Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli

The smell of garlic hitting warm butter still stops me in my tracks every single time. I whipped this up on a Tuesday when takeout felt like too much effort but my craving for something savory and sweet wouldn't quit. Now it's the dish my friends actually beg me to make when they come over.

Last winter my sister was visiting and we were both too tired to cook anything elaborate. I threw this together with whatever was in the fridge and she literally licked her plate clean then asked if I could make it again the next night.

Ingredients

• Large shrimp: Fresh or thawed frozen work beautifully but pat them completely dry before cooking for the best sear
• Broccoli florets: Cutting them into uniform bite sized pieces ensures everything cooks evenly and looks gorgeous on the plate
• Unsalted butter: Starting with unsalted lets you control exactly how salty the final dish becomes
• Fresh garlic: Pre minced garlic from a jar simply cannot compare to the aromatic punch of freshly minced cloves
• Honey: This natural sweetener creates that gorgeous sticky glaze that coats every single piece
• Soy sauce: Use tamari if you need it gluten free but regular low sodium soy sauce adds perfect depth
• Fresh lemon juice: A squeeze of acidity cuts through the richness and makes the flavors sing
• Red pepper flakes: Optional but highly recommended if you like that gentle warmth in the background
• Fresh parsley: Don't skip this finishing touch it adds such a beautiful pop of color and freshness

Instructions

Get your broccoli ready:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and drop in those broccoli florets for exactly 2 minutes until they turn brilliant bright green then immediately drain them.

Sear the shrimp to perfection:

Heat that olive oil in your largest skillet over medium high heat then arrange the shrimp in one even layer and let them cook undisturbed for 1 to 2 minutes per side until they turn perfectly pink and opaque throughout.

Build that luscious sauce:

In the same beautiful skillet melt the butter then toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for just 30 seconds before stirring in the honey soy sauce lemon juice and red pepper flakes and bringing everything to a gentle simmer.

Bring it all together:

Carefully return your gorgeous shrimp and broccoli to the skillet then toss everything together until each piece is coated in that incredible sauce and let it warm through for 1 to 2 more minutes.

Finish and serve immediately:

Transfer everything to a beautiful serving platter then scatter the fresh parsley on top and arrange lemon wedges around the edge for everyone to squeeze over their portion.

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This recipe became my go to for dinner parties because it looks impressive but comes together so fast I can actually enjoy time with my guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen all night.

Making It Your Own

Sometimes I swap in cubes of chicken breast or extra firm tofu when I want something different. Both absorb the sauce beautifully and give you that same satisfying experience with completely different textures.

Serving Suggestions

Fluffy white rice soaks up every drop of that incredible sauce but quinoa works wonderfully if you want something lighter. I've even served it over cauliflower rice for a low carb version that still feels completely satisfying.

Perfect Pairings

A crisp glass of chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc cuts right through the richness. I also love serving this alongside a simple green salad with an acidic vinaigrette to balance the sweet and savory elements.

• Keep some extra sauce handy in case anyone wants to drizzle more over their rice
• Have crusty bread ready because you will want to soak up every last drop
• Double the recipe because leftovers disappear even faster than the fresh meal

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There's something magical about a dish that comes together this quickly yet tastes like you spent hours perfecting it. That's the kind of recipe worth keeping forever.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen shrimp work perfectly for this dish. Thaw them completely by placing in the refrigerator overnight or running under cold water for 15 minutes. Pat thoroughly dry with paper towels before cooking to ensure proper searing and prevent excess moisture in the sauce.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftover shrimp and broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying. Avoid microwaving as it can make the shrimp rubbery.

→ What vegetables can I substitute for broccoli?

Baby bok choy, snap peas, asparagus, or bell peppers all work wonderfully. Adjust cooking times accordingly—tender vegetables like snap peas need only 1-2 minutes, while heartier options like carrots may require 3-4 minutes of blanching before adding to the sauce.

→ Is this dish spicy?

The red pepper flakes add just a hint of warmth that complements the sweet honey without overwhelming the palate. For a milder version, omit the flakes entirely. If you prefer more heat, increase to ½ teaspoon or add a drizzle of sriracha when serving.

→ Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. The sauce will still achieve a beautiful glossy consistency, though the flavor profile will shift slightly. Olive oil is another option, though it won't provide the same richness that butter offers.