Getting a healthy dinner on the table takes just about 30 minutes with this Honey Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli Recipe. It’s got that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors that’ll keep you coming back for seconds—or thirds!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This recipe is one of my absolute go-tos when I’m craving something quick but special. It’s perfect for weeknights or whenever you want to impress with minimal effort. Plus, the combination of tender shrimp, crisp broccoli, and that sticky honey garlic sauce? It hits all the right notes.
- Speedy & Simple: You’ll have dinner ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy days.
- Flavor Packed: The honey and garlic combo creates a sauce that’s sweet, tangy, and bursting with umami.
- Healthy & Balanced: Loads of protein and veggies, served with rice to keep you fueled.
- Snackable Tips: I share my personal tricks so you don’t overcook shrimp and get that perfect, tender bite every time.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient here plays a starring role in building this dish’s layers of flavor and texture. When I shop for this, I look for fresh, firm shrimp and bright green broccoli to keep things vibrant and tasty.
- Large shrimp: I use 26/30 count frozen shrimp because they’re big enough to hold their own but still cook quickly and stay tender.
- Peanut oil: With a high smoke point, it’s perfect for getting that nice sear on shrimp and broccoli without burning.
- Broccoli florets: They add a lovely crunch and soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Chicken broth: Adds depth to the sauce without overpowering it.
- Low sodium soy sauce: For a balanced saltiness that’s not too salty.
- Honey & brown sugar: These two sweeteners together give a well-rounded, rich sweetness.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is a must—it really makes this sauce sing.
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds just a touch of tang to balance the sweetness.
- Toasted sesame oil: Optional but highly recommended for that extra nutty aroma.
- Ginger: Just a pinch brightens the sauce with a little warmth.
- Red pepper flakes: A pinch to wake things up—you can always leave it out if you’re spice-averse.
- Cornstarch & cold water: These make the sauce perfectly thick and glossy without clumping.
- Rice: The ultimate bed for soaking up all that wonderful sauce.
- Green onions & honey roasted peanuts: My favorite garnishes that add freshness and crunch.
Make It Your Way
One of the best parts about this Honey Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I like to throw in some bell peppers or julienned carrots when I want extra color and crunch. You can totally customize it to your taste!
- Add Veggies: Toss in sliced onions or snap peas for more texture and flavor diversity. I often sneak in extra veggies when hosting friends who want something lighter.
- Swap Oils: Olive oil works fine if peanut oil isn’t on hand, just watch the heat so it doesn’t burn.
- Make it Spicier: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a zingy kick—this is my hubby’s favorite twist.
- Use Different Rice: I sometimes serve this with jasmine or brown rice for a fragrant or hearty change.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Shrimp Like a Pro
Make sure your shrimp are completely thawed and patted dry—this step is key to getting a nice sear without steaming. Remove shells, tails, and veins if they aren’t already peeled. I always set a timer when cooking shrimp because they go from perfectly tender to rubbery in a flash. Look for them curling into a “C” shape—when they curl into an “O,” it’s time to pull them off the heat.
Step 2: Sauté Shrimp & Broccoli Separately
Heat your peanut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp about 1 minute and 20 seconds on each side. They’ll continue cooking briefly when removed, so don’t worry about slightly undercooking at first. Then, add broccoli florets to the pan, giving them a quick 4-minute sauté until tender but still crisp. If the pan looks dry, splash on a little oil to keep everything moving.
Step 3: Whip Up That Magic Sauce
While the shrimp and broccoli are cooking, mix together chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, toasted sesame oil, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes. Pour this into the skillet, bringing it to a boil. Next, whisk cornstarch with cold water and gradually add to the sauce to thicken it. Stir constantly until it glistens and coats the back of a spoon—this consistency makes the sauce irresistible.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the broccoli, covering loosely to let it heat through in the sauce for 2-3 minutes. Then add the shrimp back to the pan, spooning sauce over them, and cook for about one more minute just to warm everything evenly. If you want to get fancy, drizzle a bit more honey on top for an extra glossy sweet finish!
Top Tip
Having cooked hundreds of shrimp dishes, I’ve learned a few tricks to get that perfect texture and flavor every time. Don’t rush the process—shrimp cook fast but can easily toughen. Using a timer keeps everything in check without guesswork.
- Use a timer: I always set one for about 1 minute 20 seconds per side to avoid overcooking shrimp;
- Pat-dry shrimp completely: Too much moisture means your shrimp stew instead of searing;
- Don't skip simmering with sauce: Letting shrimp and broccoli rest covered in sauce locks in flavors and keeps things juicy;
- Choose fresh garlic and fresh ginger: Powder works in a pinch, but fresh ingredients make a big difference in vibrancy;
How to Serve Honey Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
I always top mine with chopped green onions for a fresh pop and some honey roasted peanuts for crunch and nuttiness. The peanuts add unexpected texture that makes each bite exciting!
Side Dishes
This dish shines best over a bed of fluffy white rice. Sometimes, I make my favorite vegetable fried rice to serve alongside for more veggies and flavor. You could also try jasmine or brown rice if you want a different nutritional profile or aroma.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, I like to serve the shrimp and broccoli alongside steamed jasmine rice molded with a small bowl for a neat dome shape. Garnishing the plate with extra fresh herbs or sesame seeds adds a beautiful touch. A drizzle of honey right before serving makes it look glossy and inviting—your guests will be impressed!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Put any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. The shrimp and broccoli hold up well when reheated carefully, so you can enjoy this meal even on busy days without starting from scratch.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this dish a few times, and it travels well. Just freeze in a sealed container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw fully before reheating to keep shrimp tender and avoid a soggy sauce.
Reheating
When reheating, I prefer warming it on the stovetop over medium-low heat. This method gently brings the shrimp back to life without getting rubbery. You can also use a double boiler setup for even gentler heating. Avoid the microwave if possible—it tends to overcook shrimp fast.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Just make sure you thaw the shrimp completely and pat them very dry before cooking. This helps you get a nice sear and avoids steaming the shrimp. Remove shells and veins if not already done.
Shrimp cook incredibly fast and go from tender to rubbery quickly. I set a timer for about 1 minute and 20 seconds per side and watch for shrimp curling into a “C” shape. It’s also helpful to remove them from heat as soon as they’re done, since they’ll carry over cook in the sauce.
You can easily make it gluten-free by swapping the soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Just double-check your other ingredients like broth to ensure they’re gluten-free as well.
I really enjoy long grain white rice for its fluffiness and neutral flavor, which lets the sauce shine. But jasmine rice adds a lovely aroma, and brown rice works if you want more fiber and a nuttier note. You can even serve it over vegetable fried rice for an extra veggie boost.
Final Thoughts
I honestly don’t think I’ll ever get tired of this Honey Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy enough for guests but comes together fast enough for a weeknight rescue. Once you try it, I bet you’ll be making it at least once a month—just like me!
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Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Honey Garlic Shrimp is a delicious, quick-to-make dish featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a flavorful honey garlic sauce with tender broccoli, served over fluffy rice and garnished with green onions and honey roasted peanuts. Perfect for a vibrant weeknight meal that balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb large uncooked shrimp
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil (can substitute olive oil)
- 3 cups broccoli florets
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (optional)
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ cup cold water
For Serving
- 3 cups cooked rice (any kind)
- Green onions, to garnish
- Roughly chopped honey roasted peanuts, to garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Shrimp: Thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry. Remove shells, tails, and veins if needed to ensure clean, ready-to-cook shrimp.
- Make Sauce Mixture: In a bowl, combine chicken broth, low sodium soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, toasted sesame oil (if using), ground ginger, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat peanut or olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for about 1 minute and 20 seconds on each side using a timer to avoid overcooking. Remove shrimp onto a clean plate; they will continue cooking gently.
- Sauté Broccoli: In the same skillet, add broccoli florets and sauté over medium-high heat for 4 minutes until slightly softened, adding a splash of oil if needed. Remove broccoli and set aside.
- Cook Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet (without cornstarch). Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Thicken Sauce: In a separate small bowl, combine cornstarch and cold water, stirring well until smooth. Slowly add this mixture to the boiling sauce, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
- Combine Vegetables: Reduce heat to low, add broccoli back to the skillet, partially cover, and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to heat through.
- Finish Shrimp: Add shrimp back to the skillet and spoon sauce over them. Let everything heat together for about 1 minute to meld flavors.
- Serve: Serve the honey garlic shrimp and broccoli over cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and honey roasted peanuts. Optionally, drizzle extra honey on top for added sweetness.
Notes
- Shrimp Size: Use large shrimp (26/30 count per pound is recommended). Both fresh and frozen will work well.
- Frozen Shrimp Handling: Thaw under cool running water completely and pat dry. Remove shells, tails, and veins prior to cooking.
- Shrimp Seasoning: No additional salt is needed as frozen shrimp are often pre-brined and salted.
- Cooking Tip: Avoid overcooking shrimp by using a timer. Cooked shrimp curl into a “C” shape; overcooked shrimp curl into an “O”.
- Vegetable Variations: Add bell peppers, julienned carrots, or onions to the broccoli for more color and flavor.
- Rice Preparation: For perfect white rice, bring 2 cups water with 2 chicken bouillon cubes to boil, add 1 cup rinsed white rice, boil again, cover and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand 10 minutes.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Thaw if frozen, then reheat gently on stovetop over medium heat or use a double boiler to prevent overcooking shrimp.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 19 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg
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