If you love dishes that brighten up your dinner table with vibrant flavors and wholesome goodness, you are going to adore the Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe. This dish perfectly balances sweet honey, robust garlic, and a buttery sauce that clings to tender shrimp and crisp-tender broccoli, making every bite an absolute delight. It’s quick, easy, and packed with colors and textures that will surely make this recipe one of your weeknight favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe plays a vital role, bringing balance and a burst of flavor to the dish. From the fragrant garlic to the crunchy broccoli, these simple staples come together to create something truly special.
- Honey: Adds a natural sweetness that perfectly balances the soy sauce’s savory depth.
- Low sodium soy sauce: Provides salty umami flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Fresh grated ginger: Offers a subtle spicy warmth and freshness.
- Minced garlic: Delivers the bold, aromatic punch that is essential to this recipe.
- Red pepper flakes: Give a gentle kick of heat to awaken the palate.
- Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce, giving it that perfect glossy, clingy texture.
- Large shrimp: Peeled and deveined for quick cooking and tender bites.
- Butter: Adds richness and a luscious finish to the sauce.
- Chopped broccoli: Brings vibrant green color, crunch, and nutrition.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing the broccoli, enhancing flavor without heaviness.
- Salt & pepper: Simple seasonings to elevate the natural flavors.
How to Make Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the sauce
Start by whisking together honey, soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. This blend is the heart of your sauce, offering that perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy which will infuse 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 gently to coat each shrimp evenly, then let it sit for at least 30 minutes. This step deepens the flavor, making the shrimp irresistibly tasty and tender when cooked.
Step 3: Thicken the sauce
In the remaining sauce, whisk in the cornstarch. This simple addition is what will help thicken your sauce later, transforming it into a luscious glaze that perfectly kisses the shrimp and broccoli.
Step 4: Cook the broccoli
Heat your skillet or wok over high heat and drizzle in the olive oil. Add the chopped broccoli, seasoning it lightly with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 5 to 6 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp, then remove it and set it aside to keep its delightful crunch.
Step 5: Cook the shrimp
Using the same skillet, add the butter and then the marinated shrimp, discarding the used marinade. Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they turn a lovely shade of pink and start to curl – that’s when you know they’re perfectly cooked.
Step 6: Combine and simmer
Pour the reserved sauce with cornstarch into the skillet. Turn the heat to low-medium and let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. As it thickens, it will coat the shrimp in a glossy, flavorful glaze that’s simply mouthwatering.
Step 7: Add broccoli and serve
Return the broccoli to the skillet and toss everything together gently, allowing the sauce to warm the broccoli through. Serve immediately – whether over fluffy rice or your favorite pasta, this dish shines best fresh and hot.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions gives a fresh pop of color and a mild onion flavor that pairs beautifully with the rich sauce. A few sesame seeds on top can add an extra touch of crunch and nuttiness just waiting to be discovered.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice to soak up the sauce or with a light garlic butter pasta for a more indulgent meal. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice or a crisp mixed greens salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe in a hollowed-out pineapple or atop crispy wonton cups as appetizers. Wrapping the shrimp and broccoli in lettuce leaves also makes for a fresh, hand-held delight that’s both impressive and delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers just as satisfying as the freshly cooked meal.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, it’s best to separate the shrimp and broccoli from the sauce to maintain texture. Freeze them in airtight containers for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it while warming. Stir frequently to avoid overcooking the shrimp and keep everything tender and juicy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before marinating and cooking. This ensures they cook evenly and soak up all those lovely flavors.
Is this recipe spicy?
The red pepper flakes add a mild heat that awakens the palate but doesn’t overwhelm. You can easily adjust the amount depending on your spice tolerance by adding more or less.
Can I substitute the broccoli with other vegetables?
Yes, vegetables like snap peas, asparagus, or bell peppers work beautifully, offering different textures and colors while complementing the honey garlic butter sauce.
How long should I marinate the shrimp?
While at least 30 minutes is ideal for good flavor infusion, you can marinate for up to two hours in the fridge. Just avoid going much longer or the acid in the sauce might start to “cook” the shrimp.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Definitely! Just switch out the soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free and safe for most diets.
Final Thoughts
Once you experience the delightful fusion of flavors and textures in the Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe, you’ll see why it’s such a beloved dish. Quick to make, deeply satisfying, and bursting with fresh ingredients, it’s a winner for any night of the week. I hope you give it a try and discover how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special.
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Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A quick and flavorful Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli recipe that combines tender shrimp and crisp broccoli in a delicious honey garlic sauce. Perfect for a healthy and easy weeknight dinner, this dish features a balance of sweetness, savory notes, and a hint of spice.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 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 into a bowl, add one-third of the prepared sauce, and toss to coat. Let the shrimp marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Thicken the sauce: Whisk the cornstarch into the remaining two-thirds of the sauce mixture and set aside for later use.
- Cook the broccoli: Heat a skillet or wok over high heat and add olive oil. Add the chopped broccoli, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp, then remove it from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the shrimp: Using the same skillet, add butter. Add the marinated shrimp (discard any used marinade) and cook for about 2 minutes on each side or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Combine and simmer: Pour the reserved thickened sauce into the skillet with the shrimp, bringing it to a low to medium simmer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the shrimp beautifully.
- Add broccoli and serve: Return the cooked broccoli to the skillet, toss everything together to combine and heat through. Serve immediately over rice or pasta for a complete meal.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate shrimp for at least 30 minutes but avoid marinating much longer as the soy sauce can start to cook the shrimp.
- You can substitute broccoli with other vegetables like snap peas or bell peppers if preferred.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the spice level according to your taste.
- Serve with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles for a filling meal.
- If you prefer a gluten-free version, use tamari sauce instead of soy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
