Are you searching for a quick and incredibly flavorful weeknight meal? Look no further than this fantastic shrimp and broccoli recipe! It brings together succulent shrimp and crisp-tender broccoli in a vibrant, sweet, and savory honey garlic sauce. With minimal prep and a speedy cook time, this dish is perfect for busy parents and beginner cooks alike. Get ready to enjoy a simple yet elegant meal that truly delivers on taste and convenience.
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe
This easy shrimp and broccoli recipe will quickly become a family favorite, offering incredible benefits for your busy weeknights:
- Flavorful: Enjoy a perfect balance of sweet honey, savory soy, pungent garlic and ginger, with a hint of optional spice.
- Quick and easy: From start to finish, this meal is ready in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
- Healthy meal: It’s packed with lean protein from the shrimp and essential vitamins and fiber from the fresh broccoli. For a detailed breakdown of their health contributions, explore the health benefits of shrimp and broccoli.
- Simple ingredients: You likely have most of these pantry staples already, simplifying your grocery run.
- Versatile serving options: Pair it with rice, noodles, or quinoa for a complete and satisfying dinner.
- Family-friendly and customizable: Adjust the spice level to suit everyone’s preferences, even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delectable honey garlic shrimp and broccoli.
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey: Provides natural sweetness and a beautiful glaze.
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce: Adds essential umami and saltiness.
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger: Delivers a bright, pungent aroma.
- 2 tablespoons garlic (minced): The aromatic base of the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: An optional touch for a subtle heat.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch: A crucial thickening agent for the sauce.
For the Shrimp and Broccoli:
- 1 pound large shrimp: Make sure they are peeled, deveined, and have tails removed if desired.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps achieve a golden sear on the shrimp.
- 2 cups fresh broccoli: Cut into bite-sized florets for even cooking.
- 1 teaspoon olive oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to taste.
Notes & Substitutions
- Shrimp: Use fresh or frozen large shrimp. If using frozen, thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess water. You can leave the tails on for presentation or remove them for easier eating.
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is ideal for its crisp-tender texture. If using frozen broccoli, thaw it and pat it very dry to remove moisture, otherwise, it may steam instead of sauté.
- Soy sauce alternatives: For gluten-free options, use tamari or coconut aminos. Adjust salt levels as needed with these alternatives.
- Ginger: Freshly grated ginger offers the best flavor, but you can use 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger in a pinch.
- Adjust spice level: Feel free to increase or decrease the red pepper flakes to your liking. Omit them entirely for a kid-friendly version.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred, allowing you to control the overall saltiness. If you only have salted butter, reduce the amount of added salt.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools for this easy shrimp and broccoli recipe. Gather these kitchen essentials:
- Large skillet or wok: Ideal for cooking both the broccoli and shrimp efficiently.
- Mixing bowls: One small bowl for the sauce and one medium for marinating the shrimp.
- Whisk: To thoroughly combine the sauce ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient portions.
- Zester or grater: Helpful for grating fresh ginger if you are not mincing it.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare your delicious Honey Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli. This quick and easy method makes for a perfect weeknight meal.
Step 1: Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce. In a small bowl, combine the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, fresh grated ginger, and minced garlic. Add the red pepper flakes if you prefer a touch of heat. Whisk all these ingredients together until they are fully combined. This forms the base of your flavorful sauce.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp. Place the peeled and deveined shrimp into a medium bowl. Pour about one-third of the prepared honey garlic sauce over the shrimp. Toss gently to ensure the shrimp is evenly coated. Set this aside to marinate for a few minutes while you proceed with the next steps.
Step 3: Thicken the Reserved Sauce. Take the remaining two-thirds of the honey garlic sauce that was not used for marinating. Whisk the cornstarch into this reserved sauce. Stir vigorously until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and there are no lumps visible. This slurry will thicken the sauce beautifully later.
Step 4: Cook the Broccoli. Heat the olive oil in your large skillet or wok over high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the broccoli florets to the hot pan. Season the broccoli with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté the broccoli for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes crisp-tender and bright green. Remove the cooked broccoli from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 5: Cook the Shrimp. Add the butter to the same hot skillet. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the marinated shrimp to the pan. Discard any marinade left in the shrimp bowl. Cook the shrimp for approximately 2 minutes on each side. The shrimp will turn pink and opaque when it is fully cooked. Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and add it to the plate with the broccoli.
Step 6: Finish the Dish. Pour the cornstarch-thickened honey garlic sauce directly into the hot skillet. Bring the sauce to a low-medium simmer, stirring continuously. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce visibly thickens to a glossy consistency. Return both the cooked shrimp and the broccoli to the pan with the thickened sauce. Toss everything gently to ensure the shrimp and broccoli are thoroughly coated and heated through.
Step 7: Serve Immediately. Transfer your delicious Honey Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli to serving plates. Serve it immediately over your desired base, such as fluffy white rice, noodles, or quinoa. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if you wish. Enjoy your flavorful and easy meal!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Don’t overcook shrimp: Shrimp cooks very quickly. Overcooked shrimp becomes tough and rubbery. Remove it from the heat as soon as it turns pink and opaque, usually within 2-3 minutes per side. To ensure proper doneness while maintaining tender texture, refer to guidelines on the safe internal temperature for shrimp.
- Achieve crisp-tender broccoli: Sautéing broccoli on higher heat helps it get a nice char and retain its crunch. Avoid overcrowding the pan, which can steam the broccoli instead of searing it.
- Ensure sauce thickness: If your sauce isn’t thickening, make sure you properly whisked the cornstarch into the cold sauce before adding it to the skillet. Also, allow it to simmer for the full 2-3 minutes to activate the cornstarch.
- Fresh ginger for best flavor: While ground ginger works, fresh grated ginger provides a more vibrant and aromatic taste that truly elevates this shrimp and broccoli recipe.
- Meal prep suggestions: You can chop the broccoli and mince the garlic and ginger ahead of time. Whisk together the sauce (without cornstarch) and store it in the fridge. When ready to cook, add the cornstarch to the sauce and proceed with the recipe.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
This versatile shrimp and broccoli recipe is perfect for customizing to your taste and schedule.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve it over fluffy white rice for a classic and satisfying meal.
- Pair with brown rice or quinoa for an extra boost of fiber and nutrients.
- Enjoy with noodles, like lo mein or ramen, for an Asian-inspired twist.
- Serve as a standalone dish for a lighter, low-carb option.
- Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Storage & Reheating:
- Store any leftover honey garlic shrimp and broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp when reheating, as it can become tough.
Variations:
- Add other vegetables: Incorporate sliced bell peppers, shredded carrots, snow peas, or sliced mushrooms for more color and nutrients.
- Experiment with other proteins: Substitute chicken breast or thighs, or firm tofu for the shrimp. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Increase or decrease red pepper flakes: Tailor the heat level to your family’s preference.
- Add sesame seeds: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds before serving adds a lovely nutty crunch.
- Include a squeeze of lime juice: A fresh squeeze of lime juice at the end brightens up the entire dish.
Nutrition Information
This delicious honey garlic shrimp and broccoli provides a balanced meal. Shrimp offers an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle health. Broccoli contributes a significant amount of fiber, vitamins C and K, and various antioxidants. This combination makes for a wholesome and satisfying dish.
(Disclaimer: Nutrition calculations are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and preparation methods.)
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350-400 kcal |
| Protein | 25-30g |
| Fat | 10-15g |
| Carbs | 35-45g |
| Sodium | 600-800mg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- How do I properly devein shrimp? You can often buy shrimp pre-deveined. If not, make a shallow slit along the back of the shrimp and carefully remove the dark vein with the tip of your knife.
- Can I use frozen broccoli in this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Make sure to thaw it completely and pat it very dry with paper towels before cooking to prevent excess moisture.
- How do I know when shrimp is cooked through? Shrimp is cooked when it turns opaque pink and curls into a gentle “C” shape. If it forms a tight “O,” it is likely overcooked.
- Why did my honey garlic sauce not thicken? The sauce might not thicken if there wasn’t enough cornstarch or if it didn’t simmer long enough. Ensure you whisk the cornstarch thoroughly into the cold liquid before heating.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? You can prepare the sauce (without cornstarch) and chop the broccoli ahead. However, for the best texture, cook the shrimp and broccoli fresh just before serving.
- What can I serve with this dish besides rice? This versatile shrimp and broccoli recipe also pairs wonderfully with noodles, quinoa, cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or even a light side salad.
Conclusion
This Delicious Honey Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe truly exemplifies how simple ingredients can create an extraordinary meal. It is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a burst of flavor in a fraction of the time. The sweet and savory sauce, tender shrimp, and crisp broccoli come together for a dish everyone will love. We encourage you to try this easy shrimp and broccoli recipe tonight and make it a staple in your home! Please share your thoughts and reviews below, we love hearing how our recipes turn out for you.