Honey garlic butter shrimp and broccoli is a quick, delicious, and nutritious dish that combines succulent shrimp with vibrant broccoli, all coated in a sweet and savory sauce. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, ready in under 30 minutes, and packed with flavor. Let’s dive into making this delightful dish!
1. Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli
Ingredients
For the Shrimp and Broccoli
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Honey Garlic Butter Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Rinse and pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
If using fresh broccoli, cut it into bite-sized florets. For frozen broccoli, you can use it directly without thawing.
Step 2: Cook the Broccoli
In a pot of boiling water, blanch the broccoli for about 2-3 minutes until it turns bright green and is slightly tender. Drain and immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This step helps retain the vibrant color and crunch.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the blanched broccoli and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes until fully cooked and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Honey Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Combine
Add the cooked shrimp and sautéed broccoli back into the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly in the honey garlic butter sauce. Cook for another minute to heat through.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the honey garlic butter shrimp and broccoli over cooked rice or quinoa. You can sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
Honey garlic butter shrimp and broccoli is a quick, flavorful dish that makes for a satisfying meal any night of the week. With its sweet and savory sauce, tender shrimp, and vibrant broccoli, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and the ease of preparation that makes this dish a winner!
