There’s just something about a sweet and savory stir-fry that makes weeknight dinners feel a little more special. And let me tell you—this Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli checks all the boxes: quick, flavorful, and made with pantry staples I always seem to have on hand. Plus, it’s one of those meals that tastes like it took way more effort than it actually did (my favorite kind of recipe!).
I first threw this dish together on a random Tuesday when I was short on time but craving something warm and satisfying. I had a bag of frozen shrimp in the freezer, some broccoli in the crisper that needed to be used up, and my go-to sauce combo—honey, soy sauce, and garlic. I added butter for richness, and the result was a glossy, garlicky, slightly sweet sauce that clings perfectly to juicy shrimp and crisp-tender broccoli.
This meal is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy nights when you want something homemade but can’t spend all evening in the kitchen. Whether you serve it over fluffy white rice or toss it with noodles, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Let’s dive into how to make this easy dinner favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this delicious stir-fry to life:
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 cups broccoli florets
2 tbsp butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup honey
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
1 tbsp water (if using cornstarch)
Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
I usually go with rice for that classic takeout feel, but noodles work just as well if you’re in the mood for something a little different.
STEP 1: Sauté the Broccoli
In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, toss in the broccoli florets and cook them for about 4-5 minutes. You want them to be bright green and just beginning to soften—they’ll finish cooking a bit later when everything comes together.
Once the broccoli is slightly tender but still vibrant and crisp, go ahead and remove it from the pan and set it aside. This keeps it from getting too soft while the shrimp cook.
Tip: If you’re using steam-in-bag broccoli or frozen florets, just heat them slightly before adding to the stir-fry. That’ll save even more time without compromising texture.
STEP 2: Make the Garlic Butter Base
Using the same skillet (no need to wash it out), drop in your butter and let it melt over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until it’s fragrant. Keep an eye on it—garlic can go from golden to burnt in a flash!
This is where the magic really starts to happen. That butter and garlic combo is pure comfort, and it’s the foundation of the sauce that’s going to coat every bite.
STEP 3: Cook the Shrimp
Next, add your shrimp directly to the pan with the garlic butter. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes per side, depending on their size. You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink and opaque.
Season the shrimp with a little salt and pepper while they cook to bring out their natural sweetness and make sure every bite is flavorful.
Once the shrimp are cooked through, you’re almost there! Now it’s time to bring everything together.
Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli – Bringing It All Together
Now that we’ve sautéed our broccoli, cooked the garlic in butter, and seared the shrimp to juicy perfection, it’s time to bring this whole stir-fry together with that glossy, sweet-savory sauce. This is where the flavor magic happens, and honestly, this part might just be my favorite. The whole kitchen starts to smell amazing, and it only takes a few more minutes before it’s ready to serve.
If you’re like me and always looking for ways to cut corners on weeknights without sacrificing flavor, you’ll love how simple this next part is. Just a few more ingredients, a quick simmer, and your sauce thickens into a gorgeous glaze that coats every bite.
Let’s get right into it.
STEP 4: Return the Broccoli and Add the Sauce
Once the shrimp are fully cooked, go ahead and return the sautéed broccoli to the skillet. Now, pour in your honey and soy sauce, stirring everything gently to combine.
This is when the shrimp and broccoli start soaking up all that delicious garlic butter and the sweet-salty notes from the sauce. The honey adds a beautiful glaze and just the right amount of sweetness, while the soy sauce balances it out with a little umami depth.
You want everything in the pan to be well coated—give it all a few good tosses or stirs to make sure that happens.
Optional Tip: If you like a bit of a kick, this is a great time to add a pinch of red pepper flakes. It doesn’t make it super spicy, but it adds just enough heat to contrast with the honey.
STEP 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you’re like me and love a slightly thicker sauce that really clings to your shrimp and broccoli, then this optional step is for you. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tsp of cornstarch with 1 tbsp of water to create a slurry. Stir that mixture into the skillet and let everything simmer for 1-2 minutes.
You’ll notice the sauce begin to bubble gently and thicken just enough to create that perfect glossy finish. If you’re not worried about thickness and prefer a more fluid sauce, feel free to skip this step—it’ll still be delicious.
Pro Tip: Always stir cornstarch slurry into a hot liquid while stirring constantly to avoid lumps and ensure smooth results.
STEP 6: Serve It Up
Once your sauce is thickened (or not—totally your call), you’re ready to serve. I like to spoon this hot, saucy shrimp and broccoli mixture right over a bowl of steamed white rice, but you can totally use brown rice, jasmine rice, or even noodles. Rice noodles or lo mein-style noodles are a great option if you’re looking to switch things up.
The contrast of that savory-sweet sauce against fluffy rice or chewy noodles? Absolutely perfect.
Tips & Variations to Make It Your Own
One of the things I love most about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Depending on what you’ve got in your fridge, you can customize it to fit your mood, your preferences, or even the picky eaters at your table.
Try these variations:
Use different veggies: Swap out broccoli for snap peas, bell peppers, asparagus, or even zucchini. This is a great fridge-cleanout meal.
Add crunch: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped cashews on top before serving for an added texture boost.
Make it spicy: Stir in sriracha, a dash of chili garlic sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
Speed it up: Use pre-cooked shrimp and microwave steam-in-bag broccoli. Toss them in during the sauce step and heat just until everything is warm and coated.
This dish also makes amazing leftovers! I’ve packed it into lunch containers with rice, and it reheats like a dream in the microwave. That sweet and savory flavor just keeps getting better.
Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli – FAQs and Final Thoughts
By now, your kitchen probably smells amazing, and you’re just about ready to dig in. But before you do, let’s go over some of the most common questions I get about this Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli stir-fry. Whether you’re wondering about substitutions, how to store leftovers, or how to make it dairy-free, I’ve got you covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, absolutely! Frozen shrimp work perfectly—just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. Thaw them quickly by running under cold water for a few minutes in a colander.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
The easiest way is to microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through, stirring in between. If you prefer the stovetop, add a splash of water or broth to a skillet and reheat over medium-low heat until everything is hot.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it works great as a meal prep option. You can cook the dish completely and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat and serve over fresh rice or noodles.
What can I use instead of butter for a dairy-free version?
You can substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative or use extra olive oil. While the richness of butter adds a nice flavor, the garlic and honey still shine without it.
How do I make this gluten-free?
Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce in place of regular soy sauce. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so that simple swap does the trick.
Can I add protein besides shrimp?
Definitely! Chicken, tofu, or even thinly sliced beef all work well. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. Chicken and beef will need a few extra minutes to cook through.
What kind of noodles go best with this?
Rice noodles, lo mein, or even linguine work well. You can toss the cooked noodles directly into the skillet with the shrimp and sauce for a full-on noodle stir-fry experience.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so comforting about a one-pan dinner that comes together fast and still delivers big flavor. This Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli recipe is one of those meals I turn to again and again—not only because it’s ridiculously simple, but because it never fails to impress.
Whether you’re trying to get dinner on the table in a hurry or just craving something warm, saucy, and satisfying, this dish always hits the spot. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but flavorful enough to feel like a treat.
If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Did you stick with the classic version, or add your own spin? Drop a comment and let me know what veggies you used or if you tried it with noodles instead of rice. I’m always excited to hear how others make recipes their own.
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Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli
Description
Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli is a sweet and savory stir-fry that combines tender shrimp, crisp broccoli, and a glossy, garlicky honey-butter sauce. This dish is fast, flavorful, and perfect served over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 cups broccoli florets
2 tbsp butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup honey
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
1 tbsp water (if using cornstarch)
Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Instructions
In a large skillet or wok, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli and sauté for 4-5 minutes until it begins to soften. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Season with salt and pepper.
Return the broccoli to the pan. Pour in the honey and soy sauce, stirring to coat everything evenly.
If a thicker sauce is desired, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl and stir it into the pan. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Serve immediately over rice or noodles.
Notes
This dish is easy to customize—add red pepper flakes for heat, or swap in snow peas or bell peppers for variety. To make it even quicker, use pre-cooked shrimp and steam-in-bag broccoli. Leftovers reheat well and make a great meal prep option.
