Introduction

Honey Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli is a quick, flavorful, and nutritious dish that combines tender shrimp with crisp broccoli in a sweet and savory garlic sauce. Inspired by Asian stir-fry flavors, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something delicious and wholesome without spending hours in the kitchen. The honey adds a subtle sweetness, while the garlic and soy sauce give the dish a rich, umami-packed flavor. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you get a restaurant-quality meal at home in under 30 minutes.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fast, easy, and packed with bold flavors. The shrimp cook in minutes and remain tender and juicy, while the broccoli stays crisp and vibrant. The honey garlic sauce is perfectly balanced—sweet, savory, and slightly sticky—coating every piece of shrimp and broccoli for maximum flavor. It’s a comforting yet healthy dish that doesn’t feel heavy, making it perfect for dinner any day of the week.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it’s a perfect combination of taste, texture, and nutrition. The succulent shrimp and crisp broccoli are coated in a flavorful sauce that’s irresistible. It’s versatile enough to serve over rice, noodles, or quinoa, making it a complete meal. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. This is a dish that impresses family and guests without any fuss.

Recipe Details

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: 22–25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~320 kcal per serving
Cuisine: Asian-inspired / American
Course: Main Course

Ingredients

For the Shrimp and Broccoli:

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 cups broccoli florets
2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

3 tablespoons honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)

Simple Cooking Directions

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add broccoli and a splash of water; stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender.
In a small bowl, mix honey, garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
Pour sauce into the skillet with broccoli, bring to a simmer, and thicken with cornstarch mixture.
Return shrimp to the skillet, toss to coat in sauce, and cook 1–2 minutes until heated through.
Serve immediately over rice or noodles.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare Shrimp and Broccoli

Pat shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and black pepper.
Cut broccoli into bite-sized florets.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add shrimp and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
Remove shrimp and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Broccoli

Add broccoli florets to the skillet with a splash of water.
Stir-fry 3–4 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender.

Step 4: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.

Step 5: Combine and Thicken

Pour the sauce over the broccoli in the skillet.
Bring to a simmer and stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.

Step 6: Add Shrimp Back

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet.
Toss everything together to coat evenly in the sauce.
Cook 1–2 minutes more until heated through.

How to Serve

Serve hot over steamed rice, jasmine rice, or noodles.
Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for extra flavor and presentation.
Pair with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Additional Recipe Tips

Avoid overcooking shrimp; they cook quickly and will turn rubbery if overdone.
Steam broccoli just slightly; it should be crisp-tender, not mushy.
For more flavor, marinate shrimp in a little soy sauce and garlic for 10 minutes before cooking.
Adjust honey and soy sauce ratio to make the dish sweeter or saltier to your preference.

Variations

Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chili garlic sauce to the honey garlic sauce.
Vegetable Mix: Add bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for more color and texture.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Shrimp with sauce is not ideal for freezing as shrimp can become rubbery. Freeze cooked broccoli separately without sauce for best results.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if necessary.

Special Equipment Needed

Large skillet or wok
Small bowl for sauce
Tongs or spatula
Knife and cutting board
Measuring spoons and cups

FAQ

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, cook shrimp and broccoli separately and prepare the sauce in advance. Combine before serving.

Q3: Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, but fresh garlic gives a stronger, more vibrant flavor.

Q4: Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, substitute shrimp with tofu and use soy sauce or tamari.

Q5: Can I make this less sweet?
Yes, reduce honey to 1–2 tablespoons according to taste.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli is a quick, flavorful, and wholesome dish that combines sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors with tender shrimp and crisp broccoli. It’s easy to make, packed with protein and vegetables, and perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. This recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort, making it a must-try for anyone who loves healthy, delicious, and satisfying meals.