If you’re looking for a quick yet delicious meal that impresses with minimal effort, look no further than Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli. This dish combines succulent shrimp with vibrant broccoli, all coated in a rich honey garlic butter sauce that elevates the flavors to new heights. In just under 30 minutes, you can whip up this delightful dish that is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The balance of sweet and savory in the sauce complements the natural flavors of the shrimp and the crunchiness of the broccoli. Plus, it’s packed with protein and nutrients, making it not only satisfying but also nutritious. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. So grab your ingredients and let’s get started on creating a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
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
Ingredients for Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Shrimp: Use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best texture; fresh or frozen works well.
- Broccoli: Choose fresh broccoli florets; they should be bright green and firm to ensure great flavor.
- Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness; you can substitute with olive oil if preferred.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides robust flavor; avoid using jarred garlic as it lacks freshness.
- Honey: Use pure honey for sweetness; it balances beautifully with the savory elements.
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control salt levels while enhancing umami flavor.
For the Sauce:
- Cornstarch: A small amount helps thicken the sauce without adding extra calories.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
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How to Make Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by washing your broccoli thoroughly and cutting it into bite-sized florets. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely under cold water.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Broccoli
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt one tablespoon of butter. Add the broccoli florets and sauté for about three minutes until they are bright green but still crisp.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Push the broccoli to one side of the skillet. Add another tablespoon of butter to the empty side of the skillet. Add shrimp in a single layer; cook for about two minutes per side until they turn pink.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Pour your prepared sauce over the shrimp and broccoli in the skillet. Stir gently to coat everything evenly. Cook for an additional two minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Transfer to plates immediately while hot. Drizzle any remaining sauce from the skillet over the top before serving.
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 Extra Veggies: Feel free to include other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for added nutrition
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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!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the shrimp marinade and chop the broccoli up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
- Storing: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Ensure the shrimp and broccoli are completely cooled before sealing to maintain freshness.
- Reheating: To reheat, place your leftover shrimp and broccoli in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist, cooking for about five minutes or until heated through.
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Suggestions for Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli
Use Fresh Ingredients
Using fresh ingredients is crucial for making the best Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli. Fresh shrimp and vibrant broccoli not only enhance the flavor but also improve the dish’s texture. Frozen shrimp may work in a pinch, but they often lack the same quality and taste as fresh seafood. When selecting broccoli, look for firm, bright green florets, which indicate freshness. Avoid any yellowing or wilting, as these could suggest the vegetable is past its prime. By prioritizing fresh ingredients, you elevate your dish and create a meal that tantalizes your taste buds.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp
Overcooking the shrimp can ruin your Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli. Perfectly cooked shrimp should be tender, juicy, and opaque. If cooked too long, they become rubbery and tough, losing their delightful texture. To achieve the ideal consistency, sauté the shrimp until they turn pink and curl slightly. This usually takes around 2-3 minutes per side over medium-high heat. Keep a close eye on them; once they reach that perfect state, remove them from the pan immediately to prevent overcooking.
Balance Flavors
Balancing flavors is essential when preparing Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli. The sweetness of honey should complement the savory garlic and butter without overpowering them. Start with a small amount of honey and gradually increase to suit your taste preferences. Adding a dash of soy sauce can deepen the flavor profile while enhancing umami notes in the dish. Additionally, consider incorporating a splash of lemon juice to brighten up the overall taste. Striking this balance will leave diners craving more!
Mind Your Cooking Time
Cooking time is vital when creating Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli. Each component has its own optimal cooking duration; for instance, broccoli typically requires about 3-5 minutes to achieve a tender-crisp state while retaining its vibrant color. Conversely, shrimp cooks quickly at around 3-5 minutes total depending on size. Plan your cooking steps so that everything finishes simultaneously to ensure an even distribution of flavors throughout your dish.
Perfect for any occasion, this recipe will hit the spot!
FAQs
What is Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli?
Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli is a delicious stir-fry dish featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in a rich honey garlic butter sauce along with tender broccoli florets. This recipe combines sweet and savory flavors for a satisfying meal that’s quick to prepare, often taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep due to its simplicity and great taste.
How can I make Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp healthier?
To make Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp healthier without sacrificing flavor, consider reducing the amount of butter used or substituting it with olive oil or coconut oil for sautéing. You can also replace regular honey with raw honey or maple syrup for lower glycemic options. Add more vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas to increase fiber content while maintaining volume in your meal.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli if fresh shrimp is unavailable. However, it’s important to thaw frozen shrimp thoroughly before cooking; otherwise, their texture might suffer during preparation. To thaw quickly, place them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes or leave them overnight in the refrigerator.
What sides pair well with Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli?
Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli pairs wonderfully with various sides like steamed rice or quinoa to soak up that flavorful sauce. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice offers an excellent alternative while keeping it light yet satisfying. You could also serve this dish alongside a simple salad dressed with vinaigrette for added freshness.
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Conclusion for Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli
Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli is an easy-to-make yet impressive dish that combines sweet, savory flavors perfectly balanced by fresh ingredients. To enhance your cooking experience, remember to avoid common mistakes such as overcooking shrimp or using stale vegetables; always aim for freshness! Keep an eye on cooking times to ensure every component remains at its best texture without compromising flavor profiles.
Whether you’re whipping this up on busy weeknights or serving it at gatherings, this recipe promises satisfaction in every bite! Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors while keeping health considerations in mind—this dish can easily adapt based on personal preferences!
Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli is a quick and delightful dish that captures the essence of sweet and savory flavors in under 30 minutes. This recipe features succulent shrimp tossed with vibrant broccoli, all coated in a rich honey garlic butter sauce that tantalizes the taste buds. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining, this meal not only offers a satisfying culinary experience but also presents beautifully on the plate. Serve it over rice or alongside a fresh salad to create a wholesome dinner that your family will love. With its enticing aroma and colorful presentation, Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli is sure to become a favorite at your table.
Ingredients
- Large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Fresh broccoli florets
- Unsalted butter
- Minced garlic
- Pure honey
- Low-sodium soy sauce
- Cornstarch
Instructions
- Prep broccoli by washing and cutting it into bite-sized florets. Thaw frozen shrimp if necessary.
- In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and cornstarch until smooth; set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté broccoli for about 3 minutes until bright green.
- Push broccoli to one side; add more butter to the empty side and cook shrimp for approximately 2 minutes per side until pink.
- Pour prepared sauce over shrimp and broccoli; stir gently to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve hot with extra sauce drizzled on top.
Notes
For added nutrition, incorporate bell peppers or snap peas into the dish.
Watch the shrimp closely to prevent overcooking; as soon as they turn pink, remove them from heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 210mg