honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings together tender shrimp and perfectly cooked broccoli in a rich and flavorful honey garlic butter sauce. This quick one-pan meal is packed with protein, healthy vegetables, and a mouthwatering sweet and savory sauce that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or looking for a dish that’s light yet filling, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 3 cups broccoli florets, steamed or blanched
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Directions:
Cook the shrimp:
- Prepare the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Cook the shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
Make the honey garlic butter sauce:
- Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and golden brown, but not burnt.
- Add the sauce ingredients: Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Add the red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat.
- Combine the shrimp and broccoli: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing them to coat in the sauce. Add the steamed or blanched broccoli and stir to combine, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.
Serve:
- Garnish and serve: Once the shrimp and broccoli are well-coated in the sauce and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for added freshness.
Notes:
- Shrimp Size: You can use medium or jumbo shrimp for this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly if you use a different size.
- Broccoli Alternatives: If you don’t have fresh broccoli, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure it’s fully thawed before using it.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of honey based on your preferred sweetness level. You can add more for a sweeter sauce or reduce it for a more savory flavor.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave.
Conclusion:
Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli is a quick and delicious meal that combines juicy shrimp, tender broccoli, and a rich, flavorful sauce. With just a few ingredients, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect choice for a busy weeknight or a simple dinner. The sweet and savory sauce enhances the natural flavors of the shrimp and broccoli, creating a dish that’s satisfying and full of flavor. Serve it with rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli ahead of time?
Yes, you can partially prepare this dish ahead of time. You can steam or blanch the broccoli and cook the shrimp up to a day in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator. Prepare the honey garlic butter sauce as instructed and store it in a separate airtight container. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce, add the shrimp and broccoli, and toss to combine, cooking until heated through. This will save you valuable time on busy weeknights.
What are some good ingredient substitutions for this Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli recipe?
You can substitute the broccoli with other vegetables like asparagus, snap peas, or bell peppers. Use about 3 cups of your chosen vegetable. For the shrimp, chicken or tofu can be used as a substitute; cook them until they are fully cooked through. If you don’t have honey, you can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or a combination of brown sugar and a touch of water, adjusting the amount to taste. Soy sauce can be replaced with coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
How do I know when the shrimp and broccoli are perfectly cooked in this recipe?
The shrimp are perfectly cooked when they turn pink and opaque, and the flesh is firm to the touch. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side in a hot skillet. The broccoli is done when it is tender-crisp, meaning it’s slightly softened but still has a bit of bite. Steaming or blanching the broccoli beforehand ensures it’s tender but not overcooked when added to the sauce. Internal temperature for shrimp should be 120°F.
Can I double or scale up this Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, you can easily double or scale up this recipe. If doubling, you may need to use a larger skillet or cook the shrimp and broccoli in batches to ensure they cook evenly. Increase the sauce ingredients proportionally. Be mindful that cooking times might slightly increase, especially for the shrimp. Keep an eye on the shrimp to avoid overcooking.
What are the nutritional highlights of this Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli dish?
This dish is packed with protein from the shrimp, which is also a good source of selenium and vitamin B12. Broccoli provides fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K, contributing to a healthy immune system and bone health. The olive oil offers healthy fats. The honey provides a touch of sweetness, and the garlic adds antioxidants. It’s a well-rounded meal with a good balance of nutrients.
Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli
This delightful dish combines succulent shrimp with savory garlic butter, complimented by fresh broccoli.
Prep
: 10
Total
: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs shrimp peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup broccoli florets fresh
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce low sodium
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove shrimp and set aside. Add remaining butter, garlic, honey, and soy sauce to the pan.
- Stir in broccoli and cook until tender, about 4-5 minutes.
- Return shrimp to the pan and toss to coat. Serve immediately.
Notes
For an added touch, garnish with chopped parsley or sesame seeds before serving.
