Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli

Sweet and savory honey garlic butter shrimp and broccoli comes together so quickly you will be shocked it can taste this good with so little effort. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something seriously delicious and comforting that still feels like a treat.

I tried this for the first time after a long workday and could not believe how fast it disappeared. My family now calls this the magic shrimp dinner because it always gets smiles at the table.

Ingredients

• Honey: adds natural sweetness and helps create that sticky saucy glaze look for honey that is fragrant and light in color for best flavor
• Low sodium soy sauce: keeps things savory without too much salt opt for naturally brewed for depth
• Fresh grated ginger: brings warmth and zing use a firm piece with smooth skin
• Minced garlic: delivers punchy flavor fresh cloves are best for this recipe
• Red pepper flakes: give a gentle kick adjust up or down depending on your spice level
• Cornstarch: thickens the sauce so it clings to each shrimp and broccoli stalk make sure it looks powdery white for the best results
• Large shrimp: peeled and deveined for convenience I try to get them as fresh as possible they should smell clean not fishy
• Butter: creates that rich base for the sauce use unsalted cooking butter
• Chopped broccoli: offers crunch and color pick bunches with tightly closed heads and deep green color
• Olive oil: starts the sauté choose extra virgin for a slightly peppery background
• Salt and pepper: round out the flavor use flakes or coarse ground for more control

Step by Step Instructions

Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:

Mix honey soy sauce ginger garlic and red pepper in a bowl until fully blended this is the flavor powerhouse

Marinate the Shrimp:

Place shrimp in a separate bowl and pour about one third of the sauce over them toss to coat and set them aside so they soak up that flavor

Prepare the Sauce Thickener:

Whisk cornstarch into the remaining sauce you will use this later to make everything glossy and thick

Cook the Broccoli:

Heat your skillet or wok on high with olive oil throw in broccoli with a pinch of salt and pepper stir fry about five to six minutes until bright green and just soft enough remove and set aside

Sauté the Shrimp:

Drop butter into the same skillet and add shrimp do not crowd them or they will steam instead of caramelize fry until they are pink and curled up about two minutes each side then remove any marinade left in the bowl

Simmer the Sauce:

Pour in the reserved honey garlic sauce and let it bubble gently lower heat to medium simmer until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon about two to three minutes

Combine Shrimp and Broccoli:

Return broccoli to the pan with the shrimp toss everything together so each piece is coated and heated through

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Broccoli has become my secret star in this recipe I adore how it soaks up every drop of the sticky garlicky sauce My kids love shrimp night especially when I pile everything over fluffy rice for them and they can scoop up every bit with a spoon

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days The shrimp stays tender and broccoli holds up well Simply reheat in a skillet over medium heat just until warm

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have fresh ginger ground ginger works in a pinch use half the amount You can swap the broccoli for snap peas or green beans for a change Shrimp can be replaced with chicken breast if needed just dice it small and adjust cooking time

Serving Suggestions

Serve piled over steamed jasmine rice brown rice or noodles I even love tucking leftovers into lettuce wraps for a tangy crisp lunch For a full meal just add a squeeze of fresh lime and a sprinkle of sesame seeds right before serving

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Cultural and Historical Context

Honey garlic sauce is a classic East Asian inspired flavor pairing that became popular in North American home kitchens over the last few decades Drawing from familiar takeout flavors this home spin uses simple techniques and ingredients everyone has on hand

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen shrimp for this dish?

Yes, thaw the shrimp thoroughly and pat dry to ensure even cooking and better flavor absorption.

→ What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?

Mix cornstarch into the reserved marinade before adding to the pan. Simmer until slightly thickened.

→ Is it possible to substitute another vegetable for broccoli?

Absolutely. Try snow peas, green beans, or bell peppers for a similar crunch and vibrant color.

→ Should I marinate the shrimp before cooking?

For deeper flavor, marinate for 30 minutes before cooking, but even a brief soak imparts plenty of taste.

→ How can I serve this dish?

It goes well over steamed rice, noodles, or even quinoa for a satisfying, complete meal.

→ What size shrimp works best?

Larger shrimp like jumbo yield juicier bites, but any size will cook quickly and absorb flavor well.