Listen, I know those crazy weeknights when you’re staring into the fridge at 6pm wondering what magic you can whip up fast. That’s exactly how this honey garlic shrimp and broccoli skillet was born in my kitchen! One exhausted Tuesday, I threw together what I had – plump shrimp, some sad-looking broccoli, and that trusty bottle of honey. Twenty minutes later? Absolute magic happened. The sweet garlicky sauce clinging to crisp-tender broccoli and juicy shrimp? Game changer. Now it’s my go-to when I need something delicious faster than takeout could ever arrive.

Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli Skillet

Oh, this dish? It’s one of those rare weeknight miracles where everything just works. Here’s why you’re going to adore it as much as I do:

• One pan wonder – Seriously, from stovetop to table with just a single skillet to wash (my kinda cooking!)
• 20-minute magic – Faster than waiting for delivery, and about a million times tastier
• That perfect sweet-savory dance – The honey caramelizes into this gorgeous glaze while the garlic and soy sauce keep it from being too sweet
• Spice it your way – I like a little kick with those red pepper flakes, but you do you – it’s perfect without them too

Trust me, once you taste how the shrimp soak up that glossy sauce and the broccoli stays crisp-tender, you’ll be hooked.

Ingredients for Honey Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli Skillet

Okay, let’s raid the fridge and pantry! Here’s exactly what you’ll need to make this flavor bomb happen. I’ve grouped everything so you can prep like a pro:

• 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined – the 26/30 count size works perfectly)
• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh gives the best crunch, but frozen works in a pinch – no need to thaw!)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1½ tsp pre-minced from the jar when I’m feeling lazy)

For that irresistible sauce:

• 3 tbsp honey (the good, sticky stuff – none of that thin syrup business)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari if that’s what’s in your cupboard)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (or any neutral oil you’ve got)
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional but oh-so-good)
• 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (our magic thickener duo)

Ingredient Substitutions & Notes

No stress if you’re missing something! Here’s how to wing it:

• Gluten-free? Swap soy sauce for tamari – works like a charm.
• Out of honey? Maple syrup brings its own lovely caramel notes.
• Not a broccoli fan? Cauliflower florets make a great stand-in.
• Short on time? That jar of pre-minced garlic is your friend – just use a bit less since it’s stronger.

See? Cooking should be flexible, not fussy. Now let’s get that skillet sizzling!

How to Make Honey Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli Skillet

Alright, let’s get cooking! This comes together so fast you’ll want to have everything prepped and ready to go. I like to line up my ingredients like a little cooking show – makes me feel fancy even on a Tuesday night.

Step 1: Sauté the Shrimp

First, grab your largest skillet – cast iron works great here if you’ve got it. Crank that heat to medium-high and drizzle in your olive oil. Now here’s my secret: wait until the oil shimmers before adding anything. That’s when you know it’s hot enough!

Add your shrimp in a single layer – don’t crowd them or they’ll steam instead of getting that nice sear. I usually work in batches if needed. Cook them just 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. They’ll finish cooking later in the sauce, so don’t overdo it here! Scoop them onto a plate and let’s move to the veggies.

Step 2: Cook Broccoli and Garlic

Same skillet, no need to wash – all those browned bits equal more flavor! Toss in your broccoli florets. You want them fork-tender but still crisp – about 3-4 minutes should do it. I like to give them a quick stir every minute or so.

Now the garlic! Clear a little space in the center of the pan and add it with the red pepper flakes if using. Stir constantly for just 30 seconds – garlic burns fast and bitter garlic is nobody’s friend. You’ll know it’s ready when that amazing aroma hits you.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Time for the magic! In a small bowl, whisk together your honey, soy sauce, cornstarch and water until absolutely no lumps remain – this is crucial for a smooth sauce. Pour it into the skillet and watch it start bubbling immediately.

Return the shrimp to the pan and give everything a good toss to coat. Let it simmer for just 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens into a gorgeous glossy glaze that clings to every bite. You’ll see it transform right before your eyes!

That’s it – you’re done! Taste and add a pinch of salt or pepper if needed, but I bet it’s perfect as is. Now try not to eat it straight from the pan (no judgment if you do).

Tips for Perfect Honey Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli Skillet

After making this dish more times than I can count (okay fine, it’s become a weekly ritual), I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks to make it absolutely perfect every single time:

• Dry those shrimp! Pat them thoroughly with paper towels before cooking – any extra moisture makes them steam instead of getting that beautiful sear we want.
• Sauce lovers unite! If you’re serving this over rice (and you totally should), double the sauce ingredients. That extra glaze soaking into the grains? Chef’s kiss!
• Spice control! Add the red pepper flakes with the garlic if you want milder heat, or sprinkle them on at the very end for a more intense kick.
• Don’t overcook the broccoli! It keeps cooking from residual heat after you take it off the stove, so pull it when it’s still slightly firmer than you’d like.

Little things make such a big difference – now go forth and make shrimp magic!

Serving Suggestions for Honey Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli Skillet

Now comes the best part – loading up your plate! This dish plays so nicely with others, I’ve had fun trying all sorts of serving ideas. Here are my absolute favorite ways to enjoy it:

• Over fluffy jasmine rice – The grains soak up every drop of that glorious sauce. I always make extra rice because someone (usually me) goes back for seconds.
• With nutty quinoa – When I’m feeling extra healthy, this adds protein and makes it a complete meal. Bonus: quinoa’s little curls catch the sauce perfectly.
• Tossed with noodles – Thin rice noodles or even spaghetti work amazingly. Just cook them al dente so they don’t get mushy with the sauce.

And don’t forget the finishing touches! A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds crunch, while sliced green onions give that fresh pop of color. Sometimes I’ll even add a squeeze of lime right at the end – the acidity cuts through the sweetness beautifully.

Honestly? It’s fantastic straight from the skillet too. No shame in my lazy dinner game!

Storing and Reheating

Okay, real talk – this dish is so good there usually aren’t leftovers in my house. But if you’re blessed with extra honey garlic shrimp and broccoli (or have incredible willpower), here’s how to keep it tasting fresh and delicious:

Storing: Let it cool slightly, then tuck it into an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay happy for about 3 days – any longer and the shrimp starts getting a little sad. Pro tip: Keep any rice or noodles separate if you can, so they don’t turn mushy.

Reheating: Don’t even think about the microwave! The secret is using the same skillet you cooked in (I knew you’d love that one-pan life). Just add a splash of water – about a teaspoon – and warm it over medium-low, stirring gently. The steam keeps everything moist while bringing back that just-made texture. Takes maybe 3-4 minutes tops.

Honestly? Sometimes I think it tastes even better the next day – those flavors really get to know each other in the fridge. Just don’t tell Tuesday-night-me I said that!

Honey Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli Skillet FAQs

I get asked about this dish all the time – it’s that good! Here are answers to the questions that pop up most often in my kitchen (and my DMs):

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Just thaw them properly first – overnight in the fridge works best. If you’re in a hurry, pop them in a bowl of cold water for about 15 minutes (change the water halfway). The key is patting them super dry afterward – frozen shrimp tend to hold more moisture. Skip the microwave thaw unless you want rubbery shrimp!

How can I reduce the sodium?

Easy peasy! First, swap regular soy sauce for low-sodium – you’ll barely taste the difference. Second, hold back on adding extra salt at the end (the soy sauce brings plenty of flavor already). My secret? A splash of rice vinegar at the end brightens everything up so you won’t miss the salt.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Honestly? I don’t recommend it. Shrimp gets this weird rubbery texture after freezing, and the broccoli turns mushy when thawed. The sauce also tends to separate. This dish is truly best fresh – but hey, that just means you’ve got the perfect excuse to polish it all off in one sitting!

Nutritional Information

Now, I’m no nutritionist (just a shrimp-obsessed home cook), but here’s the scoop on what you’re getting in each delicious serving. Keep in mind these are estimates – your exact numbers might dance around a bit depending on your ingredients!

• 250 calories – Perfect for when you want something satisfying but not heavy
• 24g protein – Thank those plump shrimp for keeping you full for hours
• 25g carbs – Mostly from the honey and broccoli (the good kind of carbs!)
• 6g fat – Just enough from the olive oil to carry all those amazing flavors

A few quick notes: Using low-sodium soy sauce? That’ll drop the sodium down. Prefer maple syrup? The sugar content changes slightly. But honestly? When something tastes this good, I try not to overthink the numbers – life’s too short not to enjoy every bite!

20-Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli Skillet Magic

---

• Author: ushinzomr
• Total Time: 20 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Calorie

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A quick and flavorful one-pan dish featuring juicy shrimp and crisp broccoli in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp water
• Salt and pepper to taste

---

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add broccoli and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.
4. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Whisk honey, soy sauce, cornstarch, and water in a bowl, then pour into the skillet.
6. Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens.
7. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

Notes

• For extra crunch, add sliced almonds.
• Replace soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option.
• Double the sauce for a saucier dish.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 180mg

Keywords: honey garlic shrimp, shrimp and broccoli, easy skillet recipe, quick dinner