to prepare, easy to execute, and bursting with flavor. It’s the kind of dish that becomes a household favorite after just one bite. Whether you’re looking to expand your seafood recipes, feed your family something healthy and delicious, or impress with minimal effort, this dish does it all.
By combining pantry staples with fresh ingredients, it transforms into a weeknight hero that’s satisfying, adaptable, and delicious every single time. Keep this recipe in your back pocket—it’s one you’ll turn to again and again.