If you’re craving a dish that bursts with flavor, color, and that perfect balance of sweet and savory, then you are in for a real treat with this Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe. This recipe combines succulent shrimp, crisp broccoli, and a luscious honey garlic butter sauce that clings to every bite. It’s quick to whip up, satisfying for any night of the week, and feels just special enough to serve to guests or simply enjoy as a comforting, homemade meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients come together here, each bringing a unique element that makes this Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe stand out. Whether it’s the sweetness of honey or the zing of fresh ginger, every component plays a crucial role in creating that irresistible flavor and delightful texture.

Honey (1/2 cup): Adds a natural sweetness that balances the salty and savory tones perfectly.
Low sodium soy sauce (1/4 cup): Provides a rich umami depth without overpowering the dish.
Fresh grated ginger (1 teaspoon): Brings a subtle warmth and fragrant sharpness.
Minced garlic (2 tablespoons): Infuses the dish with its signature aromatic punch.
Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon): Offers just the right hint of heat to keep things lively.
Cornstarch (1 teaspoon): Works wonders to thicken the sauce into a glossy coating.
Large shrimp, peeled and deveined (1 pound): The star protein, tender and juicy, ready to soak up the sauce.
Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and gives the sauce its silky texture.
Chopped broccoli (2 cups): Provides a fresh, crisp contrast with vibrant green color.
Olive oil (1 teaspoon): Perfect for sautéing the broccoli to a tender crunch.
Salt & black pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together.

How to Make Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Sauce

Start by combining the honey, low sodium soy sauce, freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. This blend is the heart of your Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe, merging sweet, salty, spicy, and fragrant notes that will transform your shrimp and broccoli into something truly irresistible.

Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp

Place your peeled and deveined shrimp into a bowl and pour in about one third of the sauce mixture. This brief marination infuses the shrimp with flavor while keeping it tender and juicy during cooking. Save the rest of the sauce mixed with cornstarch for thickening later.

Two clear glass bowls sit side by side on a white marbled surface. The left bowl contains a dark brown sauce mixed with small white and reddish bits, creating a rough texture across the top, with a silver spoon resting inside. The right bowl holds raw shrimp in a light brown marinade, showing the shrimp's translucent, pale grey shells with bluish undertones, and a silver fork is placed inside the bowl. Both bowls have visible reflections on their sides, and the light creates soft shadows beneath them. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Step 3: Cook the Broccoli

Heat olive oil in a skillet or wok over high heat, then add the chopped broccoli along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still crisp, then remove it from the pan and set it aside. The quick sauté emphasizes the broccoli’s natural crunch and vibrant color.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Add butter to the same skillet, then add the shrimp (discard any remaining marinade) and cook until the shrimp turn a lovely pink, about 2 minutes per side. This step locks in the shrimp’s moisture and starts building layers of flavor for your dish.

The image shows two black cast iron pans side by side on a white marbled surface with a wooden texture underneath. The left pan contains about 15 shrimps that are pink and gray, arranged in a single layer, with visible small bits of garlic scattered among them. A pair of silver tongs is holding one shrimp in the center. The right pan has the same shrimps, but now they are golden brown and cooked, soaking in a bubbling garlic butter sauce. The sauce looks thick and shiny, covering the bottom of the pan. The same silver tongs hold a shrimp on the right side. The colors shift from raw pink and gray to cooked orange and golden brown, showing the before and after in cooking. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Step 5: Finish with the Sauce and Broccoli

Pour in the reserved sauce with cornstarch and bring it to a low-medium simmer. Allow the sauce to thicken into a glossy, sticky coating—this usually takes 2 to 3 minutes. Stir the cooked broccoli back into the pan and toss everything together until heated through. Your Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or freshly chopped green onions adds an elegant touch and a little extra texture that complements the sweet and savory sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy white rice or noodles to soak up every last drop of that heavenly honey garlic butter sauce. For a lighter option, try cauliflower rice or a crisp side salad to keep things fresh and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this dish in vibrant bowls with a wedge of lemon on the side for a pop of brightness. Alternatively, stuff the shrimp and broccoli mixture into warm pita pockets for a fun twist on a classic favorite, or layer it atop a bed of quinoa for a nutritious spin.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep fresh for 2 to 3 days, making it a great option for meal prep or an easy next-day lunch.

Freezing

While shrimp is best enjoyed fresh for texture, you can freeze the cooked shrimp and broccoli with sauce in a freezer-safe container. Use within one month for the best flavor; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Stir frequently to warm evenly, and add a small splash of water or broth if the sauce seems too thick after reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating to ensure they cook evenly and absorb the sauce beautifully.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Swap out shrimp for firm tofu or cauliflower florets to soak up the honey garlic butter sauce while keeping the textures delightful and the flavors rich.

How spicy is this recipe?

The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth that enhances the dish without overpowering it. You can adjust the amount to suit your heat preference or omit it altogether if you prefer something milder.

Can I prepare any parts of this dish ahead of time?

You can definitely mix the sauce and marinate the shrimp a few hours ahead, which will deepen the flavors. Just keep the broccoli uncooked until right before serving to maintain its crispness.

Do I need a special pan to make this recipe?

A heavy skillet like cast iron or a wok works best for quick, high-heat cooking to develop great sear on the shrimp and broccoli. However, a regular non-stick skillet will work fine in a pinch.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe is one of those dishes that’s both a crowd-pleaser and a personal favorite, offering a perfect combination of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors in just one pan. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, you really can’t go wrong with this dish. I hope you give it a try and enjoy every delicious bite as much as I do!

Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe