DINNER

Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp: 1 Perfect Skillet Meal

by basmer

7 de November de 2025

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Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp has become my absolute go-to for a quick and incredibly satisfying weeknight dinner. I still remember the first time I made this easy honey garlic butter shrimp; the aroma of sizzling garlic and sweet honey filling my kitchen was just intoxicating! My family devoured it so fast, leaving behind only the glossy, irresistible shrimp in honey garlic butter sauce. It’s one of those simple dishes that feels fancy but is genuinely so easy to whip up, perfect for those evenings when you’re short on time but craving something delicious. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp

This recipe for honey garlic butter shrimp is a game-changer! Here’s why it’s going to be your new favorite:

Incredibly Quick: Ready in under 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor Explosion: The sweet and savory honey garlic butter sauce is absolutely irresistible.
Healthy & Delicious: Packed with protein and veggies, it’s a satisfyingly healthy meal.
Versatile: This easy honey garlic butter shrimp recipe pairs perfectly with rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice.
Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of what you need in your pantry already.
Kid-Approved: Even picky eaters love the sweet glaze on this garlic butter shrimp with honey.
Minimal Cleanup: It’s a one-skillet wonder, meaning less washing up!

Ingredients for Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp

Gather these simple components for an amazing Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe. Having everything prepped makes this quick Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp dish come together in a flash!

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined – make sure they’re fully thawed if using frozen
3 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen – for a healthy dose of green goodness
3 tablespoons unsalted butter – the base for our luscious sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced – fresh garlic is key for that pungent, aromatic flavor
3 tablespoons honey – this provides the signature sweetness to our Garlic Butter Shrimp Honey glaze
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce – for that essential umami depth
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional) – adds a bright, fresh finish
Salt and black pepper, to taste – season generously for balanced flavor
1 teaspoon cornstarch + 2 teaspoons water (optional, for thicker sauce) – use this if you prefer a thicker Shrimp in Honey Garlic Butter Sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil, for cooking – helps prevent the shrimp from sticking
Optional garnishes: chopped parsley, sesame seeds, or red pepper flakes – for a pop of color and extra flavor

How to Make Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp

This skillet honey garlic butter shrimp recipe is so straightforward, you’ll be making it weekly! It’s truly one of the easiest ways to prepare succulent shrimp in a luscious honey garlic butter sauce.

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

First, make sure your shrimp are ready to go – pat them completely dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear. Next, blanch your broccoli florets in boiling water for just 2 minutes until they’re bright green and crisp-tender. Drain them well. This step ensures your broccoli is perfectly cooked alongside the shrimp.

Step 2: Cook Shrimp

Heat the 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add the prepared shrimp in a single layer. Cook the shrimp for only 1–2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant – be careful not to burn it! Pour in the 3 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, and the optional 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 1–2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld into a beautiful garlic butter shrimp honey glaze.

Step 4: Combine and Thicken

Now, return the perfectly cooked shrimp and the blanched broccoli florets back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything gently to ensure each piece is coated in that delicious honey garlic butter sauce. If you prefer a thicker consistency for your shrimp in honey garlic butter sauce, whisk together the 1 teaspoon cornstarch and 2 teaspoons water to create a slurry, then stir it into the simmering sauce until it thickens. For more information on thickening sauces, you can check out this guide to homemade seasoning mixes which often involves similar thickening techniques.

Step 5: Serve Your Delicious Dish

Once everything is beautifully coated and the sauce has thickened to your liking, your Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp is ready to be served! Garnish generously with your choice of chopped parsley, toasted sesame seeds, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. This quick honey garlic butter shrimp dish is best enjoyed immediately. You can find more easy meat recipes on our site that are perfect for weeknight dinners.

Pro Tips for the Best Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp

Want to elevate your honey garlic butter shrimp game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make this dish absolutely sing. These simple tips ensure your shrimp are perfectly cooked and the sauce is just right every single time.

Pat your shrimp completely dry before cooking. This is crucial for achieving a beautiful sear and preventing them from steaming in the pan.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the shrimp. Cook them in batches if necessary to ensure they get nicely browned rather than soggy.
Use fresh garlic! Minced fresh garlic provides a much more vibrant flavor than garlic powder for your honey garlic butter shrimp sauce.
Taste and adjust the sauce before adding the shrimp and broccoli back. Need more sweetness? Add a touch more honey. More saltiness? A splash more soy sauce.

What’s the secret to perfect Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp?

The real secret to perfect honey garlic butter shrimp lies in two things: not overcooking the shrimp and balancing the sauce. Cook shrimp just until pink and opaque, then remove them immediately to prevent toughness. For the sauce, ensure a good balance of sweet (honey), savory (soy sauce), and aromatic (garlic). For more on cooking techniques, consider exploring resources on copycat recipes which often detail precise ingredient and technique applications.

Can I make Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp ahead of time?

You can prepare some components ahead of time, but it’s best to combine and cook the shrimp and sauce just before serving for optimal texture. You can chop the garlic and measure out the sauce ingredients up to a day in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. For other make-ahead meal ideas, check out our cold lunch ideas for adults.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp?

The biggest mistake is overcooking the shrimp, which makes them rubbery. Cook them quickly and remove them from the heat. Another pitfall is burning the garlic; sauté it briefly until fragrant, then add liquids. Lastly, don’t skip patting the shrimp dry for a better sear.

Best Ways to Serve Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp

This versatile honey garlic butter shrimp dish is fantastic served in so many ways! It’s a truly adaptable meal that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a classic weeknight dinner, serve this shrimp in honey garlic butter sauce over fluffy white or brown rice. If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, it’s also amazing served over cauliflower rice or even zucchini noodles. You can also toss it with your favorite pasta for a complete meal. The sweet and savory glaze complements everything it touches! For more ideas on pairing, explore our easy family dinners.

Nutrition Facts for Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp

This quick honey garlic butter shrimp recipe is surprisingly light and packed with flavor. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving:

Calories: 280
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 26g
Cholesterol: 185mg
Sodium: 680mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your honey garlic butter shrimp dish.

How to Store and Reheat Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp

This easy honey garlic butter shrimp recipe is fantastic for meal prep, but proper storage is key to keeping it delicious. Once your skillet honey garlic butter shrimp has cooled completely, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. You can store the shrimp in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the honey garlic butter shrimp dish! Ensure it’s well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn, and it should keep for about 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy your quick honey garlic butter shrimp again, the best way to reheat it is gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to refresh the sauce. You can also microwave it, but be sure to heat it in short intervals, stirring in between, to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

Frequently Asked Questions About Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe?

Yes, you can absolutely use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels to ensure they sear nicely in the pan. This is a crucial step for a great honey garlic butter shrimp dish.

What kind of garlic should I use for Shrimp in Honey Garlic Butter Sauce?

Fresh garlic is highly recommended for the best flavor in your shrimp in honey garlic butter sauce. Mince it finely. While garlic powder can be used in a pinch, it won’t provide the same aromatic depth as fresh garlic in this honey butter shrimp recipe.

How do I make the Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker garlic butter shrimp honey glaze, you can easily achieve this by making a cornstarch slurry. Mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of water until smooth, then stir it into the simmering sauce in the skillet during Step 4. Cook for another minute until it thickens.

Can I add other vegetables to this Easy Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp?

Absolutely! This easy honey garlic butter shrimp recipe is very adaptable. Bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or even asparagus would be delicious additions. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces and add them to the skillet either with the broccoli or slightly before, depending on their cooking time. For more ideas on vegetable pairings, consider our creamy broccoli salad recipe.

Variations of Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp You Can Try

Looking to switch things up or cater to specific dietary needs? This versatile honey garlic butter shrimp recipe is a fantastic base for all sorts of delicious twists! Here are a few ideas to inspire your next meal.

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a swirl of sriracha to the sauce for a little heat. This spicy honey garlic butter shrimp is a real crowd-pleaser.
Lighter Version: Swap the butter for a good quality olive oil and use a lighter hand with the honey for a healthier garlic butter shrimp honey glaze, perfect for a light lunch.
Sheet Pan Wonder: Toss shrimp, broccoli, and your favorite veggies (like bell peppers or asparagus) with the sauce ingredients and roast on a single sheet pan for an easy clean-up skillet honey garlic butter shrimp alternative.
Coconut Milk Creaminess: For a richer, more decadent shrimp in honey garlic butter sauce, stir in a few tablespoons of full-fat coconut milk at the end.