If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that combines the sweetness of honey with the savory flavors of garlic and buttery shrimp, then look no further than this Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli recipe. In just under 30 minutes, you can whip up a dish that not only pleases the palate but is also packed with nutrients. This easy-to-follow recipe makes use of simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. The succulent shrimp pairs beautifully with tender broccoli florets, all enveloped in a rich garlic butter sauce that ties the dish together perfectly. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this flavorful combination is sure to impress everyone at your table. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal. Get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality dish right at home!
Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
- Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners
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Ingredients for Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Shrimp: Use large, peeled shrimp for the best texture; fresh or frozen both work well.
- Broccoli Florets: Fresh broccoli provides the best crunch; ensure it’s cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic offers robust flavor; adjust according to your taste preference.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for cooking; it helps control the seasoning of the dish.
For the Sauce:
- Honey: Opt for pure honey to achieve the right sweetness without artificial additives.
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is recommended to keep the saltiness in check while adding depth.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by rinsing the shrimp thoroughly under cold water if they are frozen. Pat them dry with paper towels before setting aside. Cut broccoli into bite-sized florets.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and melted butter until well combined.
Step 3: Cook the Broccoli
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil before tossing in the broccoli florets. Sauté for about five minutes until they turn bright green but remain crisp.
Step 4: Add Shrimp
Push the broccoli to one side of the skillet and add another tablespoon of olive oil. Place the shrimp in the skillet in an even layer. Sear them for two minutes on each side until they turn pink.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Pour your prepared sauce over both the shrimp and broccoli in the skillet. Stir everything together gently while allowing it to simmer for another three minutes.
Step 6: Serve
Transfer to plates and drizzle with any remaining sauce from the skillet for the perfect finishing touch.
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Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Even Cooking: Make sure all ingredients are cut to similar sizes for consistent cooking times
- Temperature Control: Let ingredients reach room temperature before starting for better results
- Add Texture: Consider adding chopped nuts like cashews or peanuts for an extra crunch
How to Serve Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli
This Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
- Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
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Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the shrimp marinade ahead of time. Mix honey, garlic, butter, and seasonings in a bowl. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This enhances the flavor.
- Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They can last up to three days. Ensure everything cools down before sealing to maintain freshness.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the shrimp and broccoli in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally for about five minutes until heated through. You can add a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.
Suggestions for Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli
Avoid Overcooking the Shrimp
One of the most common mistakes when preparing honey garlic butter shrimp and broccoli is overcooking the shrimp. Shrimp cook quickly, typically in just 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery and lose their natural sweetness. To achieve perfectly cooked shrimp, keep a close eye on them while they’re in the pan. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, remove them from the heat immediately. This will ensure that your dish remains tender and juicy, allowing the flavors of honey and garlic to shine through.
Don’t Skimp on Fresh Ingredients
Using fresh ingredients significantly enhances the flavor of honey garlic butter shrimp and broccoli. Frozen or wilted vegetables can detract from the overall taste and texture of your meal. Fresh broccoli not only provides a vibrant color but also retains its crunch when cooked properly. For the best results, choose firm, bright green florets. Additionally, fresh garlic elevates the dish’s aroma and taste compared to pre-minced options. Investing in high-quality ingredients will lead to a more satisfying dining experience.
Balance Your Sauce
Creating a well-balanced sauce is crucial for your honey garlic butter shrimp and broccoli recipe. Too much honey can overwhelm other flavors, while insufficient garlic may leave the dish bland. Aim for a harmonious blend of sweet and savory by adjusting the proportions of honey, soy sauce, and butter according to your taste preferences. A good rule of thumb is to start with less honey, adding more gradually until you reach your desired sweetness level. This approach lets you customize your dish while maintaining its integrity.
Properly Cooked Broccoli
Another key aspect is cooking the broccoli correctly to retain its bright color and nutritional value. Overcooked broccoli can become mushy and lose its vibrant green hue along with important vitamins. Blanching or steaming broccoli for just 2-3 minutes before adding it to the skillet is an effective way to keep it crisp-tender. If you prefer sautéing directly in the pan with the shrimp, consider adding it first to give it a head start before combining with other ingredients.
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FAQs
What are some variations for Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli?
Honey garlic butter shrimp and broccoli offers versatility in terms of variations. You can substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for different protein options while maintaining similar flavors. Adding other vegetables like bell peppers or snow peas can enhance both color and nutrition. For an extra kick, consider incorporating red pepper flakes into your sauce mix or using sriracha for added heat. Experimenting with these variations allows you to tailor this recipe to suit your taste preferences.
Can I prepare Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare components of honey garlic butter shrimp and broccoli ahead of time for convenience! Marinate the shrimp in advance by mixing honey, soy sauce, garlic, and butter; refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook. Chop vegetables like broccoli ahead as well but store them in airtight containers to maintain freshness. However, it’s best not to cook this dish fully until shortly before serving; this ensures that everything remains fresh and flavorful when it’s time to enjoy your meal.
What should I serve with Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli?
Honey garlic butter shrimp and broccoli pairs beautifully with various side dishes that complement its sweet and savory profile. Steamed jasmine rice or quinoa makes an excellent base for soaking up extra sauce while providing a hearty component to your meal. Alternatively, serve it over noodles like udon or soba for a delightful twist on traditional Asian cuisine. For a lighter option, consider pairing it with a fresh green salad dressed in sesame vinaigrette to balance flavors.
How do I store leftovers of Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli?
Storing leftovers properly is essential for maintaining freshness after enjoying your honey garlic butter shrimp and broccoli meal. Allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring them into an airtight container suitable for refrigeration. Store them in the fridge where they will last up to three days without losing quality or flavor during reheat sessions later on! When reheating, use low heat on your stovetop or microwave until warmed through; avoid high heat which could overcook already tender shrimp.
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Conclusion for Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli
In conclusion, preparing honey garlic butter shrimp and broccoli requires attention to detail regarding ingredient quality, cooking times, and balancing flavors effectively. By avoiding common mistakes such as overcooking shrimp or neglecting fresh produce, you can create an enticing dish bursting with flavor that’s sure to impress family or guests alike! Remember that experimenting with variations enhances this meal’s versatility while proper storage ensures future enjoyment without compromising quality—making it an ideal choice whether served fresh or enjoyed as delicious leftovers!
Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Indulge in a delightful culinary experience with this Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli recipe, ready in just 30 minutes! This quick and easy dish features tender shrimp sautéed to perfection and vibrant broccoli florets, all smothered in a luscious garlic butter sauce infused with the perfect hint of sweetness from honey. Ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, it pairs beautifully with rice or noodles, creating a complete meal that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy the harmony of flavors that makes this dish feel like restaurant-quality dining right at home.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons pure honey
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- Olive oil for sautéing
Instructions
- Rinse frozen shrimp under cold water and pat dry. Cut broccoli into bite-sized florets.
- In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and melted butter.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté broccoli for about five minutes until bright green yet crisp.
- Push the broccoli to one side of the skillet and add another tablespoon of olive oil. Sear the shrimp in an even layer for two minutes on each side until pink.
- Pour the sauce over both shrimp and broccoli, gently stirring while simmering for an additional three minutes.
- Serve immediately, drizzling any remaining sauce from the skillet on top.
Notes
For added texture, consider tossing in chopped nuts like cashews or peanuts.
If you prefer spiciness, add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce mixture.
Substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for different protein options.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: For added texture, consider tossing in chopped nuts like cashews or peanuts. If you prefer spiciness, add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce mixture. Substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for different protein options.
