Mark Anthony Introduction
When I need dinner on the table fast — and I still want it to be bold, flavorful, and a little bit fancy — this Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli is my go-to recipe. It’s got everything I love: juicy shrimp, vibrant green broccoli, and a sticky-sweet garlic butter sauce that clings to every bite. This dish is the definition of quick comfort — perfect for busy weeknights when takeout sounds tempting but you’d rather make something healthier and just as satisfying.
What sets this honey garlic butter shrimp and broccoli apart is how incredibly simple it is without compromising on flavor. The buttery sauce, kissed with garlic and balanced with soy sauce and honey, creates a savory glaze that makes the shrimp shine and broccoli sing. I always keep shrimp stocked in my freezer and a head of broccoli in the fridge for this very reason — it’s a dinner I can count on when I’ve got 30 minutes and an appetite for something bold.
If you’re looking for a low-carb garlic butter shrimp recipe, a high-protein meal that’s clean and delicious, or a one-pan weeknight dinner with no fuss and big flavor, you’re in the right place. Let’s get that skillet hot — we’ve got some serious flavor to cook up.
Perfect For
- Busy weeknights when time is tight
- Meal prep for clean, satisfying lunches
- Low-carb dinners that feel indulgent
- Feeding guests with something fast but impressive
- Anyone craving sweet and savory shrimp magic
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold, Balanced Flavor: The honey garlic butter sauce hits sweet, savory, and garlicky notes in every bite.
- One-Pan Simplicity: Minimal cleanup with big impact.
- Ready in 25 Minutes: Faster than takeout and way more rewarding.
- Nutrient-Packed: Lean protein from shrimp, fiber from broccoli, and no artificial ingredients.
- Totally Customizable: Serve it with rice, noodles, or low-carb options — it works with everything.
Preparation & Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~310 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes, sesame seeds, or green onions for garnish
Ingredient Highlights
- Shrimp: A quick-cooking, protein-rich base that soaks up flavor.
- Broccoli: Bright, crunchy, and full of fiber and nutrients.
- Honey: Adds a sweet note that caramelizes in the skillet.
- Garlic + Butter: A power duo for deep, rich, savory flavor.
- Soy Sauce + Lemon Juice: Brings balance and a savory zing.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep shrimp and broccoli: Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper. Cut broccoli into bite-sized florets.
- Blanch broccoli: Steam or microwave the broccoli for 2–3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Set aside.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice.
- Sauté garlic: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Cook the shrimp: Add shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Simmer the sauce: Add the sauce to the skillet and let it bubble for 1–2 minutes.
- Bring it all together: Return shrimp and broccoli to the skillet. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter and toss until everything is coated and warmed through.
- Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds or chili flakes if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Over Jasmine Rice: Classic and comforting.
- With Noodles: Soba or rice noodles make it a full meal.
- On Cauliflower Rice: Great for keto or low-carb diets.
- In Lettuce Wraps: Light, fresh, and crunchy.
- Topped with a Fried Egg: For an extra layer of richness.
Additional Tips
- Use Jumbo Shrimp for Bigger Flavor: They hold up well and absorb more sauce.
- Don’t Skip the Blanch: It gives broccoli a head start and preserves color.
- Adjust Sauce to Taste: Add more lemon juice if you want it tangier or a splash of chili oil for heat.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Divide into containers with rice or noodles — reheats beautifully.
- Add Extra Veggies: Mushrooms, red bell peppers, and snap peas work great.
Recipe Variations
- Honey Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli Stir-Fry
- Craving something saucier and more spoonable over rice? Mix up a quick cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water) and stir it into the sauce just before adding it to the pan. Toss in colorful stir-fry veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas, and let everything cook together until glossy and thickened. It’s sweet, savory, and deeply satisfying.
- Spicy Thai-Inspired Version
- Turn up the heat with a Thai twist. Add a finely chopped Thai chili or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce, plus 1 tsp of fish sauce for that funky umami hit. A pinch of grated fresh ginger adds zing, and you can garnish with chopped peanuts or fresh basil for that authentic street-food flair.
- Low-Carb Garlic Butter Shrimp Bowl
- For a lighter take, ditch the rice and pile your garlicky shrimp and broccoli over sautéed spinach, cauliflower rice, or spiralized zucchini noodles. The garlic butter coats everything beautifully, and the meal still feels indulgent without the extra carbs. Perfect for keto or paleo-style plates.
- Shrimp & Broccoli with Honey Soy Glaze
- Swap lemon juice for a splash of rice vinegar and add a drizzle of toasted sesame oil to deepen the flavor. This variation leans into that sweet-and-savory teriyaki vibe. Finish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions for a clean, glossy restaurant-style finish.
- Sheet Pan Version
- For the easiest hands-off version, arrange raw shrimp and broccoli on a lined sheet pan. Whisk together the sauce, drizzle it over the top, and roast everything at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. The broccoli gets caramelized, and the shrimp stay tender—plus, cleanup is a breeze!
Freezing & Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in sealed containers for up to 2 months. Best to freeze shrimp and broccoli separately from rice.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet with a splash of water or broth, or microwave for 60–90 seconds.
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or fork
- Tongs or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
FAQs (From People Also Ask)
Is honey garlic shrimp and broccoli healthy?
Yes, it’s high in lean protein, low in carbs, and rich in fiber and antioxidants. This honey garlic butter shrimp and broccoli recipe is a great clean dinner option. It fits well into low-carb meal plans, is naturally gluten-free, and offers a balanced nutrient profile.
Can I use frozen shrimp for honey garlic shrimp?
Absolutely. Just make sure they’re thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan. Using frozen shrimp is convenient and budget-friendly, especially for quick shrimp and broccoli dinners.
How do I prevent shrimp from getting rubbery in stir fry recipes?
Don’t overcook! Sauté shrimp for just 2 minutes per side until they’re opaque and curled into a ‘C’ shape. Overcooking is the number one reason shrimp turn rubbery.
What kind of honey is best for honey garlic butter sauce?
Raw or pure honey is best. It brings natural sweetness without artificial flavors. Avoid honey blends or syrups which may overpower the garlic butter balance.
Can I meal prep honey garlic shrimp and broccoli?
Yes! This dish is perfect for meal prep. Just divide into containers with your preferred base — rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles — and store for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully and holds its flavor.
Is honey garlic butter shrimp keto-friendly?
While traditional honey is not keto-approved, you can easily make a keto-friendly version of this dish by using a low-carb honey substitute and serving with cauliflower rice.
What vegetables pair well with honey garlic shrimp besides broccoli?
Try snap peas, bok choy, bell peppers, or even asparagus. Any quick-cooking, crunchy vegetable works well in this easy garlic butter shrimp recipe.
External Resources
- Seafood Storage Chart — for safe shrimp storage and handling
- Shrimp Nutrition — health benefits of eating shrimp
- Cleveland Clinic – Benefits of Broccoli — why broccoli is worth eating more of
Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli
Ingredients
Method
- Prep shrimp and broccoli: Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper. Cut broccoli into bite-sized florets.
- Blanch broccoli: Steam or microwave the broccoli for 2–3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Set aside.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice.
- Sauté garlic: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Cook the shrimp: Add shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Simmer the sauce: Add the sauce to the skillet and let it bubble for 1–2 minutes.
- Bring it all together: Return shrimp and broccoli to the skillet. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter and toss until everything is coated and warmed through.
- Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds or chili flakes if desired.
Notes
Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli – Helpful Tips
Cooking Tips & TechniquesUse peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience—tail-on or tail-off both work, depending on your preference.
Pat the shrimp dry before cooking to get a nice sear and avoid steaming.
Sauté garlic in butter until fragrant (not browned) before adding the honey—this infuses deep flavor into the sauce.
Blanch or steam broccoli just until crisp-tender before tossing it with the shrimp—it’ll stay bright and fresh.
Cook the shrimp quickly over medium-high heat for just 1–2 minutes per side to keep them juicy and tender. Serving Suggestions
Serve over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a light, flavorful meal.
Great with garlic noodles or tucked into lettuce wraps for a low-carb twist.
Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, or a squeeze of lime for added brightness.
Pair with an Asian cucumber salad or a side of egg rolls for a takeout-style dinner at home.
Perfect for busy weeknights or an elevated meal-prep lunch. Make-Ahead & Storage
Make-Ahead: Prep the sauce and chop the broccoli in advance. Cook everything fresh for best texture.
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not ideal—shrimp and broccoli can become watery when thawed.
Reheat: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Tasty Variations to Try
Spicy Honey Garlic: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce for heat.
Ginger Boost: Add fresh grated ginger with the garlic for a warm, aromatic twist.
Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Crispy Version: Lightly dredge shrimp in cornstarch before sautéing for a subtle crispy finish.
Lemon Herb Swap: Replace honey garlic sauce with lemon juice, butter, and fresh parsley for a Mediterranean take.
Conclusion
There’s nothing like a skillet of Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli sizzling on the stove after a long day — the aromas of garlic and butter swirling through the kitchen, the vibrant broccoli, and those golden, juicy shrimp soaking up all that honey garlic glaze. Every time I make this dish, I’m reminded that great food doesn’t have to be complicated to be impressive. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a pro in your own kitchen without needing hours or fancy ingredients.
This dish is quick enough for a weeknight and elegant enough for company. The sauce alone is worth putting on repeat — trust me, you’ll be tempted to drizzle it over everything. Whether you’re keeping it low-carb, spooning it over jasmine rice, or using it for meal prep, it’s a win every time. Plus, it reheats beautifully and the leftovers are just as satisfying.
So go ahead — pull out your skillet, grab that honey and garlic, and make this dish your own. And hey, if you snap a photo or share it online, don’t forget to include me in your post. I’d love to see how you bring this flavor-packed favorite to life in your kitchen!
