Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is fast, healthy, and incredibly flavorful. It comes together in one pan, uses minimal ingredients, and delivers restaurant-quality taste in under 30 minutes. It is perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or light yet satisfying dinners.
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Honey Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli: A Quick, Flavor-Packed Skillet Dinner with Sweet-Savory Balance
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A quick and flavorful honey garlic shrimp with tender broccoli, cooked in a sweet and savory sauce for an easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, cornstarch, and water. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add broccoli florets and sauté for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp. Remove and set aside.
- Add remaining olive oil to the skillet.
- Add shrimp, season with black pepper, and cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
- Add garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the honey garlic sauce and simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return shrimp and broccoli to the skillet and toss to coat evenly.
- Cook for another 1–2 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and serve warm.
Notes
- Do not overcook the shrimp to keep them tender.
- Serve over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.
- You can substitute snap peas or green beans for broccoli.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Shrimp
Cook quickly and absorb the honey garlic sauce beautifully, staying tender and juicy.
Broccoli florets
Add freshness, crunch, and balance to the sweet-savory sauce.
Honey
Provides natural sweetness and creates a glossy glaze.
Garlic
Infuses the dish with bold, aromatic flavor.
Soy sauce
Adds savory depth and balances the sweetness of the honey.
Olive oil or sesame oil
Used for sautéing and enhancing overall flavor.
Lemon juice or rice vinegar
Brightens the sauce and balances richness.
Cornstarch (optional)
Helps thicken the sauce slightly for better coating.
Black pepper
Adds gentle warmth and seasoning.
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Provide subtle heat for those who enjoy spice.
Sesame seeds (optional)
Add texture and a light nutty finish.
Directions
Begin by patting the shrimp dry and seasoning lightly with black pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the broccoli and sauté briefly until bright green and just tender. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and cook the shrimp in a single layer until pink and opaque on both sides. Remove and set aside with the broccoli.
Lower the heat slightly and add minced garlic to the skillet, stirring until fragrant. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, lemon juice or vinegar, and cornstarch if using. Pour the sauce into the skillet and simmer gently until it thickens slightly.
Return the shrimp and broccoli to the skillet and toss until evenly coated in the sauce. Cook for another minute until everything is heated through. Finish with sesame seeds or red pepper flakes if desired and serve immediately.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: about 22 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep the shrimp tender. Freezing is not recommended, as shrimp can become rubbery.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp
Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of chili sauce.
Honey Garlic Chicken Version
Swap shrimp for chicken breast or thighs.
Asian-Inspired Stir-Fry
Add bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots.
Low-Sodium Option
Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt.
Ginger Honey Shrimp
Add fresh grated ginger for warmth and depth.
Garlic Lover’s Version
Increase garlic for bolder flavor.
Lime Honey Shrimp
Replace lemon with lime juice for citrus brightness.
Keto-Friendly Adaptation
Use a sugar-free honey substitute.
Noodle Bowl Style
Serve over rice noodles or lo mein.
Meal Prep Bowl
Serve with brown rice or quinoa for balanced lunches.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
What size shrimp works best?
Medium to large shrimp are ideal for this recipe.
Can I steam the broccoli instead?
Yes, but sautéing adds better flavor.
Is this dish very sweet?
No, the soy sauce and garlic balance the honey well.
Can I make it ahead of time?
It’s best fresh, but leftovers reheat well.
What can I serve this with?
Rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice work well.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, zucchini, snow peas, or bell peppers are great.
How do I avoid overcooking shrimp?
Cook just until pink and opaque, then remove promptly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce if needed.
Can kids enjoy this dish?
Yes, it’s mild and family-friendly.
Conclusion
Honey Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli is a fast, flavorful dish that brings together sweet, savory, and fresh elements in one satisfying skillet meal. With tender shrimp, crisp broccoli, and a glossy honey garlic sauce, it delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or healthy meal prep, this recipe is a reliable favorite that proves delicious food does not need to be complicated.
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