Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli
If you’re craving a restaurant-quality dish that comes together in just 20 minutes, this Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli recipe delivers bold flavors without the takeout price tag. Did you know that shrimp is one of the most popular seafood choices in American households, with over 5 billion pounds consumed annually? This dish brings together sweet, savory, and umami notes in a family-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The focus keyword—Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli—captures the essence of this simple yet elegant dish that combines tender shrimp, crisp broccoli, and a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to every bite.
For more seafood inspiration, check out our creamy garlic prawns shrimp recipe and garlic butter skillet steak and shrimp dish. You can also explore the authentic technique behind this style of cooking with Shrimp and Broccoli from The Woks of Life and master the art of stir-frying with How to Stir Fry ANYTHING – A Master Class on YouTube.
Why This Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe Stands Out
This dish is a modern twist on classic Chinese-American cuisine, where bold sauces meet fresh ingredients in a flash-cooked preparation. The combination of honey, garlic, and butter creates a rich glaze that enhances the natural sweetness of shrimp while complementing the earthy flavor of broccoli. Stir-frying at high heat locks in nutrients and texture, making this not only delicious but also a smart choice for health-conscious eaters. The method dates back to traditional wok cooking, where quick searing preserves flavor and moisture—techniques that have been perfected over centuries in Asian kitchens.
Ingredients
Ingredient Spotlight
Each ingredient in this Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. Honey adds natural sweetness and helps create a glossy glaze. Low sodium soy sauce brings umami depth without excessive salt. Fresh grated ginger adds warmth and brightness, while minced garlic delivers aromatic intensity. Red pepper flakes provide a subtle kick that balances the sweetness. Cornstarch thickens the sauce to perfection, ensuring it coats every piece. Butter enriches the dish with a velvety mouthfeel, and olive oil ensures even cooking at high heat.
- ½ cup honey (natural sweetener and glaze builder)
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce (umami and saltiness)
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger (warmth and zing)
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic (aromatic depth)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (gentle heat)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (sauce thickener)
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed (main protein, sweet and tender)
- 2 tablespoons butter (richness and shine)
- 2 cups chopped broccoli (crisp texture and earthy balance)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (high-heat cooking fat)
- Salt & pepper to taste (seasoning balance)
Substitution ideas: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness profile. Tamari works as a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Chicken or firm tofu can replace shrimp for a different protein option. Snow peas or green beans can stand in for broccoli if desired.
Timing
Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 10 minutes | Total time: 20 minutes. This recipe is approximately 20-30% faster than similar stir-fry dishes that require longer marinating or slow simmering. The quick cook time makes it ideal for weeknight dinners when you want something wholesome without spending hours in the kitchen.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Create the sauce base: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, low sodium soy sauce, fresh grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes until smooth and well combined.
- Marinate the shrimp: Place peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl and pour one-third of the sauce over them. Toss gently to coat and set aside while preparing other ingredients.
- Thicken the remaining sauce: Whisk cornstarch into the reserved sauce to create a thickening agent for the final glaze.
- Blanch the broccoli: Heat a skillet or wok over high heat, add olive oil, then toss in chopped broccoli with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes until tender-crisp, then remove and set aside.
- Sear the shrimp: Add butter to the same skillet and arrange the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque, discarding any leftover marinade.
- Build the glaze: Pour the cornstarch-enhanced sauce into the skillet with the shrimp. Bring to a low-medium simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Combine and finish: Return the cooked broccoli to the pan, tossing everything together until heated through and evenly coated with sauce.
- Serve immediately: Spoon over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete meal.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli
- Use fresh garlic and ginger for the brightest flavor—avoid powdered versions when possible.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook shrimp in batches if needed to ensure proper searing.
- Pat shrimp dry before cooking to prevent steaming and promote browning.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control heat level—start with less and add more if desired.
- For extra shine, finish with a small pat of butter right before serving.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Spicy version: Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the glaze.
- Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Extra veggie boost: Add bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots to the stir-fry.
- Citrus twist: Stir in 1 tablespoon of lime or orange zest for a bright finish.
Behind the Recipe
This Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli recipe was inspired by classic takeout flavors but reimagined for home kitchens. The goal was to create a dish that captures the addictive sweetness and savory depth of restaurant stir-fries while using simple ingredients and minimal prep time. By balancing honey’s natural sweetness with garlic’s punch and butter’s richness, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results without artificial additives or excessive sodium.
Pairing Ideas
Serve this dish with non-alcoholic beverages like ginger lime sparkling water, unsweetened iced green tea, or a tropical pineapple-coconut mocktail. For sides, consider a simple cucumber salad, miso soup, or steamed jasmine rice to round out the meal.
Leftover & Reuse Ideas
Leftover Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli makes an excellent filling for lettuce wraps the next day. Chop up the mixture and toss it into a fried rice dish or use it as a topping for grain bowls. The sauce also re-melts beautifully, so gentle reheating on the stovetop with a splash of water restores its glossy texture.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings): Approximately 250-280 calories, 25g protein, 35g carbohydrates, 6g fat, 3g fiber. Contains sources of vitamin C, calcium, and iron from broccoli, along with selenium and iodine from shrimp.
Serving Suggestions
Presentation matters! Serve this Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli in a warm ceramic bowl over white or brown rice. Garnish with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for color and texture. For an elegant touch, serve in individual cast iron skillets or bamboo steamers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking shrimp: They cook quickly—2 minutes per side is usually enough.
- Sauce too thick: Add a splash of water if the glaze becomes overly dense.
- Broccoli too soft: Cook just until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Not tasting as you go: Adjust seasoning before serving for best results.
- Crowding the pan: Use a large skillet or wok to allow proper searing.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a teaspoon of water to revive the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can make shrimp rubbery. Do not freeze this dish, as the texture of shrimp and broccoli deteriorates upon thawing.
FAQs
What is Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli made of?
This dish combines large shrimp, fresh broccoli, honey, garlic, butter, soy sauce, ginger, and red pepper flakes for a balanced sweet and savory flavor profile.
How long does it take to make Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli?
Total time is just 20 minutes—10 minutes for prep and 10 minutes for cooking, making it ideal for quick weeknight meals.
Can I make Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can prep ingredients in advance. Store cut broccoli and peeled shrimp separately, then cook quickly when ready to serve.
Is Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli healthy?
Yes—it features lean protein, vegetables, and minimal added oil. Using low sodium soy sauce helps control salt content while maintaining great flavor.
What can I substitute for honey in this recipe?
Maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar dissolved in water can replace honey while maintaining the sweet glaze effect.
Made this recipe? Drop your twist in the comments, rate the recipe, and tag us on Facebook, Instagram with #recipehoney.com we might feature your creation!
Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli – Easy Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl add the honey, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, red pepper, and mix until combined.
- Marinate Shrimp: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp into a bowl and add 1/3 of the sauce.
- Thicken Sauce: Whisk in the cornstarch to the reserved sauce and set aside.
- Cook Broccoli: Heat a skillet (I use cast iron) or wok on high heat, add olive oil and broccoli, salt and pepper and cook 5-6 minutes just until soft. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the butter to the skillet and add shrimp discarding any marinade. Cook until the shrimp turns pink about 2 minutes on each side.
- Thicken Sauce: Add in the reserved sauce and bring to a low-medium simmer until thickened about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Add in the broccoli and toss until heated through.
- Serve: Serve over rice or pasta.