Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli is a simple skillet recipe that makes a convenient homemade meal without requiring complicated preparation. Everything comes together in one pan, making it a practical choice for busy weeknights or whenever you want a quick dinner.
This recipe is easy to follow and can be prepared in a relatively short amount of time. The shrimp and broccoli cook separately before being combined with the sauce, helping each ingredient reach the right texture while keeping the overall cooking process simple.
1. Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli (Yield: 4 Servings)
Ingredients
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger or ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed if desired
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups broccoli, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Add the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, ginger, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and cornstarch to a small bowl. Whisk until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Set the sauce aside.
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season them lightly with salt and pepper on both sides. Drying the shrimp first helps prevent excess moisture from collecting in the skillet.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the broccoli and cook for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to become tender while still retaining some texture.
Transfer the broccoli to a plate and set it aside.
Add the butter to the same skillet and let it melt over medium heat. Once melted, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer.
Cook the shrimp for about 1–2 minutes on the first side. Turn the shrimp and continue cooking for another 1–2 minutes, or until they are nearly cooked through.
Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce into the skillet with the shrimp. Stir gently to coat the shrimp and allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer.
Cook for about 1–2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the shrimp are fully cooked. Avoid cooking the shrimp for too long, as they can become firm and rubbery.
Return the cooked broccoli to the skillet. Toss the shrimp and broccoli together so everything is evenly coated with the sauce.
Continue cooking for another 1–2 minutes, just until the broccoli is heated through and the sauce coats the ingredients.
Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Keep in mind that the soy sauce already contributes salt to the dish.
Remove the skillet from the heat and serve the shrimp and broccoli warm.
2. Tips for Perfect Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli
Pat the shrimp dry before cooking. This helps the shrimp sear better and prevents excess water from diluting the sauce.
Avoid overcrowding the skillet. If the shrimp are packed too closely together, they may release too much moisture and cook unevenly.
Watch the shrimp carefully. Large shrimp only need a few minutes to cook. Remove them from the heat as soon as they are opaque and cooked through.
Dissolve the cornstarch completely. Whisking it into the sauce ingredients before adding the mixture to the skillet helps prevent lumps.
Keep the broccoli slightly firm. Cooking it until just tender allows it to hold its shape when combined with the shrimp and sauce.
Adjust the red pepper flakes. Use less for a milder dish or add a little more if you prefer extra heat.
Do not add too much salt. The soy sauce provides plenty of seasoning, so taste the finished dish before adding additional salt.
3. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes. Frozen shrimp can be used, but they should be completely thawed and drained before cooking. Patting them dry afterward is also helpful for getting better results in the skillet.
What size shrimp works best?
Large shrimp are a good choice because they are substantial enough to cook alongside the broccoli without becoming overcooked too quickly. Medium shrimp can also work, but you may need to reduce the cooking time.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes. Frozen broccoli can be substituted for fresh broccoli. Thaw and drain it first if possible, then reduce the cooking time since frozen broccoli is generally partially cooked before freezing.
Can I make the sauce less sweet?
Yes. The amount of honey can be reduced according to your preference. Since honey provides much of the sweetness in the sauce, reducing it will produce a less sweet result.
How can I reheat leftovers?
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low to medium heat until warmed through. Avoid prolonged high heat because shrimp can become tough when reheated too aggressively.
4. Nutrition Information
The following nutrition information is an estimate based on the ingredients listed and divided into 4 servings. Actual values may vary depending on the brands of honey, soy sauce, butter, and shrimp used.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400 kcal |
| Protein | 27 g |
| Carbohydrates | 48 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Cholesterol | 220 mg |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 38 g |
| Calcium | 100 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli is a practical skillet recipe that can make a homemade meal feel simple and manageable. The ingredients come together quickly, and using one skillet for the main cooking process also keeps cleanup to a minimum.
Once you are familiar with the basic method, the recipe is easy to adjust to your preferences. You can change the amount of seasoning, use different vegetables, or modify the sweetness while keeping the same simple cooking approach.
