Meet your new favorite weekday meal: **Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli**. This delightful dish brings together the sweetness of honey, the savory richness of butter, and the sublime combo of garlic and soy sauce — all rounding out perfectly with bright bites of broccoli. It’s indulgently wholesome with a zesty twist, ready in a snap!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Made in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy nights.
- Balanced Flavor: The harmony of sweet, salty, and spicy makes every bite exciting.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein-rich shrimp and nutrient-dense broccoli.
- Versatile Pairings: Complements rice, pasta, or even a simple salad perfectly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This **Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli** dish comes together with an impressive lineup of ingredients that each play a vital role in creating the final masterpiece. Let’s dive into each component, shall we?
- Honey: Provides the perfect sweetness that balances the soy sauce and ginger.
- Soy Sauce: Opt for low sodium to avoid overpowering the sweetness of honey.
- Fresh Grated Ginger: Adds a fresh zing that cuts through the richness.
- Minced Garlic: Enhances depth with its characteristic aroma.
- Red Pepper Flakes: A little heat to spice things up just right.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce without affecting its flavor.
- Large Shrimp: They are meaty and soak up the marinade beautifully.
- Butter: Gives a lovely richness and helps achieve browning.
- Chopped Broccoli: Adds a vibrant color and crunchy texture.
Variations
This recipe is endlessly adaptable. Embrace your inner chef and customize the **Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli** to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the red pepper flakes or add fresh chopped chili for extra heat.
- Vegetable Swap: Swap broccoli for asparagus or snap peas to change the texture while keeping it green.
How to Make Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli
Step 1: Prepare Your Marinade
In a small bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. This will serve as both a marinade and a sauce. Set aside a portion for later use, and marinate the shrimp for a deliciously aromatic infusion.
Step 2: Cook the Broccoli
Heat olive oil in your skillet over high heat and toss in the broccoli with some salt and pepper. Sauté for about 5-6 minutes until it softens, yet retains a nice, vibrant green bite. Set aside once done.
Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp
Add butter to the same skillet and let it melt, imparting its rich flavor. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn a delectable pink, flipping after about two minutes per side. Discard any residual marinade at this point.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Introduce the reserved sauce to the pan, letting it simmer to thicken. Reintroduce the broccoli, tossing everything together until it is thoroughly mixed and heated through. Just like that, your meal is ready to impress!
Pro Tips for Making Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli
- Perfect Marinade Time: Marinate the shrimp for at least 15 minutes to soak up all the flavors.
- Ideal Cooking Temperature: Use medium-high heat to get that lovely caramelization on shrimp.
- Sauce Consistency: Whisk the cornstarch into the sauce really well to avoid clumping.
- Broccoli Tips: Cut the broccoli into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli
Garnishes
Enhance your presentation with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or freshly chopped green onions. They not only add visual interest but offer an additional layer of flavor and texture to this vibrant dish.
Side Dishes
Pair the **Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli** with a fluffy bowl of steamed jasmine rice or a delicate noodle stir-fry. Alternatively, a crisp, refreshing salad can complement the sweet and savory profile nicely!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the shrimp and broccoli over a bed of rice in a wide, shallow bowl. Arrange the shrimp and broccoli artfully, drawing a swirl of the sticky sauce across the top for a dramatic, eye-catching finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure all the components, including the sauce, are fully cooled before sealing to maintain the integrity of flavors.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but it’s best to separate the shrimp from the broccoli. Place them in separate freezer-safe containers; they can be stored this way for up to two months.
Reheating
Reheat slowly in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally to ensure it’s heated evenly throughout. Alternatively, a quick microwave zap can do the trick — just check and stir halfway through.
FAQs
-
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry with a paper towel before marinating to ensure they absorb the flavors well.
-
What can I substitute for fresh ginger?
If you don’t have fresh ginger on hand, use 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger as a substitute. It will still deliver the characteristic zing you’re looking for.
-
Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
Sure! Swap shrimp with firm tofu or tempeh and use a plant-based butter alternative. It tastes just as delicious and meets vegan dietary preferences.
-
How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?
Shrimp cook extremely fast, so keep an eye on them. They should be pink and firm but not rubbery. Usually, a couple of minutes per side is perfect.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re cooking for one or a whole family, this **Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli** recipe is bound to be a hit. Its ease and elegance make it the perfect addition to your meal rotation. Give it a try and bring a little magic to your kitchen table tonight!
Print
Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
This Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli is a quick, flavorful, and healthy stir-fry dish that combines succulent shrimp, crunchy broccoli, and a sweet-savory honey garlic sauce. Perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner, it pairs wonderfully with rice or pasta to complete the meal.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Seafood
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled, deveined and tails removed if desired
Vegetables
- 2 cups chopped broccoli
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Other
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Mix until well combined.
- Marinate the shrimp: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl. Add about one-third of the prepared sauce, tossing to coat. Set aside.
- Make the cornstarch slurry: Whisk the cornstarch into the remaining marinade and set aside.
- Cook the broccoli: Heat a skillet or wok over high heat. Add 1 teaspoon olive oil, then add chopped broccoli along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes just until tender and slightly browned. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Cook the shrimp: In the same skillet, add butter. Discard any excess marinade from the shrimp and add the shrimp to the pan. Cook for about 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and are cooked through.
- Simmer the sauce: Pour the reserved marinade with the cornstarch slurry into the skillet. Bring to a low-medium simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Combine and serve: Add the cooked broccoli back into the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Heat through for another 1-2 minutes. Serve hot over rice or pasta.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen shrimp as preferred; make sure they are peeled and deveined for ease.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to control heat level.
- You can substitute cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for rice or pasta for a low-carb option.
- For a thicker sauce, add a bit more cornstarch slurry and cook longer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg
