Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli

If you’re anything like me, there are days when you stare at your fridge, wondering what on earth to make for dinner—something fast, flavorful, and (let’s be honest) a little bit impressive even if it only takes 30 minutes. That’s where this Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli swoops in like the weeknight dinner hero you didn’t know you needed.

This dish checks all the boxes: juicy, tender shrimp? Check. Crisp-tender broccoli? Absolutely. A sticky, buttery, garlicky sauce with a whisper of sweetness and a hint of tang? Oh yes. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but is secretly packed with protein and veggies. And best of all—it comes together in under half an hour, with one pan and minimal fuss. A total win in my book.

Honestly, this recipe was born out of one of those “I have shrimp, I have broccoli, and I’m starving” kind of nights. I pulled together a few pantry staples—honey, garlic, soy sauce, and butter—and crossed my fingers. The result? A glossy, crave-worthy dish that’s become a weeknight favorite. I now keep a bag of frozen shrimp in the freezer just in case I need a quick dinner fix, and this is almost always what I end up making.

Whether you’re serving it over a fluffy bed of jasmine rice, tossing it with noodles, or just eating it straight out of the pan (no judgment here), it’s the kind of simple comfort food that just works. Let’s get into how to make it!

this recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 3 cups broccoli florets

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• ⅓ cup honey

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Sesame seeds or chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

STEP 1: Blanch the Broccoli

You’ll want to start with your broccoli. Bring a pot of water to a boil and toss in the florets. Let them cook for just about 2 minutes—just enough to get them tender but still crisp, and that gorgeous bright green color. Then drain and set them aside. No mushy broccoli here!

Tip: If you want to keep that vibrant green color and a bit of crunch, dunk the broccoli in an ice bath after boiling. Totally optional but helps keep things looking fresh and perky.

STEP 2: Mix the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together:

• ⅓ cup honey

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (if using)

• A pinch of black pepper

Set that aside for now. This is your golden sauce—the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy. That little splash of lemon? Totally optional, but it brightens everything up just enough to keep it from feeling too heavy.

STEP 3: Sear the Shrimp

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and season them lightly with salt and pepper. Let them cook for just 1-2 minutes on each side until they’re pink and opaque. Don’t overdo it—shrimp cook super fast and can get rubbery if they go too long.

Once they’re done, scoop them out of the skillet and set aside for now. They’ll be coming back for their saucy reunion in just a bit.

STEP 4: Build the Sauce

Lower the heat to medium, and in the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add in your minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute—just until it’s fragrant and lightly golden. Then pour in your honey-soy sauce mixture and bring it to a gentle simmer.

Let it bubble away for about 2-3 minutes, just until it starts to thicken a little. The sauce will coat the back of a spoon, and your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing.

Alright, now that we’ve got the basics done—shrimp is cooked, broccoli is blanched, and that dreamy honey garlic butter sauce is bubbling away—it’s time to pull it all together. This is the part where your kitchen turns into something out of a takeout menu (but better, because you made it yourself and you know exactly what’s in it).

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s flexible, forgiving, and fast. You’re really just layering flavor from here on out, so it’s smooth sailing. Let’s dive into the second half of the cooking process and then talk through a few helpful tips to make this recipe your go-to weeknight dinner.

STEP 5: Combine Everything in the Skillet

Once your sauce has slightly thickened (remember, it should coat a spoon but not be overly sticky), it’s time to reunite all the ingredients.

Add your cooked shrimp and blanched broccoli back into the skillet with the sauce. Use a spatula or tongs to gently toss everything together until the shrimp and broccoli are fully coated in that shiny, garlicky glaze.

Cook for another 1-2 minutes, just until everything is heated through. You don’t want to overcook the broccoli at this point—it’s already perfectly tender, so you’re just warming it up and giving it a glossy coating of that sauce.

STEP 6: Garnish and Serve

Once it’s all combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat and you’re ready to serve.

If you want to make it extra pretty (and a bit more flavorful), sprinkle on some sesame seeds or chopped green onions. Totally optional, but it adds a nice finishing touch that feels like you went the extra mile—even if this only took you 20 minutes.

Now’s the time to serve it however you like:

• Over jasmine or basmati rice for a classic pairing

• With noodles for something slurpable

• On its own for a lighter, lower-carb dinner

• Even over quinoa or cauliflower rice if you’re looking for a healthy twist

Helpful Tips for Success

This dish is super simple, but there are a few tricks that’ll help you nail it every time.

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp

Shrimp cook really fast. Like, blink-and-it’s-done fast. Once they curl up and turn pink, pull them out of the pan. Overcooked shrimp can go rubbery quick, and that’s not what we’re going for here.

Use Fresh Garlic

Don’t substitute garlic powder here—it won’t give the same depth or richness. Fresh minced garlic is key to making that buttery sauce pop.

Frozen Shrimp? No Problem

If you’re using frozen shrimp, just make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before cooking. Too much moisture will cause them to steam instead of sear, and you want that nice, light golden edge.

Add Heat if You Like

Want a little spice? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce while it simmers. It adds just enough heat to balance the sweetness of the honey.

Prep Ahead for Even Faster Cooking

You can blanch your broccoli and even prep the sauce earlier in the day. When dinnertime hits, it’s just a quick sear, simmer, and serve situation. Great for busy nights or meal prepping!

Easy Variations to Try

This recipe is easy to adapt to your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are a few ideas:

• Swap the protein: This honey garlic butter sauce also works beautifully with chicken, tofu, or even salmon. Just adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose.

• Add more veggies: Bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots all go great with this dish. Sauté them quickly before adding the broccoli and shrimp back into the pan.

• Make it gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version without sacrificing any flavor.