The Best Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe : With Honey Garlic Butter

Looking for a restaurant-quality meal without the wait or the hefty price tag? This Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe is your answer to a quick, delicious dinner that comes together in under 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving something satisfying but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The classic combination of sweet honey and aromatic garlic creates a glossy, flavorful sauce that coats each succulent shrimp and tender broccoli floret. Trust me, this homemade version will make you forget all about takeout!

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Why I Love This Recipe

This Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe has become a staple in my household for good reason. It’s incredibly versatile – elegant enough for entertaining guests yet simple enough for a Monday night dinner. The sweet and savory sauce perfectly balances the tender shrimp and crisp-tender broccoli, creating a complete meal when served over fluffy rice or noodles.

The combination of protein and vegetables makes this a well-rounded one-pan meal that satisfies everyone at the table. Plus, the ingredients are easily found in most grocery stores, making this a recipe you can turn to time and again without hunting for specialty items.

Ingredients For The Best Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, your preference)
• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 medium heads)
• 3 tablespoons butter, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium works well)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)

How to Make Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe

1. Prepare the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure they sear properly. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Prepare the broccoli: Wash and cut the broccoli into even-sized florets. If using a large head, cut the florets into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
3. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
4. Cook the broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
5. Cook the shrimp: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook! Remove the shrimp and set aside with the broccoli.
6. Finish the sauce: Lower the heat to medium. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to burn it). Pour in the honey-soy sauce mixture and bring to a simmer. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken slightly.
7. Combine everything: Return the shrimp and broccoli to the skillet, tossing gently to coat everything in the sauce. Cook for another minute to heat through and allow the flavors to meld.
8. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or quinoa.

Recipe Tips

• Shrimp size matters: For this recipe, I recommend using large shrimp (31-35 count per pound). They’re substantial enough to stand up to the sauce without overcooking. If using smaller shrimp, reduce the cooking time accordingly.
• Frozen options: Both frozen shrimp and frozen broccoli work well in this recipe. For frozen shrimp, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking. For frozen broccoli, thaw and drain excess water to prevent the sauce from becoming too thin.
• Ginger addition: For an extra layer of flavor, add 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger when sautéing the garlic. Pro tip: Keep your ginger in the freezer and grate it while frozen for the easiest prep.
• Make it spicier: If you enjoy heat, double the red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of sriracha to the finished dish.
• Sauce consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) to the simmering sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to devein the shrimp?

Yes, deveining is recommended for both aesthetic and taste reasons. The dark « vein » running along the back of the shrimp is actually its digestive tract and can impart a gritty texture. Most stores sell shrimp that’s already deveined, but if not, use a small knife to make a shallow cut along the back and remove the vein.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli is a great time-saver. Just thaw it first and drain any excess water. You may want to reduce the cooking time slightly since frozen broccoli is usually partially cooked.

How do I know when shrimp is cooked?

Perfectly cooked shrimp turns from translucent gray to opaque pink and forms a « C » shape. If it curls into a tight « O » shape, it’s overcooked. Remember that shrimp cooks very quickly—usually 1-2 minutes per side is sufficient.

My sauce isn’t thickening. What went wrong?

The sauce naturally thickens slightly as it simmers, but it’s meant to be on the thinner side. If you prefer a thicker consistency, add a cornstarch slurry (as mentioned in the tips) or simmer it longer to reduce.

More Shrimp Recipes

If you enjoyed this Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli, you might also love these other shrimp favorites:

• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta
• Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema
• Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
• Chicken and Shrimp Recipes

A quick and delicious restaurant-quality meal that comes together in under 20 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something impressive without the fuss.