Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe
Say hello to your new weeknight hero: the Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe. Equal parts sweet, savory, and packed with vibrant color, this dish is a dream for anyone craving bold flavors and lightning-fast prep. Tender shrimp are tossed in a glossy honey garlic butter sauce and paired with crisp-tender broccoli, all ready in under half an hour. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just craving something fresh and fabulous after a long day, this irresistible combo is guaranteed to deliver a swift, satisfying dinner with a tempting balance of textures and flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for the Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe is blissfully short, but every component packs a punch. From juicy shrimp to a buttery, garlicky glaze with a kick of sweetness, these kitchen staples truly shine. Here’s what you’ll need (and a few tips to make every element count!):
- Shrimp (1 pound, large, peeled and deveined): Fresh or thawed shrimp cook fast and absorb loads of flavor. Look for large ones for the juiciest bite.
- Broccoli florets (3 cups): Go for bright green florets, cut into medium pieces so they’re perfectly tender-crisp after a quick sauté.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons, divided): This adds gorgeous richness and helps make the honey-garlic sauce extra silky.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The star of the show; fresh garlic brings bold, aromatic flavor you absolutely don’t want to skip.
- Honey (1/4 cup): For a natural, blossomy sweetness that brings the whole dish together.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds saltiness and deep umami—you can use tamari for a gluten-free version.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps achieve a gorgeous sear on the broccoli and keeps things light.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Sprinkle in for those who love a gentle kick of heat.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Just a pinch transforms the whole pan; add as much or as little as you like.
- Cooked rice (for serving, optional): A fluffy bed of rice soaks up every drop of that luscious sauce and rounds out your meal.
How to Make Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Mix Up the Sauce
Start by giving your sauce the spotlight it deserves. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes (if you love a little sizzle). Mixing this ahead means, once things get moving on the stove, your Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe won’t miss a beat.
Step 2: Sauté the Broccoli
Set a large skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of unsalted butter plus the olive oil. When it’s shimmering, toss in your broccoli florets. Sauté them for 4 to 5 minutes until they’re bright green and just tender-crisp. Season the broccoli with salt and pepper straight in the pan, then scoop them onto a plate and set aside. This quick step brings out the vibrant color and flavor!
Step 3: Sizzle the Garlic and Shrimp
In the same skillet (no need to wash it, hooray for easy cleanup!), melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add in your freshly minced garlic, stirring just until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Add the shrimp in a single layer, season lightly, and let them cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they’re just turning pink and opaque. You’ll know it’s time to move on when their aroma makes your mouth water.
Step 4: Bring Everything Together
Pour your honey soy mixture over the sizzling shrimp, and stir so the sauce cloaks every piece in glossy deliciousness. Return your sautéed broccoli to the skillet, tossing everything together gently. Let it all cook for an extra minute or two, until the sauce thickens slightly and all the flavors meld. That’s when the Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe truly comes alive!
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Serve immediately, spooning your shrimp and broccoli (with every last drop of sauce) over fluffy bowls of rice if you like. The combination of sweet, savory, garlicky flavor and perfectly cooked shrimp and broccoli is pure weeknight magic.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe

Garnishes
Feel free to get playful with toppers! Scatter the finished dish with a shower of sliced green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for toasty crunch. If you love a hint of acidity, a quick squeeze of fresh lime brightens up the sauce and balances the honey.
Side Dishes
While the Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe is magnificent on its own, it shines even brighter with the right company. Steamed jasmine or brown rice is a classic choice to capture every bit of sauce. For a lower-carb, ultra-refreshing side, try it with cauliflower rice or add a crisp cucumber salad on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a restaurant-worthy twist, serve this shrimp and broccoli over warm rice noodles in deep bowls. If you’re planning a party, skewer the shrimp and broccoli for bite-sized appetizers drizzled with extra sauce. Even lettuce wraps make a fun, hands-on way to enjoy those saucy flavors—just spoon, wrap, and enjoy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers store beautifully! Once fully cooled, transfer extra Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe to an airtight container, and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to deepen, making your next meal even tastier.
Freezing
If needed, you can freeze cooked shrimp and broccoli for up to 2 months—just remember that the texture of broccoli can soften upon thawing. Place the cooled mixture in a freezer-safe bag or container, and squeeze out any air to keep things fresh.
Reheating
To reheat, simply transfer portions to a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce needs loosening. Warm gently just until hot—shrimp heat up fast! You can also microwave, but use low power and short bursts to keep the shrimp from overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. This helps ensure they sear and caramelize beautifully in the honey garlic butter sauce.
Is there a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce?
Yes! Swap traditional soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. Both are flavorful, gluten-free substitutes and blend perfectly in the Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe.
How do I keep the shrimp from becoming rubbery?
Shrimp cook very quickly, so keep a close eye and remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking is the main culprit for rubbery shrimp, so timer in hand, and you’ll always get juicy, tender results.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! While broccoli is classic, bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots are delicious additions. Just adjust the sauté time depending on the veggies you’re adding to keep everything crisp-tender.
Does this recipe work without butter?
Butter offers unmatched richness to the sauce, but you can substitute with coconut oil or ghee for a dairy-free version. You’ll still get a sumptuous, glossy finish on your shrimp and broccoli!
Final Thoughts
With its quick prep, beautiful flavors, and show-stopping presentation, the Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe is a must-try for anyone seeking stress-free, satisfying dinner magic. If you haven’t made this one yet, trust me—tonight is the night. Grab your skillet and savor every bite!
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Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli recipe is a flavorful and quick Asian-inspired dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Juicy shrimp are cooked in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce with tender-crisp broccoli, served over rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Shrimp and Broccoli:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes if using. Set aside.
- Cook Shrimp and Broccoli: In a large skillet, sauté broccoli in butter and olive oil. Remove from skillet. Cook garlic in remaining butter, then add shrimp and cook until opaque. Pour in honey soy sauce mixture, add broccoli back to the pan, and toss to coat.
- Serve: Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until heated through. Serve over rice if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the shrimp in the sauce for 15 minutes before cooking.
- You can use frozen broccoli—just thaw and pat dry before sautéing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 190 mg