Get ready to indulge in a delightful, flavor-packed dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite – Honey Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli! This easy-to-make stir-fry is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors, making it a crowd-pleasing meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
Shrimp and broccoli are powerhouses of protein and essential nutrients, making this recipe a healthy choice for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. The honey garlic sauce adds a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor that truly elevates the dish, creating a harmonious balance that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.
Whether you serve it over steaming white rice, nutrient-dense quinoa, or on its own, this Honey Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli recipe is sure to become a staple in your household. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare at home.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Honey Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp grated ginger (optional)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
The shrimp and broccoli provide a nutritious foundation, while the honey garlic sauce is the star of the show. The soy sauce and optional ginger and red pepper flakes add complexity and depth of flavor, creating a truly irresistible dish.
Essential Kitchen Equipment for Honey Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli
To make this Honey Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli recipe, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. A large skillet or wok is perfect for stir-frying the ingredients, ensuring even cooking and allowing the flavors to meld together. A whisk is also handy for blending the sauce ingredients smoothly. Don’t forget a trusty set of tongs or a spatula to easily handle and toss the shrimp and broccoli while they cook.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Honey Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli
Make the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using). In a separate small cup, mix the cornstarch with the water to create a slurry. This will help thicken the sauce to a delectable consistency.
Cook the Broccoli
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is crisp-tender. Remove the broccoli from the pan and set it aside.
Cook the Shrimp
Melt the butter in the same skillet or wok. Add the shrimp and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can quickly become rubbery.
Add Sauce and Thicken
Pour the honey garlic sauce into the skillet or wok and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for about 1 minute, or until the sauce has thickened to a glossy, velvety consistency.
Combine and Serve
Return the cooked broccoli to the skillet or wok and toss everything together to evenly coat the broccoli and shrimp with the delectable sauce. Serve the Honey Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli hot, preferably over a bed of fluffy white rice or your favorite grain for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips for the Perfect Honey Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli
To take your Honey Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli to the next level, consider adding a sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh cilantro for a pop of color and extra flavor. For a touch of heat, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of Sriracha or chili-garlic sauce to the honey garlic sauce.
If you’re meal prepping, the shrimp and broccoli can be cooked in advance and stored separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the components and toss them with the honey garlic sauce. This makes for a quick and easy weeknight dinner option.
Pair the Honey Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli with steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative. It also pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or a side of sautéed mushrooms or asparagus for a well-rounded, nutrient-dense meal.
Nutritional Information for Honey Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli
This Honey Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli dish is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. A serving (about 1 cup) provides approximately 270 calories, 28 grams of protein, 12 grams of fat, and 16 grams of carbohydrates. The shrimp and broccoli are excellent sources of lean protein, essential vitamins, and minerals, making this a well-balanced and satisfying meal choice.
The honey garlic sauce adds a touch of sweetness, but the overall dish remains relatively low in sodium and sugar, making it a great option for those watching their dietary intake. Portion control is still important, but you can feel good about indulging in this flavorful and wholesome Honey Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli recipe.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
- Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli Rice
- Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli
- Chicken Sausage Pasta Meal Prep Bowls
FAQ About Honey Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli
How can I ensure my shrimp are cooked perfectly without becoming rubbery?
To achieve perfectly cooked shrimp, it’s crucial to pay attention to timing. Cook the shrimp over medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Additionally, consider removing the shrimp from the heat just as they begin to turn pink; they will continue to cook slightly from residual heat. This method helps prevent them from becoming rubbery.
What can I do if I don’t have fresh broccoli on hand?
If fresh broccoli isn’t available, you can substitute it with frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw it beforehand and drain any excess water. To maintain a good texture, add the frozen broccoli towards the end of the cooking process, allowing it to heat through without becoming mushy. Alternatively, other vegetables such as snap peas, bell peppers, or bok choy can also be used, but adjust the cooking time accordingly as they may require different cooking durations.
Can I add other proteins to this recipe, and how should I adjust the cooking time?
Yes, you can incorporate other proteins such as chicken, beef, or tofu into the honey garlic dish. If using chicken or beef, cut it into bite-sized pieces and cook it first until fully cooked through (about 5-7 minutes depending on thickness) before adding the shrimp. For tofu, use firm or extra-firm tofu cut into cubes and cook until golden brown before proceeding with the recipe. Adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure all proteins are cooked thoroughly.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Honey Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli gluten-free, simply substitute regular soy sauce with a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Additionally, ensure that any other ingredients, such as cornstarch and any packaged sauces, are labeled gluten-free. With these adjustments, you can enjoy the dish without compromising on flavor while adhering to gluten-free dietary needs.
Conclusion
Prepare to be wowed by the mouthwatering flavors of this Honey Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli dish! This easy-to-make stir-fry is a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic elements that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or on its own, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and get ready to create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen!
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Print
Make Delicious Honey Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli in Just 30 Minutes!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Honey Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli is a delightful stir-fry that combines sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors, making it a nutritious choice for busy weeknights or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cup broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoon water
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using). In a separate small cup, mix the cornstarch with the water to create a slurry.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is crisp-tender. Remove the broccoli from the pan and set it aside.
- Melt the butter in the same skillet or wok. Add the shrimp and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
- Pour the honey garlic sauce into the skillet or wok and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for about 1 minute, or until the sauce has thickened to a glossy consistency.
- Return the cooked broccoli to the skillet or wok and toss everything together to evenly coat the broccoli and shrimp with the sauce. Serve hot over rice or your favorite grain.
Notes
Consider adding chopped green onions or fresh cilantro for extra flavor. For meal prepping, cook shrimp and broccoli in advance and store separately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 16 grams
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 12 grams
- Saturated Fat: 5 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 16 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 28 grams
- Cholesterol: 200 mg