If you’re looking for a quick yet absolutely delightful meal to whip up any night of the week, let me introduce you to my favorite: Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli. This dish is a tantalizing mix of savory and sweet, with succulent shrimp and vibrant broccoli coming together in a heavenly garlic butter sauce. It’s pure magic on a plate!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You can have Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli on your table in just 20 minutes!
- Bursting with Flavor: The sweet and savory sauce creates a delightful medley of tastes.
- Healthy: With shrimp and broccoli as the stars, it’s packed full of protein and fiber.
- Family-Favorite: Kids and adults alike adore its tempting flavors and appealing look.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple, so you can focus on the core ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Each component contributes to the overall lusciousness of the Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli.
- Honey: Brings the sweetness that balances out the savory components.
- Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami without overpowering the dish with saltiness.
- Fresh Grated Ginger: Offers a spicy warmth that ties the sauce together.
- Minced Garlic: Infuses the buttery sauce with an irresistibly aromatic flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Provides just a hint of heat to keep your palate intrigued.
- Large Shrimp: The juicy protein that complements the veggies and sauce beautifully.
- Broccoli: Provides vibrant color and texture, while soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Butter and Olive Oil: Creates a rich base for cooking the shrimp to perfection.
Variations
One of the joys of making Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli is how adaptable it is. You can customize it to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs with these simple adjustments.
- Vegetarian Swap: Replace the shrimp with tofu for a plant-based version.
- Spice It Up: Increase the red pepper flakes for those who love extra heat.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-friendly.
How to Make Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli
Step 1: Create the Magic Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. This combination forms the flavorful base that transforms ordinary shrimp into something extraordinary. Reserve a portion for later to thicken the sauce to your liking.
Step 2: Sauté the Broccoli
Heat olive oil in a skillet and add the broccoli, seasoning with a little salt and pepper. Cook it until it’s just tender, which should take about 5 to 6 minutes. This retains its beautiful color and ensures it absorbs the sauce well later.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Melt butter in the same skillet, and introduce the shrimp. Cook them for about 2 minutes on each side, watching closely until they turn a lovely pink. Discard any leftover marinade at this stage.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Add the reserved sauce and bring it to a gentle simmer. It will caramelize and thicken slightly, enriching the flavors. After a couple of minutes, return the broccoli to the skillet and stir to combine everything beautifully.
Pro Tips for Making Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli
- Shrimp Size Matters: Opt for large shrimps (16/20 size) to ensure a juicy bite and quick cooking.
- Marinate for Max Flavor: Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 30 minutes to deepen the flavors.
- Tail-on Presentation: Leaving shrimp tails on adds a nice presentation touch and extra flavor.
- Thaw Your Broccoli: If using frozen broccoli, ensure it’s thawed and dried to prevent excess moisture.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli
Garnishes
Consider topping your Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli with some sesame seeds or chopped green onions to add a bit of crunch and a fresh pop of flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with jasmine rice, which absorbs the rich sauce, or try whole-grain spaghetti for a fun twist. Serve alongside a crisp green salad to balance the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your creation in a big, beautiful shallow bowl or plate, arranging the shrimp and broccoli artistically to entice your guests even before the first bite. A sprinkle of sesame seeds can add an elegant finishing touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors intensify beautifully, making for a fantastic next-day lunch.
Freezing
While the broccoli might become a little soft, you can freeze the shrimp in the sauce for up to 2 months. Make sure to flash-freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a container.
Reheating
Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce if needed. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain shrimp tenderness.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just ensure they are fully thawed and pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture in the dish.
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What can I substitute for broccoli?
The shrimp pairs well with other vegetables like snap peas, bell peppers, or even asparagus if you prefer a change from broccoli.
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Is fresh ginger necessary?
Fresh ginger provides a more vibrant flavor, but in a pinch, ground ginger can be used. Aim for about half the amount if substituting.
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How can I make it less sweet?
To reduce sweetness, start by using less honey and adjust to taste. Alternatively, a splash of lemon or lime juice can help balance the flavors.
Final Thoughts
Bring an enticing mix of sweet and savory to your dinner table with this Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli. It’s a dish meant to impress with its vibrant flavors and short prep time, and I can’t wait for you to try it. Let me know how it turns out!
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Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Description
This Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli recipe features succulent shrimp cooked in a sweet and savory honey-garlic sauce, complemented by tender broccoli. Quick to prepare, it makes for a flavorful and healthy meal perfect served over rice or pasta, combining crisp vegetables with juicy shrimp in a rich, glossy sauce.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
– 1/2 cup honey – 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce – 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger – 2 tablespoons minced garlic – 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes – 1 teaspoon cornstarchProtein
– 1 pound large shrimp peeled, deveined, with tails removed if desiredVegetables
– 2 cups chopped broccoliOther
– 2 tablespoons butter – 1 teaspoon olive oil – Salt & pepper to tasteInstructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
- Marinate the shrimp: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl. Add one-third of the prepared sauce, tossing to coat. Let it marinate for about 30 minutes for enhanced flavor.
- Thicken the sauce: Whisk cornstarch into the remaining sauce mixture and set aside; this will be used later for glazing.
- Cook the broccoli: Heat a skillet or wok on high heat. Add olive oil, then toss in chopped broccoli along with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes until tender but still crisp. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Cook the shrimp: In the same skillet, add butter. Discard any excess marinade from the shrimp, then add the marinated shrimp. Cook for about 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and are cooked through.
- Combine and simmer: Pour the reserved sauce with cornstarch into the skillet with shrimp. Bring to a low-medium simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the shrimp evenly.
- Add broccoli and serve: Return the cooked broccoli to the skillet, tossing everything together until heated through. Serve hot over rice or pasta.
Notes
- Marinate the shrimp for at least 30 minutes for a deeper flavor.
- Use jumbo 16/20 size shrimp for best results; smaller shrimp will cook faster.
- Tails on shrimp add flavor and presentation but can be removed if preferred.
- Can use frozen broccoli; ensure it is thawed and dried before cooking.
- Adjust cooking times based on shrimp size and desired doneness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 215 kcal
- Sugar: 36 g
- Sodium: 638 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
