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This honey garlic butter shrimp with broccoli is crazy tasty and takes barely any time at all. You won't believe how easy it is to make something that hits all the comfort food notes, even when evenings are wild.
I made this for the first time after working late and it vanished from the table before I could blink. My family keeps asking for what they call the disappearing shrimp meal because it never lasts long around here.
Ingredients List
- Olive oil: heats everything up and adds a subtle pepper bite extra virgin is perfect
- Chopped broccoli: brings some crunch and nice color tight florets with rich green are the best
- Cornstarch: makes your sauce thick so it hugs every shrimp use bright powdery stuff for best results
- Red pepper flakes: gives a bit of a buzz you can toss in more or less for spice
- Salt and pepper: boosts the taste use coarse flakes or fresh cracks for extra flavor
- Minced garlic: pops the flavor level fresh garlic works wonders here
- Butter: makes the sauce rich grab unsalted for control
- Fresh grated ginger: adds warmth and a little bite firm and smooth-skinned ginger works best
- Large shrimp: peel and clean them they should be fresh and smell ocean-clean
- Low sodium soy sauce: gives salty depth without blowing out the salt use naturally brewed if you have it
- Honey: brings the sweetness and makes the sauce sticky choose light and floral honey
Simple How-To Steps
- Mix Shrimp and Broccoli:
- Toss cooked broccoli back in with the shrimp, make sure everything's coated and warmed through.
- Bubble up the Sauce:
- Add your leftover honey garlic mix and simmer gently on medium. Wait till it thickens and can stick on a spoon, takes two or three minutes.
- Fry the Shrimp:
- Drop the shrimp in your buttery pan, leave space so they brown and don’t just steam. Cook two minutes each side till they're curled and pink, then ditch any extra marinade that's in the bowl.
- Get That Broccoli Ready:
- Heat oil in a hot pan, toss in broccoli with salt and pepper, and stir fry until it turns bright green and just soft, five to six minutes. Set it aside.
- Thicken the Mix:
- Whisk cornstarch into what's left of your sauce for a smooth thickener to use soon.
- Let the Shrimp Sit:
- Pour about a third of the sauce over your shrimp in a bowl, toss around and let them soak up the flavors for a bit.
- Stir Up the Sauce:
- Combine honey, soy, ginger, garlic, and chili flakes well in a bowl. This kicks off your main flavor blend.
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I’ll admit, broccoli ends up the real winner here. It soaks up every drop of that sticky garlicky goodness. On shrimp nights, my kids beg for seconds, especially when I pile it on warm rice so they can scoop everything up.
Leftover Storage
Pop any extras in a sealed container and chill them for up to three days. Shrimp stays soft and broccoli keeps its crunch. Just rewarm in a skillet over medium till everything's hot.
Switch Ups
No fresh ginger? Ground ginger will do—just use half as much. If broccoli’s not your thing, try green beans or snap peas instead. No shrimp in the freezer? Chop up chicken breast and cook a bit longer till it’s done.
Ways to Serve
Spoon this over hot jasmine or brown rice, or toss with noodles. Leftovers make awesome lettuce wraps with a zesty hit. For extra kick, hit it with lime and sesame seeds right before you eat.
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Inspiration and Background
That honey garlic combo is a go-to in East Asian food, but it’s been a home cook favorite in North America for decades. It’s got all those great takeout flavors, but you make it easy at home, using simple steps and pantry staples.
FAQs About the Recipe
- → Is frozen shrimp okay here?
Yep! Just let them thaw all the way and pat them dry so they cook evenly and soak up more flavor.
- → How do I make the sauce thicker?
Stir some cornstarch into the saved marinade before pouring it in. Let it bubble until it gets a little thicker.
- → Can I swap out the broccoli?
Sure thing! Try bell peppers, snow peas, or green beans if you want it crunchy and colorful.
- → Do I need to marinate the shrimp first?
Letting them sit for about half an hour makes them even tastier, but even a short soak works well.
- → How should I serve this?
This is great piled over noodles, quinoa, or just some plain steamed rice for a hearty meal.
- → What shrimp size works best?
Bigger shrimp like jumbo are really juicy, but honestly, any size cooks fast and soaks up flavor.