Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli

The balance of sweet honey, savory garlic, and tender shrimp makes this dish a standout for weeknight dinners. Pair it with vibrant, stir-fried broccoli and you’ve got a fast, flavor-packed meal that doesn’t sacrifice nutrition for speed.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a last-minute dinner idea, this Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli dish is your go-to. It’s simple, satisfying, and totally customizable. Serve it over rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles for a complete meal everyone will love.

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 3 cups broccoli florets

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup honey

• 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thicker sauce)

• Cooked rice, for serving

• Green onions & sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Set aside.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, add butter and let it melt. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.

4. Pour in the honey garlic sauce and stir to coat the shrimp evenly. Add the cooked broccoli back to the pan and toss everything together.

5. Optional: For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then pour it into the skillet. Stir well and simmer for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens.

6. Serve immediately over a bed of rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Why Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli is a Weeknight Winner

There are few dishes that check all the boxes of flavor, convenience, and health like Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli. This quick and flavorful meal combines the rich, sweet notes of honey and garlic with the buttery tenderness of shrimp, paired with crisp-tender broccoli. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even a fancy-but-fast date night at home.

Shrimp, as the hero protein, is not only delicious but also cooks incredibly fast. Its ability to absorb flavors quickly makes it ideal for dishes like this one, where bold sauces come together in just a few minutes. The buttery glaze, with garlic and honey at the forefront, clings perfectly to the shrimp and broccoli, creating a cohesive dish that feels comforting and indulgent, without being heavy.

The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish

While this dish doesn’t originate from a specific traditional cuisine, it takes inspiration from a mix of Asian flavors and Western comfort food techniques. The soy sauce, honey, and garlic combination is reminiscent of Asian stir-fry sauces, while the use of butter brings in a Western richness. It’s a fusion recipe, born out of the need for quick, healthy, and crowd-pleasing meals that use pantry staples.

Over time, honey garlic sauce has become a favorite go-to glaze for proteins like chicken, salmon, and shrimp. What makes this version stand out is the balance of flavors — the sweet honey, savory soy sauce, buttery richness, and that little optional kick from red pepper flakes, all elevating the natural sweetness of shrimp and the earthiness of broccoli.

Nutritional Benefits of Shrimp and Broccoli

Shrimp is a low-calorie, high-protein seafood option that provides essential nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, phosphorus, and iodine. It’s also low in saturated fats and offers omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health. When compared to other animal proteins, shrimp is especially beneficial for those looking to maintain a lean diet without sacrificing protein intake.

Broccoli, often hailed as a superfood, is packed with fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, and potassium. It supports digestive health, strengthens the immune system, and may reduce inflammation. When lightly stir-fried, as in this dish, it retains much of its crunch and nutrients.

Combined, shrimp and broccoli create a powerhouse meal that is both satisfying and nourishing — perfect for those following a low-carb, high-protein, or gluten-free lifestyle.

Why This Dish Works So Well

The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity and harmony. Here’s why it’s so beloved:

• Quick Cooking Time: Shrimp cooks in less than 5 minutes, and broccoli only needs a brief sauté to become perfectly tender-crisp.

• One Pan, Less Mess: You can make the entire meal in one skillet, saving on cleanup without sacrificing depth of flavor.

• Customizable Sauce: The honey garlic butter sauce is both familiar and adaptable — it can be made spicier, sweeter, or tangier depending on your taste.

• Versatile Pairing Options: While perfect on its own, this dish also pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or a low-carb substitute like cauliflower rice or zoodles.

• Balanced Flavor Profile: The sweet-salty-savory balance makes it appealing to adults and kids alike.

Tips for the Best Honey Garlic Shrimp

To get the most out of this recipe, here are some expert cooking tips:

• Use Fresh or Properly Thawed Shrimp: If you’re using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp turn rubbery if overcooked. As soon as they turn pink and curl into a “C” shape, remove them from the heat.

• Adjust the Sauce Thickness: If you want a thicker glaze, adding a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water) can help the sauce cling beautifully to the shrimp and broccoli.

• Watch the Garlic: Garlic can burn quickly in butter. Add it once the butter has melted and stir constantly to prevent scorching.

• Cook Broccoli Separately for Best Texture: Quickly stir-frying the broccoli before adding it to the finished sauce ensures it stays crisp and vibrant.

Delicious Variations You Can Try

This dish is highly adaptable. Here are some fun and tasty variations:

• Add More Veggies: Bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms work well with the sauce and bulk up the dish with extra nutrition.

• Make It Spicy: Stir in sriracha or extra red pepper flakes to add heat.

• Coconut Twist: Replace butter with coconut oil and add a splash of coconut milk to the sauce for a tropical flavor.

• Use Other Proteins: This honey garlic sauce is fantastic on salmon, tofu, chicken, or even scallops.

• Add Nuts for Crunch: A sprinkle of toasted cashews or peanuts on top adds texture and richness.

Serving Suggestions

The beauty of this dish is its versatility when it comes to presentation and serving options. Here are a few delicious ways to enjoy it:

• With Rice: Steamed jasmine or basmati rice is a classic pairing that soaks up the sweet and savory sauce.

• On Noodles: Try lo mein or soba noodles tossed with a little sesame oil for an Asian-inspired meal.

• Low-Carb Alternatives: Serve it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter version.

• Lettuce Wraps: Spoon the mixture into butter lettuce cups for a fun, handheld appetizer or light lunch.

• Meal Prep Bowls: Portion it into containers with brown rice or quinoa and some pickled veggies for a balanced, ready-to-go lunch.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers

This recipe holds up beautifully for leftovers. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. The sauce thickens slightly as it sits, making the flavors even richer the next day. Simply reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave and serve with a fresh garnish of green onion or sesame seeds.

If you’re meal prepping, keep the rice and shrimp separate and combine just before serving to keep textures ideal.

Conclusion: A Modern Classic That Belongs in Every Kitchen

Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli is more than just a quick weeknight dinner — it’s a staple recipe that fits into many lifestyles. Whether you’re cooking for family, trying to eat clean, or simply craving something delicious and fast, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your rotation.

Its combination of flavor-packed shrimp, nutrient-dense broccoli, and a glaze that’s both sweet and savory makes it crave-worthy, yet health-conscious. You’ll love how easy it is to make, and your guests or family will think it took far more effort than it actually did.

So next time you need dinner in a pinch or a dish to impress without stress, whip up this Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli. Your taste buds — and your schedule — will thank you.