Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe

A perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, this Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe is a quick and easy dish that’s loaded with tender shrimp, crispy broccoli, and a rich, sticky sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a delicious option for a busy weeknight or a special dinner. Serve with rice and garnish for an unforgettable meal.

Ingredients

Shrimp and Broccoli

• 1 lb. large uncooked shrimp (see notes for prep)
• 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or substitute olive oil)
• 3 cups broccoli florets

Sauce

• 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 of red pepper flakes
• ¼ cup cornstarch mixed with ¼ cup cold water

For Serving

• 3 cups cooked rice (any kind, see notes)
• Green onions (to garnish)
• Roughly chopped honey-roasted peanuts (to garnish)

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Instructions

Prep the Shrimp

1. Thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry with a paper towel. If needed, remove the shell, tail, and veins.

Make the Sauce

1. In a medium bowl, combine all sauce ingredients except for the cornstarch mixture. Stir well and set aside.

Cook the Shrimp

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of peanut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 minute and 20 seconds per side. Avoid overcooking by using a timer.
3. Tilt the skillet to transfer the shrimp onto a clean plate. (Note: The shrimp will continue to cook slightly as they rest and again when added back to the sauce.)

Sauté the Broccoli

1. Add the broccoli to the skillet and sauté over medium-high heat for about 4 minutes, until slightly softened. Add a splash of oil if needed.
2. Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set it aside.

Make the Sauce

1. Pour the prepared sauce (minus the cornstarch mixture) into the skillet and bring it to a boil.
2. Stir the cornstarch and cold water mixture until smooth, then slowly add it to the sauce, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.

Combine and Serve

1. Reduce the heat to low and add the sautéed broccoli back to the skillet. Cover partially and let it heat through for 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the shrimp and allow everything to heat through, about 1 minute.
3. Serve the shrimp and broccoli over cooked rice. Garnish with green onions and chopped honey-roasted peanuts. Optionally, drizzle with extra honey before serving.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor-Packed: A balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors makes this dish unforgettable.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Loaded with protein-packed shrimp and fresh broccoli.
• Customizable: Easy to adapt with your favorite veggies or spices.

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Tips

• Prep Ahead: Thaw and clean the shrimp in advance to save time.
• Avoid Overcooking: Shrimp cook quickly; use a timer to ensure they remain tender.
• Sauce Consistency: Add the cornstarch mixture gradually to control the sauce thickness.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh broccoli for the best texture, but frozen works in a pinch.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetables: Swap broccoli for snap peas, asparagus, or bell peppers.
• Protein: Replace shrimp with chicken, tofu, or scallops.
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
• Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes or add sriracha for extra heat.

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FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.

Can I make this dish ahead of time? The shrimp and sauce are best fresh, but you can prep the broccoli and sauce ingredients in advance.

What’s the best way to reheat this dish? Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain the sauce’s texture.

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Serving and Suggestions

• Serve with jasmine or basmati rice, or try quinoa for a healthy twist.
• Pair with a side of egg rolls, dumplings, or a fresh cucumber salad.
• Garnish with sesame seeds or a squeeze of fresh lime for added zest.