Honey Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli

There’s something irresistible about the combination of sweet honey, savory garlic, and buttery shrimp. This quick and easy dish brings together vibrant broccoli and perfectly seared shrimp in a glossy, sticky sauce that clings to every bite. It’s a no-fuss dinner that feels gourmet without the effort. Perfect for those busy evenings or when you’re craving takeout flavors made healthier at home, this Honey Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli stir fry satisfies every time. Served over rice or noodles, it’s a family-friendly favorite that delivers restaurant-level taste in under 30 minutes.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup honey

• 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger

• 2 tablespoons minced garlic

• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails removed if desired)

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 cups chopped broccoli

• 1 teaspoon olive oil

• Salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Mix well.

2. Place shrimp in a bowl and add 1/3 of the sauce as a marinade. Let sit while preparing the rest.

3. Add cornstarch to the remaining sauce and whisk to thicken. Set aside.

4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add broccoli with salt and pepper. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened. Remove and set aside.

5. In the same skillet, melt butter and add shrimp (discard marinade). Cook about 2 minutes per side until pink.

6. Pour in the reserved sauce and let simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.

7. Return broccoli to the skillet and stir everything together until heated through.

8. Serve hot over rice or pasta.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 215 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

The Story Behind Honey Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli

This Honey Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli recipe is more than just a quick and easy meal—it’s a celebration of bold flavors, simple ingredients, and satisfying textures. Rooted in Asian-inspired cooking, the dish takes cues from classic Chinese stir-fry techniques, blending savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors into a deliciously sticky sauce. The combination of garlic, honey, soy sauce, and ginger creates a glaze that elevates shrimp to an irresistible level, while the broccoli adds color, crunch, and nutrition.

Shrimp is often associated with restaurant dining, but this recipe proves that you can recreate gourmet results right at home in just 20 minutes. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner, this dish delivers impressive results with very little effort or cleanup.

Why This Recipe Works So Well

What sets this Honey Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli recipe apart is its balance. Every bite is a perfect harmony of flavors—sweet from the honey, umami-rich from soy sauce, a slight heat from red pepper flakes, and the comforting richness of butter. Add to that the freshness of garlic and ginger, and you have a flavor-packed sauce that clings beautifully to tender shrimp and crisp broccoli.

The cooking method also contributes to the success of the dish. Stir-frying at high heat locks in flavor and keeps the shrimp tender. The quick cook time ensures that neither the shrimp nor the broccoli becomes overdone, preserving texture and nutrients.

Plus, the entire dish is cooked in a single pan, making cleanup minimal. Serve it over rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Health Benefits of Shrimp and Broccoli

This recipe isn’t just tasty—it’s packed with nutrition. Shrimp is a high-protein, low-calorie seafood that’s rich in vitamins and minerals. It provides essential nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, phosphorus, and iodine. Plus, it contains omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health and brain function.

Broccoli, on the other hand, is a superfood powerhouse. It’s rich in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, iron, and potassium. It also boasts antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory benefits, making it a great addition to a healthy diet.

By stir-frying instead of deep-frying, this recipe maintains the integrity of the ingredients while keeping things light and fresh. It’s an ideal choice for anyone trying to eat more mindfully without sacrificing flavor.

Perfect for Weeknights or Entertaining

Let’s face it: most of us don’t have the time or energy to spend hours in the kitchen after a long day. That’s where this recipe shines. It takes just 10 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook. The ingredients are all pantry staples or easily accessible at any grocery store. That means you can whip this up on a weeknight without the stress—and without compromising on flavor.

But don’t be fooled by its simplicity. This dish is elegant enough for guests. The glossy, golden shrimp and vibrant green broccoli make for a beautiful presentation, especially when plated over steaming jasmine rice or delicate noodles. With very little effort, you have a dish that looks and tastes restaurant-quality.

Customizable to Suit Your Diet

Another reason this recipe is so beloved? It’s endlessly adaptable. You can easily tweak it to suit various dietary preferences:

• Low-carb/Keto: Serve over cauliflower rice or zoodles (zucchini noodles).

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

• Vegan: Substitute shrimp with tofu or tempeh and use a plant-based butter.

• Add more veggies: Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.

The recipe is forgiving, so don’t be afraid to make it your own. Add more spice with extra red pepper flakes, or a squeeze of lime juice for brightness. It’s a versatile base that encourages creativity in the kitchen.

Tips for Perfecting the Dish

While this dish is easy to make, a few tips can take it to the next level:

• Use fresh ingredients whenever possible. Fresh garlic and ginger offer much more depth than their dried or powdered counterparts.

• Don’t overcook the shrimp. They cook fast—just 2 minutes per side is enough. You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink and start to curl.

• Cut broccoli into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly and quickly.

• Let the sauce simmer just long enough to thicken. The cornstarch helps it coat the shrimp and broccoli beautifully.

• Marinate the shrimp for at least 10–15 minutes if you have time. Even a short marinade adds extra flavor and tenderness.

Pairing Suggestions

While this Honey Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli is great on its own, pairing it with the right sides can make it a full meal:

• Rice: Jasmine, basmati, or brown rice soak up the sauce beautifully.

• Noodles: Try lo mein, soba, or even rice noodles.

• Salad: A simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar can complement the sweet-savory flavors.

• Soup: A light miso or egg drop soup works as a great appetizer.

For drinks, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a cold sparkling water with lime pairs wonderfully with the meal.

A Kid-Friendly, Family Favorite

It can be tough to find meals that please everyone at the table—especially kids. But this recipe hits the mark. The sweet and sticky sauce appeals to picky eaters, while the bright, simple ingredients reassure parents that their family is eating something nutritious.

If your little ones aren’t into spice, you can easily reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. And because the broccoli is cooked until tender but still slightly crisp, it’s a great way to introduce kids to vegetables in a non-intimidating way.

Budget-Friendly and Time-Saving

Let’s not ignore one of the best perks: this dish is incredibly affordable. Shrimp, especially when bought frozen in bulk, is often cheaper than other proteins like beef or chicken. Broccoli is one of the most cost-effective vegetables on the market. Together, they make a filling and flavorful meal that won’t break the bank.

Since it uses only a few common pantry staples, you likely already have everything on hand. And because it cooks in under 20 minutes, it’s a fantastic option for busy parents, students, or anyone trying to reduce reliance on takeout.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli is one of those rare recipes that checks every box: fast, flavorful, healthy, budget-friendly, and visually stunning. It brings together the comforting elements of takeout with the control and satisfaction of home cooking. Whether you’re looking to impress guests, feed your family, or just make a quick solo dinner that feels indulgent, this recipe delivers every single time.

With its deeply savory and sweet glaze, crisp-tender vegetables, and melt-in-your-mouth shrimp, it’s no wonder this dish has become a weeknight staple in kitchens around the world. Try it once, and it’ll become a permanent addition to your recipe rotation.