Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli
Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli is the perfect dish for those busy nights when you want something quick, delicious, and packed with flavor. The sweet and savory combination of honey, garlic, and butter coats tender shrimp and crisp broccoli, creating a meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple. Whether you’re serving it over rice or enjoying it on its own, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
A Story of Our Family’s Favorite Quick Dinner
In our household, weeknights can get pretty hectic. Between work, school, and all the little things that fill our days, dinner sometimes feels like an afterthought. But this Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli has been a game changer. My husband and kids absolutely love it, and I love how easy it is to prepare. The first time I made it, we were all blown away by the rich flavors. The shrimp were perfectly tender, and the broccoli had just the right amount of bite. Now, whenever I’m short on time but still want to put something delicious on the table, this is my go-to recipe. It’s one of those meals that brings everyone to the table with smiles on their faces, ready to dig in.
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Why You’ll Love Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: The combination of honey, garlic, and butter creates a rich, savory-sweet sauce that coats the shrimp and broccoli beautifully.
- Healthy: Packed with protein from the shrimp and vitamins from the broccoli, it’s a nutritious option that doesn’t sacrifice taste.
- Versatile: Serve it over rice, noodles, or enjoy it on its own – it’s delicious any way you serve it.
Ingredients Notes For Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli
- Shrimp: Opt for fresh or frozen shrimp that are peeled and deveined for ease. Medium to large shrimp work best for this dish.
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets give a nice crunch, but you can also use frozen if that’s what you have on hand.
- Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness that balances the garlic and butter. Choose a good-quality honey for the best flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is key for that robust flavor that makes this dish pop.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended so you can control the saltiness of the dish.
Recipe Steps for Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp, if not already done. Chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets.
- Cook the Broccoli: In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil and sauté the broccoli until it’s tender but still crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the garlic. Sauté until fragrant, then add the shrimp. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
- Make the Sauce: Add the honey to the skillet and stir to coat the shrimp in the sauce. Return the broccoli to the skillet and toss everything together.
- Serve: Serve the shrimp and broccoli over rice or noodles, or enjoy it on its own. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired.
Storage Options
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Make Ahead: You can prep the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge, making it even quicker to throw together when you’re ready to cook.
Variations & Substitutions
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
- Swap the Veggies: Try using green beans, snap peas, or bell peppers instead of broccoli.
- Make It Lighter: Substitute some or all of the butter with olive oil for a lighter version.
Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a bit of heat
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp and Broccoli: Season the shrimp with a little salt and black pepper. Set aside.
- Blanch the Broccoli: In a pot of boiling water, blanch the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and just tender. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice (if using). Add red pepper flakes if desired. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine Shrimp and Broccoli: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with the blanched broccoli. Toss everything together to coat the shrimp and broccoli in the honey garlic sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Serve: Serve the honey garlic butter shrimp and broccoli over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
