If you need dinner in a flash but refuse to sacrifice big flavor, my Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp will become your new weeknight hero. I swear by this recipe when I’m starving and impatient—ready in about 10 minutes, with that magical sweet-savory balance that makes everyone lick their plates. The shrimp get all glossy and perfect, with Old Bay bringing that coastal kick I grew up loving (Maryland girl here!). After testing dozens of shrimp dishes in my tiny apartment kitchen, this one wins for speed, simplicity, and those caramelized edges that taste like you spent hours. Trust me—it’s the kind of dish you’ll make once and immediately text to your best friend.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp
This easy shrimp dish checks all the boxes for a perfect weeknight meal (or impressive last-minute appetizer). Here’s why it’s my go-to:
- Ready in minutes – Seriously, 11 minutes from fridge to plate. Even my hangry toddler can’t outpace this recipe.
- Sweet meets savory – That honey butter glaze with Old Bay’s peppery kick? Absolute magic. It’s like summer at the shore in every bite.
- Two-in-one versatility – Serve it fancy on skewers for parties or piled over rice for dinner. I’ve even tossed leftovers in tacos!
- Foolproof technique – If you can stir and flip shrimp, you’ve got this. The sauce does all the heavy flavor lifting.
Bonus? Your kitchen will smell like a seaside bistro. Just try not to eat all the shrimp straight from the pan—I speak from experience.
Ingredients for Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp
Grab these simple ingredients – most might already be in your kitchen! Exact measurements matter here for that perfect sweet-spicy balance:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off – your call!)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (the good stuff – it’s the sauce base!)
- 2 tbsp honey – local if you’ve got it for extra floral notes
- 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning – this is the flavor MVP
- 1 tbsp lemon juice – fresh squeezed makes all the difference
- 1 tsp garlic, minced (about 1 clove)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional but pretty)
- Salt and pepper to taste – go light, Old Bay’s already salty
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
No Old Bay? Mix 2 tsp paprika + 1 tsp celery salt + ½ tsp black pepper. For dairy-free, use ghee or olive oil (butter flavor won’t be as rich). Bottled lemon juice works in a pinch – use 2 tsp instead. Spice lovers: add a pinch of cayenne with the Old Bay!
How to Make Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp
This dish comes together so fast you’ll barely have time to set the table! Just follow these simple steps for shrimp that’s caramelized, juicy, and packed with flavor.
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
Pat those shrimp bone dry with paper towels – this is the secret to getting that perfect sear instead of steaming. Lightly season with salt and pepper (go easy – Old Bay’s bringing plenty of salt later!).
Step 2: Cook the Garlic and Shrimp
Melt butter in your hottest skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and stir for just 30 seconds until fragrant – any longer and it’ll burn! Toss in shrimp in a single layer (crowd them and they’ll steam). Cook 2 minutes per side until they turn that perfect coral pink.
Step 3: Add Honey and Old Bay
Now the magic! Drizzle in honey and sprinkle Old Bay over everything. Stir like crazy for 1 minute until every shrimp gets coated in that glossy, spiced glaze.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Hit it with lemon juice for brightness, scatter parsley if you’re feeling fancy, and serve immediately – this dish waits for no one!
Tips for Perfect Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp
After making this recipe more times than I can count (shrimp addiction is real), here are my hard-won tricks for absolute perfection:
- Dry those shrimp! Pat them thoroughly – any extra moisture means less caramelization. I’ve been known to use clean kitchen towels when I’m out of paper towels.
- Medium heat is key – Too hot and the honey burns; too low and the shrimp get rubbery. Look for that happy medium where the butter just starts to foam.
- Double the sauce ingredients if serving with bread – trust me, you’ll want to sop up every last drop of that spiced honey butter.
- Toss, don’t drown when adding Old Bay – sprinkle it evenly over the shrimp rather than dumping it in one spot to avoid clumpy seasoning patches.
Bonus pro move: Save some lemon wedges for serving – that extra squeeze at the table brightens everything up!
Serving Suggestions for Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp
This dish plays well with so many sides! Here’s how I love to serve it:
- Crusty bread – Essential for that honey butter sauce! I use a warm baguette or ciabatta to soak up every last drop.
- Jasmine rice – The fluffy grains catch all that glorious sauce perfectly. Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
- Simple salad – Arugula with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness. My kids actually eat greens when paired with these shrimp!
- Corn on the cob – Summer perfection! The sweetness mirrors the honey while Old Bay nods to classic seafood boils.
Pro tip: For parties, serve in mini cast irons with toothpicks – guests go wild for the presentation!
Storing and Reheating Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp
Leftovers? (Rare in my house!) Store cooled shrimp in an airtight container for up to 2 days max—any longer and they get rubbery. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water to revive the sauce. Microwaving works in a pinch, but go 30 seconds at a time to avoid overcooking. Pro tip: The honey butter glaze thickens when chilled—stir in a teaspoon of warm water when reheating to bring back that glossy magic!
Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp FAQs
Got questions about this easy shrimp dish? I’ve answered the ones I get most often – including all my kitchen mishaps so you can avoid them!
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Thaw them overnight in the fridge or in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes. Pat them bone-dry before cooking—this is crucial! Frozen shrimp release more moisture, so take extra care with the paper towels unless you want steamed instead of seared shrimp.
What if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning?
No panic! Mix 2 tsp paprika + 1 tsp celery salt + ½ tsp black pepper + ¼ tsp cayenne for a quick substitute. It won’t be identical (Old Bay has 18 spices!), but it’ll give you that coastal vibe. I’ve even used Cajun seasoning in a pinch—just cut the amount in half since it’s usually spicier.
How do I prevent the honey from burning?
Three words: medium heat only! High heat makes honey bitter fast. Watch for tiny bubbles around the shrimp edges—that’s your cue to stir in the honey. If your stove runs hot like mine, pull the pan off the burner for 10 seconds before adding it. Burnt honey = sad shrimp (learned that the hard way!).
Nutritional Information
*Nutrition info is an estimate. Per serving: 220 calories, 20g protein, 10g fat (6g saturated). Sodium is high due to Old Bay, so season mindfully!
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10-Minute Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp You’ll Crave Daily
- Total Time: 11 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Succulent shrimp coated in a sweet and savory honey butter sauce with Old Bay seasoning, ready in minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink.
- Stir in honey and Old Bay seasoning, coating shrimp evenly.
- Cook for 1 more minute, then drizzle with lemon juice.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust Old Bay seasoning to taste for more or less spice.
- Serve with crusty bread or over rice.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
Keywords: honey butter shrimp, Old Bay shrimp, quick seafood recipe, easy shrimp dish
