There are days when I walk into the kitchen already tired, hoping dinner will somehow cook itself. On those evenings, this honey garlic butter shrimp and broccoli recipe is my rescue plan. It’s fast, tastes rich and comforting, and uses ingredients I usually have around without planning ahead.
The mix of honey, garlic, and butter gives the shrimp a glossy, sticky coating that feels like something you’d order from your favorite takeout spot. Add tender broccoli and serve it over warm rice, and suddenly dinner feels balanced, fresh, and satisfying without much effort. It’s the kind of dish that makes you wonder why you ever relied on takeout menus in the first place.
How This Dish Became a Regular in My Home
This recipe started as one of those “use whatever’s in the fridge” evenings. I had a bag of frozen shrimp and some broccoli that needed attention. A quick stir-together of honey, garlic, soy sauce, and butter turned into something so good that I started making it at least twice a month.
It quickly became a favorite for nights when I’m craving something slightly sweet with a bit of heat. Over time, I tweaked the sauce, added ginger, and worked out the timing so the shrimp cooks just right without turning rubbery. Now it’s one of those meals I can make while chatting, packing lunches, or listening to music — it fits right into the rhythm of a busy weeknight.
Why This Shrimp and Broccoli Works So Well
It’s simple, but it tastes like you put in more effort than you actually did. The honey creates a light caramelization on the shrimp, the garlic perfumes the whole kitchen, and the ginger adds a little warmth without being overpowering. Broccoli brings that crisp tenderness that balances the richness of the sauce.
This entire dish comes together in less time than it takes to cook a pot of rice. I’ve served it for friends who stopped by unexpectedly, and I’ve also made it for quiet dinners at home when I wanted something easy but still comforting.
A Closer Look at the Ingredients
Shrimp
I usually go for 16/20 size shrimp — large enough to stay juicy and not overcook too quickly. Frozen shrimp works perfectly fine; I keep a bag in the freezer so meals like this are always possible without planning.
Broccoli
Fresh broccoli gives the best texture, but frozen broccoli saves the day when the fridge is empty. I thaw it first and pat it dry so it doesn’t release too much water in the skillet.
Soy Sauce
Low-sodium soy sauce keeps the balance just right. It brings the savory base that pairs beautifully with honey.
Honey
Honey is the backbone of the sauce. It creates that glossy finish that coats the shrimp and brings just a touch of sweetness without being heavy.
Ginger
Fresh grated ginger brightens the sauce. I grate a larger piece and freeze whatever’s left so I don’t waste it.
Garlic
Fresh garlic is the star here. The way it sizzles in the butter and blends with the honey creates a sauce that you’ll want to spoon over your rice.
Cornstarch
Just a small amount thickens the sauce enough to cling to the shrimp and broccoli.
Red Pepper Flakes
A pinch of red pepper flakes brings a pleasant kick. Add more if you like things spicy.
How I Make This Dish During Busy Evenings
The process is straightforward: whisk the sauce, give the shrimp a quick marinade, cook the broccoli, then sauté the shrimp until they turn opaque. Once the sauce goes in, everything simmers together and thickens into a beautiful coating. At that point, the hardest part is deciding whether to serve it over rice or pasta.
Sometimes I make extra sauce so I can drizzle more over the rice — little tricks like that make weeknight meals feel a bit more rewarding.
My Go-To Tips for This Recipe
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Larger shrimp stay juicy and are harder to overcook.
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Frozen shrimp works just as well as fresh if you thaw it properly.
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Cutting broccoli into small, even pieces helps everything cook at the same pace.
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A fine zester makes quick work of fresh ginger.
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If you want more sauce, double the liquids and adjust the cornstarch.
FAQs
Can I use smaller shrimp?
Yes, just watch the cooking time. Smaller shrimp cook very quickly.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes. Thaw it and pat it dry so it doesn’t water down the sauce.
Can I replace honey with another sweetener?
Maple syrup works, though the flavor will shift slightly.
Can this be made spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes or a bit of hot sauce while the sauce simmers.
What should I serve with it?
Rice is the easiest choice, but it also pairs well with pasta or even quinoa.
Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli
A quick and flavorful shrimp stir-fry that brings together sweet honey, savory garlic, and tender broccoli for a weeknight dinner that never disappoints.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped broccoli
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine the honey, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a bowl, stirring until everything blends into a smooth marinade.
- Place the shrimp in a separate bowl and coat them with a portion of the sauce, letting the flavors soak in briefly.
- Mix the cornstarch into the remaining sauce and keep it aside for thickening later.
- Heat a skillet over high heat with the olive oil, then add the broccoli. Season lightly and cook until crisp-tender, removing it once it softens.
- Melt the butter in the same hot skillet and add the shrimp, discarding the marinade they were sitting in. Let them cook just until pink on both sides so they stay juicy.
- Pour in the reserved sauce and let it bubble gently until it thickens into a glossy glaze.
- Return the broccoli to the pan and toss everything together until warmed through.
- Serve over steamed rice or warm pasta for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 347Total Fat 9gSaturated Fat 4gUnsaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 256mgSodium 1248mgCarbohydrates 41gFiber 5gSugar 28gProtein 30g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thought
This honey garlic butter shrimp and broccoli has become one of those dishes that makes busy nights feel a bit easier. It’s quick, flavorful, and comforting without demanding much time or energy. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a hungry crowd, this is the kind of recipe that fits right into your everyday routine — simple ingredients, quick cooking, and a delicious payoff every time.
