Honey Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli

Honey Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli has become a staple in our household for busy weeknights, and honestly, it’s a dish that feels both indulgent and wholesome at the same time. There’s something magical about the combination of succulent shrimp, tender-crisp broccoli florets, and that glistening, flavorful honey garlic sauce. From the moment the aroma starts to fill the kitchen, you know you’re in for a treat. Even my pickiest eater, who usually eyes anything green with suspicion, devours this broccoli without a second thought! The sticky, sweet, and savory sauce is just irresistible, coating every bite in pure deliciousness. It’s quick to throw together, satisfyingly healthy, and always a crowd-pleaser – whether it’s a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends, Honey Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli is a guaranteed hit. This recipe has truly earned its place in our regular rotation, and I’m excited to share all the secrets to making it perfectly every time!

Ingredients for Honey Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli

• Shrimp: 1 pound, peeled and deveined. Use medium to large shrimp for the best texture and cooking time. Frozen shrimp, thawed completely, works perfectly well.
• Broccoli: 1 large head (about 5-6 cups florets), cut into bite-sized pieces. Fresh broccoli is recommended for its crispness, but frozen broccoli florets can be used if thawed and patted dry.
• Honey: 1/4 cup, liquid honey. This provides the sweetness and helps create the glossy sauce.
• Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup, low sodium. Adds savory umami flavor and balances the sweetness of the honey.
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Freshly minced garlic is crucial for the best flavor; avoid garlic powder for this recipe.
• Ginger: 1 tablespoon, freshly grated. Adds a warm, zesty note that complements the honey and garlic beautifully.
• Rice Vinegar: 2 tablespoons. Provides a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness and savory flavors.
• Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon. Adds a nutty aroma and flavor that enhances the Asian-inspired profile of the dish.
• Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon. Used to thicken the sauce and give it that perfect glossy consistency.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste. Adds a touch of heat if you like a little spice.
• Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons. For stir-frying the shrimp and broccoli.
• Sesame Seeds (for garnish): 1 tablespoon (optional). Adds a visual appeal and a subtle nutty crunch.
• Green Onions (for garnish): 2 tablespoons, thinly sliced (optional). Adds freshness and a pop of color.

Instructions for Delicious Honey Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Whisk until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the sauce is smooth. If you are using red pepper flakes, add them to the sauce now and stir to combine. Set the sauce aside. This step is crucial as having the sauce ready to go ensures a quick and efficient cooking process when stir-frying. Prepping the sauce ahead of time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. Make sure to taste the sauce at this stage and adjust the sweetness or saltiness to your preference. You can add a touch more honey for sweetness or a splash more soy sauce for saltiness.
2. Prepare the Shrimp and Broccoli: If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are completely thawed. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This is important because excess moisture will prevent the shrimp from browning properly and can dilute the sauce. If using fresh broccoli, wash it thoroughly and cut it into bite-sized florets. Ensure the florets are roughly the same size so they cook evenly. If using frozen broccoli, thaw it completely and pat it dry as well. Having your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking is a fundamental principle of stir-frying, known as “mise en place.” This ensures a smooth and efficient cooking process and prevents any frantic scrambling while your pan is hot.
3. Stir-Fry the Broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering (a sign that it’s ready for cooking), add the broccoli florets. Stir-fry the broccoli for 5-7 minutes, or until it is tender-crisp and bright green. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. You want the broccoli to retain some of its crunch while still being cooked through. If you prefer softer broccoli, you can steam or blanch it for a couple of minutes before stir-frying. This will help it cook through more quickly in the skillet. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if you have a lot of broccoli, cook it in batches to ensure it stir-fries properly and doesn’t steam. Once the broccoli is tender-crisp, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Cook the Shrimp: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same skillet or wok. Increase the heat to high. Once the oil is hot again, add the shrimp in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will lower the temperature and cause the shrimp to steam instead of sear. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are pink and opaque and cooked through. Shrimp cook very quickly, so be careful not to overcook them, or they will become rubbery. You’ll know the shrimp are cooked when they turn from translucent gray to opaque pink and are slightly curled. If you are cooking in batches, remove each batch of cooked shrimp and set aside before adding the next batch.
5. Combine and Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Pour the honey garlic sauce into the skillet and bring it to a simmer. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and become glossy. The cornstarch in the sauce will activate with the heat and thicken it to a beautiful, glaze-like consistency. Stir the sauce constantly during this step to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning. Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked broccoli and shrimp back into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the shrimp and broccoli evenly in the honey garlic sauce. Ensure every piece is nicely glazed and glistening with the delicious sauce.
6. Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired, for added flavor and visual appeal. Serving immediately ensures that the shrimp and broccoli are at their peak texture and flavor, and the sauce is still glossy and delicious. Serve hot over rice, quinoa, noodles, or your favorite grain. Enjoy your homemade Honey Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1.5 cups)
• Calories: Approximately 350 kcal
• Protein: 25g

Please note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator and input the exact brands and quantities of ingredients used.

Preparation Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 15 minutes. This includes washing and cutting the broccoli, peeling and deveining the shrimp if necessary, mincing the garlic and ginger, and whisking together the sauce ingredients. Efficient prep work is key to a quick cooking process. Having everything ready to go before you start cooking makes the entire process much smoother and faster, especially on busy weeknights.
• Cook Time: 15 minutes. This includes stir-frying the broccoli, cooking the shrimp, and simmering the sauce to thicken and coat the ingredients. The actual cooking time is quite short, making this a fantastic quick meal option. The high heat and quick cooking methods ensure that the shrimp and broccoli are cooked to perfection without becoming overcooked or mushy.
• Total Time: 30 minutes. From start to finish, this Honey Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli recipe is ready in just half an hour, making it an ideal choice for a fast, healthy, and flavorful meal.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli

Here are some delicious ways to serve your Honey Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli:

• Over Rice:
  • White Rice: A classic and simple choice that soaks up the delicious honey garlic sauce perfectly.
  • Brown Rice: For a healthier option, brown rice provides more fiber and a nutty flavor that complements the dish.
  • Jasmine Rice: Its fragrant aroma and slightly sticky texture make it a wonderful pairing.
  • Basmati Rice: Long-grain and fluffy, basmati rice is another excellent choice to serve alongside.
• With Noodles:
  • Egg Noodles: Wide egg noodles are great for holding onto the sauce and offer a satisfying chewiness.
  • Lo Mein Noodles: Soft and slightly thick, lo mein noodles are a classic Asian noodle option.
  • Udon Noodles: Thick and chewy Japanese noodles that are perfect for soaking up flavorful sauces.
  • Rice Noodles: Gluten-free and light, rice noodles are a versatile option that pairs well with the dish.
• Grain Bowls:
  • Quinoa: A protein-rich and nutritious grain that adds a healthy element to your meal.
  • Farro: Chewy and nutty, farro offers a hearty base for your Honey Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli.
  • Couscous: Light and fluffy, couscous is a quick-cooking grain that can be easily flavored.
• Vegetable Sides:
  • Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Pair with other steamed or roasted vegetables like carrots, snap peas, or bell peppers for a more complete and colorful meal.
  • Salad: A light and refreshing side salad with a vinaigrette dressing can balance the richness of the honey garlic sauce.
• As an Appetizer:
  • Skewered: Thread the cooked shrimp and broccoli onto skewers for a fun and easy appetizer, perfect for parties or gatherings.
  • Lettuce Wraps: Serve the Honey Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli in crisp lettuce cups for a lighter, low-carb option.

Additional Tips for Perfect Honey Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli

Here are some tips to elevate your Honey Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli to the next level:

1. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and tough. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque, which usually takes only 2-3 minutes per side. Keep a close eye on them while they are cooking and remove them from the heat as soon as they are done. Using a timer can be helpful to ensure you don’t accidentally overcook them.
2. Achieve Tender-Crisp Broccoli: For perfectly tender-crisp broccoli, stir-fry it over medium-high heat until it’s bright green and slightly tender but still has a bit of bite. Avoid overcooking it to mushiness. You can also blanch the broccoli briefly in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then immediately plunge it into ice water to stop the cooking process. This will help it cook more quickly in the stir-fry and retain its vibrant green color and crispness.
3. Use Fresh Garlic and Ginger: Freshly minced garlic and grated ginger are crucial for the best flavor in this recipe. Pre-minced garlic in jars or garlic powder and ginger powder simply don’t compare to the vibrant, pungent flavor of fresh ingredients. Take the extra few minutes to mince your own garlic and grate fresh ginger for a significant boost in flavor.
4. Adjust Sweetness and Savoryness to Taste: The balance of honey and soy sauce is key to this dish. Taste the sauce before adding it to the skillet and adjust the sweetness or saltiness to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a bit more honey. If you prefer it more savory, add a touch more soy sauce. You can also add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice for extra brightness and acidity.
5. Thicken the Sauce Properly: Cornstarch is the key to thickening the honey garlic sauce. Make sure to whisk the cornstarch thoroughly into the sauce before adding it to the skillet to prevent clumps. Simmer the sauce until it thickens and becomes glossy. If you find the sauce is not thickening enough, you can mix a little more cornstarch with cold water (a cornstarch slurry) and add it to the sauce, simmering until thickened.
6. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When stir-frying the broccoli and shrimp, avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the pan and cause the ingredients to steam instead of sear, resulting in less browning and less flavorful food. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure everything cooks properly and gets a nice sear.
7. Marinate the Shrimp (Optional): For extra flavor and tenderness, you can marinate the shrimp for 15-30 minutes before cooking. A simple marinade of a little soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger can enhance the shrimp’s flavor. This step is optional but can add another layer of deliciousness to the dish.
8. Add Other Vegetables: Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other vegetables you enjoy. Bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, mushrooms, or onions would all be delicious additions. Add them to the skillet along with the broccoli and stir-fry until tender-crisp. This is a great way to use up leftover vegetables and add more nutrients to your meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Honey Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli

Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can definitely use frozen broccoli florets. However, it’s important to thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels before stir-frying. Frozen broccoli tends to retain more moisture than fresh broccoli, so removing excess water will help it brown better in the skillet and prevent the sauce from becoming watery. Fresh broccoli is generally preferred for its texture, but frozen broccoli is a convenient and perfectly acceptable alternative.

Q2: I don’t have rice vinegar, can I substitute it with something else?

A: Yes, if you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute it with other types of vinegar. White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar are good substitutes as they offer a similar mild acidity. Lemon juice or lime juice can also be used in a pinch, but they will impart a slightly different flavor profile. Avoid using balsamic vinegar or malt vinegar as their flavors are too strong and will overpower the honey garlic sauce.

Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: While Honey Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare some components ahead of time to save time on the day of cooking. You can make the honey garlic sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also chop the broccoli and store it in a sealed bag in the refrigerator for up to a day. However, it’s recommended to cook the shrimp and stir-fry the dish just before serving for the best texture and flavor. Reheating cooked shrimp can sometimes make it rubbery.

Q4: How can I make this recipe spicier?

A: There are several ways to add spice to your Honey Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli. You can increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. Another option is to add a minced chili pepper, like a Serrano or jalapeño, to the skillet when you are stir-frying the broccoli. Adjust the amount of spice to your preference.

Q5: Can I use honey powder instead of liquid honey?

A: It’s not recommended to use honey powder as a direct substitute for liquid honey in this recipe. Liquid honey contributes not only sweetness but also moisture and a specific texture to the sauce. Honey powder will not provide the same glossy, thick sauce. If you only have honey powder, you could try dissolving it in a little warm water to create a honey syrup before adding it to the sauce, but the results may not be exactly the same as using liquid honey.

Q6: Is this recipe gluten-free?

A: As written, this recipe is not necessarily gluten-free due to the soy sauce, which often contains wheat. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Tamari is a type of soy sauce that is typically gluten-free (always check the label to be sure), and coconut aminos is a soy-free and gluten-free alternative made from coconut sap. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free if you are strictly following a gluten-free diet.

Q7: Can I use chicken or tofu instead of shrimp?

A: Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to use chicken or tofu instead of shrimp. For chicken, use boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces. Cook the chicken until it is cooked through before adding the broccoli and sauce. For tofu, use firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed to remove excess water and cut into cubes. You can pan-fry or bake the tofu until it is golden brown and crispy before adding it to the dish. Both chicken and tofu are delicious substitutes for shrimp and will work well with the honey garlic sauce.

Q8: How long will leftovers last in the refrigerator?

A: Leftover Honey Garlic Shrimp & Broccoli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, it’s best consumed within 1-2 days for optimal quality, as the broccoli may become softer and the shrimp can become slightly less tender over time. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Avoid overheating, as this can further dry out the shrimp. Adding a splash of water or broth when reheating in a skillet can help to keep the dish moist.

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