Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe

Get ready to savor a mouthwatering, easy-to-make dish that combines sweet and savory flavors with a burst of freshness. This Honey Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli recipe is a fantastic weeknight dinner option that’s both healthy and incredibly satisfying. With tender shrimp coated in a sticky honey garlic glaze, paired perfectly with crisp broccoli, it’s a meal you’ll want to make again and again. Ready in minutes, it brings restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen without any fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Fast and Simple: Comes together quickly with minimal prep, perfect for busy evenings.
  • Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and nutrient-rich broccoli for a balanced meal.
  • Flavor Explosion: Sweet honey meets savory garlic and tangy soy for an irresistible sauce.
  • Versatile Dish: Easily pairs with rice, noodles, or your favorite side dishes.
  • Family Friendly: Mild, comforting flavors that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple but essential ingredients work together to create a delicious symphony of flavors and textures. From juicy shrimp to crunchy green broccoli, each addition plays a special role in making this Honey Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli recipe so delightful.

  • Shrimp: Fresh, peeled, and deveined for the best taste and texture.
  • Broccoli florets: Crisp and vibrant, they add necessary color and nutrients.
  • Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce beautifully.
  • Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic delivers a sharp, aromatic punch.
  • Soy sauce: Adds savory depth and a salty umami balance.
  • Olive oil or sesame oil: For sautéing and subtle aroma.
  • Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle heat if you like a touch of spice.
  • Green onions: Freshly sliced for garnish and extra freshness.
  • Cornstarch (optional): Helps thicken the sauce if you want it more glaze-like.

Variations for Honey Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, welcoming your personal touch. Whether adapting to dietary needs or experimenting with flavors, it’s easy to make it your own.

  • Add bell peppers: Include colorful sliced peppers for extra crunch and vibrancy.
  • Substitute protein: Use chicken, tofu, or even scallops to switch things up.
  • Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for a spicy kick.
  • Make it gluten-free: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
  • Use frozen shrimp: Convenient and just as tasty after thawing.

How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli

Step 1: Prep Ingredients

Rinse your shrimp and broccoli thoroughly. Cut broccoli into bite-sized florets, mince the garlic cloves, and set aside the honey, soy sauce, and any additional ingredients.

Step 2: Cook Broccoli

In a large skillet or wok, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add broccoli florets and sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp and bright green. Remove broccoli and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Shrimp and Garlic

Add a bit more oil if needed, then toss in the shrimp and minced garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until shrimp turn pink and opaque—about 2-3 minutes per side. Be careful not to overcook.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Lower the heat and add honey and soy sauce to the pan. Stir to coat the shrimp evenly, letting the sauce bubble and thicken slightly. If you want a thicker sauce, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it in now.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return the broccoli to the pan, tossing everything together gently to blend flavors. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until everything is coated and warmed through.

Pro Tips for Making Honey Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli

  • Don’t overcook shrimp: Cook just until pink to keep shrimp tender and juicy.
  • Use fresh garlic: It creates a more vibrant and aromatic dish than pre-minced.
  • Adjust sweetness: Taste the sauce and add honey gradually to avoid overpowering sweetness.
  • Separate cooking: Cooking shrimp and broccoli separately ensures perfect textures for both.
  • High heat sauté: Helps achieve a beautiful sear and locks in flavors.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli

Garnishes

Finish with a sprinkle of sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds to add an extra layer of flavor and eye-catching appeal.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, quinoa, or even noodles for a more filling meal. A light cucumber salad or simple miso soup can also complement the flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in a large shallow bowl with rice on the side, or pile on top of bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. You can also stuff it inside lettuce wraps for a fun handheld meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Honey Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The shrimp may absorb sauce, making it even more flavorful.

Freezing

Although shrimp freezes well, the broccoli may become mushy after thawing. If freezing, separate shrimp and broccoli before freezing in portioned containers.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to avoid overcooking shrimp. Adding a splash of water or broth can help keep the dish moist.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes! Just thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure the best texture and flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be easily made gluten-free by swapping regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos, which have no gluten.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace shrimp with tofu or tempeh and follow the same cooking steps for a delicious vegetarian version.

How spicy is this dish?

This is a mild dish by default, but you can add red pepper flakes or sriracha to increase the heat to your preference.

What’s the best way to prevent shrimp from sticking to the pan?

Make sure your pan is hot and well-oiled before adding shrimp, and avoid overcrowding so they sear properly.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli recipe is a true winner when you need a quick, wholesome, and flavorful dinner. Once you try this delightful combination, with its perfect balance of sweet, garlicky, and savory notes, it’s sure to become a staple in your weeknight meals. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy every delicious bite!

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Honey Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli

Honey Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli


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  • Author: Lina
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A quick and easy Honey Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli recipe featuring tender shrimp coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, paired with crisp broccoli. Perfect for a healthy, family-friendly weeknight dinner that’s full of vibrant flavors and ready in minutes.


Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Broccoli

  • 1 lb fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 cups broccoli florets

Sauce and Seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or sesame oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thicker sauce)

Garnish

  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • Toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep Ingredients: Rinse shrimp and broccoli thoroughly. Cut broccoli into bite-sized florets, mince garlic cloves, and set aside honey, soy sauce, and any other ingredients.
  2. Cook Broccoli: Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add broccoli florets and sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp and bright green. Remove broccoli and set aside.
  3. Sauté Shrimp and Garlic: Add a bit more oil if needed, then add shrimp and minced garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until shrimp turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Avoid overcooking.
  4. Make the Sauce: Lower heat and add honey and soy sauce to the pan. Stir to coat shrimp evenly. Let the sauce bubble and thicken slightly. For a thicker glaze, stir in cornstarch mixture now.
  5. Combine and Finish: Return broccoli to the pan and gently toss everything together to blend flavors. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until well coated and warmed through.
  6. Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired. Serve with rice, noodles, or your favorite side.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook shrimp; cook just until pink to keep tender and juicy.
  • Use fresh garlic for vibrant aroma and flavor.
  • Adjust honey gradually to balance sweetness.
  • Cook shrimp and broccoli separately to maintain ideal textures.
  • Use high heat when sautéing to lock in flavors and achieve a nice sear.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 170mg

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