It’s 6pm, you’re tired, and everyone’s hungry. This honey garlic shrimp recipe is exactly what you need to get dinner on the table fast. It delivers a perfect balance of sweet honey and savory garlic in every bite.
You can have this fresh, colorful meal ready in just 20 minutes. It is a healthy choice that feels like a special treat. Your family will love the tender shrimp and crisp broccoli tossed in a sticky glaze.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you have zero energy. It uses only five main ingredients that you likely already have. The sweet sauce makes it kid-approved even for the pickiest eaters. You get a restaurant-quality meal without the expensive takeout bill.
It is a great fit for a healthy reset after a busy weekend. The protein and greens keep you feeling full and energized. You will love how the garlic butter coats every single floret perfectly. It is simple, fast, and completely stress-free for any home cook.
Simple Method
Making this dish is incredibly straightforward and fast. You start by whisking the sauce and quickly steaming your greens. The shrimp cook in just a few minutes in a hot skillet. Even if you are a beginner cook, you can master this technique easily. The sauce thickens right in the pan for a beautiful finish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together to create a massive amount of flavor.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/3 cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Step-by-Step
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and minced garlic.
- Steam or blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender, then drain.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Pour the honey-garlic mixture over the shrimp and cook for 60 seconds until the sauce begins to emulsify and thicken.
- Add the steamed broccoli to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly in the honey-garlic butter sauce.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this warm over a fluffy bed of white or brown rice. The rice soaks up all that extra honey sauce beautifully. You can also pair it with quinoa for a nutty flavor. For a low-carb option, try serving it over cauliflower rice. Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a nice crunch.
Keep It Fresh
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for two days. Shrimp can get tough if reheated for too long. Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water. You can also use a microwave at 50% power in short bursts. This recipe is best enjoyed fresh for the best texture.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t skip the broccoli steaming step or it will stay too crunchy.
- Avoid overcooking the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Use fresh garlic instead of the jarred kind for the best aroma.
- Pat your shrimp dry with a paper towel before adding to the pan.
- For a seasonal twist, add fresh snap peas during the summer months.
- Double the sauce if you like extra glaze for your rice.
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the butter and shrimp.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Swap the honey for maple syrup for a deeper, woody sweetness.
- Use frozen broccoli if fresh is not available in the winter.
- Substitute coconut oil for butter to make it dairy-free.
Common Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry. Thaw them in the fridge overnight for the best results. Dry shrimp sear better in the butter.
Will my kids eat the broccoli?
Most likely! The sweet honey glaze covers the broccoli and makes it very tasty. It is a great way to introduce greens to picky eaters.
How do I know when the shrimp are done?
Shrimp turn pink and form a “C” shape when they are cooked. If they curl into an “O,” they might be overcooked. Watch them closely as they cook very fast.
I hope this quick honey garlic shrimp makes your busy weeknights a little easier. It is such a joy to see a healthy meal come together so fast. Happy cooking!
— Alex
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/3 cup hone y
- 4 cloves garlic , minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and minced garlic.
- Steam or blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender, then drain.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Pour the honey-garlic mixture over the shrimp and cook for 60 seconds until the sauce begins to emulsify and thicken.
- Add the steamed broccoli to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly in the honey-garlic butter sauce.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately.
