If you’ve ever craved takeout but didn’t want to wait—or spend the extra money—this honey garlic shrimp and broccoli is the kind of recipe that saves the day. It’s quick, flavorful, and comes together faster than delivery, all while tasting fresh and homemade.
The shrimp cooks up tender and juicy, coated in a glossy sauce that strikes the perfect balance between sweet honey, savory soy, and a gentle kick of garlic and ginger. Paired with crisp-tender broccoli, every bite feels satisfying without being heavy.
What makes this dish especially appealing is how approachable it is. Whether you’re new to cooking seafood or already love it, this recipe is simple, flexible, and easy to get right.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This is one of those reliable meals you can turn to anytime. It’s fast, uses simple ingredients, and delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. Plus, it pairs beautifully with rice or noodles, making it a complete meal in no time.
Ingredients
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- Sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, garlic, red pepper flakes, and ginger until well combined.
- Place the shrimp in a sealable container or zip-top bag. Pour about one-third of the sauce over the shrimp, toss to coat, and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. Set the remaining sauce aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli and cook for about 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is lightly browned but still crisp. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil to the same pan. Place the marinated shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 1 minute on one side.
- Flip the shrimp, then quickly whisk the cornstarch into the reserved sauce and pour it into the pan. Cook for another 1–2 minutes, stirring gently, until the shrimp is fully cooked and the sauce thickens.
- Return the broccoli to the pan and toss everything together until well coated and heated through.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions if desired. Serve immediately.
Tips / Notes
For the best texture, avoid overcooking the shrimp—they cook very quickly and are done as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
You can use fresh or frozen shrimp and broccoli for this recipe. If using frozen, thaw them first for even cooking. A quick soak in cool water usually does the trick.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a little extra cornstarch slurry. For more heat, increase the red pepper flakes slightly.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as shrimp can become slightly firm when reheated.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this honey garlic shrimp and broccoli over warm rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or extra green onions on top adds a nice finishing touch and a bit of crunch.
Honey Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli
Ingredients
Method
- Place shrimp in a large sealable container or zipped-top bag. Pour ⅓ of the marinade/sauce mixture on top, give it all a shake or stir, then allow shrimp to marinate in the refrigerator for 15 minutes or up to 8 hours. Cover and refrigerate the rest of the marinade.
- Heat 1 Tablespoon of the sesame oil in a large heavy bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Place the broccoli florets in the pan. Cook for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the broccoli is browned but silll crisp on the inside. Remove the broccoli from the pan and set it aside.
- Add the remaining 1 Tablespoon of sesame oil to the pan. Place the marinated shrimp in the pan. Cook the shrimp for 1 minute, then flip it over. Quickly whisk the cornstarch into the the sauce you set aside earlier, and add it all to the pan and cook for another 1 - 2 minutes or until the shrimp is cooked through.
- Stir in the broccoli and serve.