Sweet meets savory in this quick and satisfying Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli dish. Tender shrimp, crisp broccoli, and a glossy sauce come together in just 20 minutes.
The perfect balance of bold garlic, rich butter, and golden honey makes this an irresistible weeknight dinner. It’s fast, full of flavor, and endlessly crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients That Make Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Shine
Large shrimp – Juicy and tender, they soak up the honey garlic butter sauce beautifully for a satisfying bite every time.
Broccoli – Adds a vibrant crunch and color contrast, soaking in the savory-sweet glaze.
Honey – Brings warmth and sweetness to balance the saltiness of soy sauce and intensity of garlic.
Minced garlic – Deepens flavor with a robust, aromatic kick that defines the sauce.
Butter – Creates a rich, silky base that blends the sauce into luxurious perfection.
Low sodium soy sauce – Delivers umami and salt without overpowering the dish, letting other flavors shine.
Fresh grated ginger – Adds a zingy freshness that lifts the whole dish.
Red pepper flakes – Offers just a hint of heat, perfectly complementing the sweetness.
How to Make Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli
Start by blending honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes into a glossy marinade. Pour part of it over the shrimp and let them absorb all that sweet-savory magic.
While the shrimp rest, sauté broccoli until just tender in a hot skillet. Set it aside and let the butter take over. Toss in the shrimp and cook until beautifully pink and caramelized.
Pour in the remaining sauce—now thickened with a touch of cornstarch—and stir as it simmers into a rich glaze. Bring the broccoli back into the mix, give everything a toss, and serve hot over rice or noodles.
Tips, Twists, and Flavor Boosts
For the fullest flavor, give your shrimp a short marinade session—just 30 minutes makes a difference. Tails-on shrimp not only look restaurant-worthy but also hold onto more flavor during cooking.
Want extra crunch? Toss in water chestnuts or bell peppers. Feeling bold? Swap honey for maple syrup or a splash of hoisin for depth. Prefer it saucier? Double the marinade—just don’t forget to thicken the extra!
Using frozen broccoli? Thaw and pat dry thoroughly to avoid watering down the sauce. And for a meal-prep win, this recipe doubles easily for future lunches or dinners.
Storing and Reheating
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. When reheating, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat to keep the shrimp tender and the sauce smooth.
Freezing is possible, but texture may change slightly—shrimp and broccoli are best fresh. If freezing, cool the dish completely first and store in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined (tails optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups chopped broccoli
- 1/2 cup honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, blend honey, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes thoroughly.
- Transfer the shrimp to a separate bowl and pour one-third of the sauce over it, stirring to coat evenly.
- Incorporate the cornstarch into the remaining marinade, whisk until smooth, and reserve.
- Preheat a skillet or wok over high heat, introduce olive oil, then add broccoli along with salt and pepper. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until tender yet crisp, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Melt the butter in the same skillet and place the marinated shrimp in, discarding any excess marinade. Cook each side for about 2 minutes until the shrimp becomes opaque and pink.
- Stir in the reserved sauce, bring to a gentle simmer, and allow to thicken for approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
- Return the broccoli to the pan, toss to combine, and warm through.
- Serve immediately over rice or noodles if desired.
Notes
Jumbo shrimp (16/20 count) are ideal, though smaller sizes work with adjusted cook times.
Leaving the tails on adds visual appeal and depth of flavor but is optional.
Fresh broccoli is recommended, but if using frozen, ensure it is fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.