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.
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!