Pin It This honey garlic butter shrimp and broccoli combines succulent seafood with crisp-tender vegetables in a glossy, sweet-savory glaze. The balance of honey, garlic, and butter creates an irresistible coating that clings perfectly to each bite. Ready in just 25 minutes, it's ideal for busy weeknights when you want something impressive yet effortless. Serve over fluffy rice or nutty quinoa to soak up every drop of the luscious sauce.
Last Tuesday, I stared at my refrigerator at 7 PM, exhausted and tempted to order takeout yet again. Then I remembered I had shrimp in the freezer and that broccoli I'd bought with ambitious intentions earlier in the week. Twenty five minutes later, I was sitting at my kitchen table with this glossy, fragrant masterpiece, wondering why I ever doubted my ability to throw together something spectacular on a weeknight.
My sister was over for dinner last month when I first tried this combination, and she literally stopped mid conversation to ask what I was making. The way the butter bubbles up with the honey and garlic creates this incredible aroma that fills the entire kitchen. She ended up licking her plate clean, which I consider the highest compliment possible.
Ingredients
- Large shrimp: I buy them already peeled and deveined because my patience for shrimp prep is basically zero after a long day
- Broccoli florets: Blanching them first keeps that vibrant green color instead of turning sad and gray
- Unsalted butter: Using unsalted lets you control the salt level since the soy sauce brings plenty of savory depth
- Fresh garlic: Dont even think about using the jarred stuff here, you need that raw punch for this quick sauce
- Honey: This creates that beautiful restaurant style glaze that coats everything perfectly
- Lemon juice: The acid cuts through all that richness and makes the whole dish sing
Instructions
- Blanch the broccoli:
- Drop those florets into boiling salted water for exactly two minutes, then plunge them into cold water to stop cooking and lock in that bright green color
- Sear the shrimp:
- Get your skillet ripping hot, add the oil, and arrange shrimp in a single layer so they sear instead of steam
- Build the sauce:
- Melt that butter until foaming, add garlic until you can smell it, then pour in honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice
- Bring it together:
- Toss everything back in and let the sauce bubble up and coat each piece until glossy and fragrant
Pin It This recipe became my go to for unexpected guests after my neighbor commented on the incredible smell wafting through our shared wall. I invited her over, and we ended up eating standing at the counter because I was too embarrassed to admit I hadn't actually set the table. Sometimes the best meals happen when you least expect them.
Getting That Perfect Sear
The difference between decent shrimp and great shrimp comes down to surface moisture. I learned this after years of ending up with gray, steamed shrimp despite my best efforts. Now I pat them completely dry and let them sit at room temperature for fifteen minutes before hitting the heat. The resulting golden crust makes such a difference in texture.
The Sauce Balance
What makes this combination work is the interplay between sweet, salty, and bright elements. The honey provides that glossy finish we all love in restaurant sauces, but the lemon juice keeps it from becoming cloying. I double the garlic sometimes because my household believes more is always better when it comes to that particular aromatics.
Make It Your Own
This framework works beautifully with whatever vegetables you have languishing in your crisper drawer. Sugar snap peas add crunch, bell peppers bring sweetness, and sliced carrots hold up beautifully to the quick toss in that luscious sauce.
- Try a pinch of ginger in the sauce for extra warmth
- A splash of rice vinegar adds another layer of complexity
- Toasted sesame seeds make everything look more intentional
Pin It The best recipes are the ones that rescue you from takeout temptation and remind you that cooking doesnt have to be complicated to be extraordinary. Enjoy every bite.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use frozen shrimp for this dish?
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Yes, frozen shrimp work perfectly. Thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure proper searing and prevent excess moisture in the sauce.
- → How do I store leftovers?
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Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.
- → What can I serve with this glazed shrimp?
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Steamed jasmine rice, buttery noodles, or fluffy quinoa pair beautifully to soak up the sauce. Crusty bread also works well for mopping up the honey garlic glaze.
- → Is this dish spicy?
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The red pepper flakes add subtle warmth, but you can omit them entirely or increase the amount for more heat if you prefer a spicier kick.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
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Substitute the butter with vegan butter or olive oil for a dairy-free version. The sauce will still be rich and flavorful, though slightly less creamy.
- → Why blanch the broccoli first?
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Blanching ensures the broccoli becomes tender-crisp and bright green. Adding it directly to the skillet might leave it undercooked while the shrimp becomes tough.
