Honey Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli - Easy & Flavorful Dinner

Honey Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli Recipe is one of those dinners that feels like a treat but comes together in no time at all. If you want a quick, flavorful, and wholesome meal that feels homemade but doesn’t keep you in the kitchen forever, this is it.

A close-up view of a stainless steel pan filled with a shrimp and broccoli dish in a thick dark brown sauce. The pan contains about two main layers: a shiny, dark brown sauce covering all pieces, with small bits of minced garlic and herbs sprinkled on top. Beneath the sauce, there are many pinkish-orange shrimp curled in shape and bright green broccoli florets scattered evenly. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface, with a white bowl of cooked white rice sitting partially out of frame in the upper left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Honey Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Delicious Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I still remember the first time I whipped up this honey garlic shrimp with broccoli on a hectic weekday—and how it instantly became a favorite in my rotation. It’s vibrant, packed with flavor, and perfectly balanced between sweet, savory, and garlicky, all in one skillet. Once you try it, I bet you’ll love it as much as I do.

Speedy and Simple: From start to finish, you can have this dinner ready in about 30 minutes without complicated steps.
Delicious Sauce: The honey garlic sauce is sticky, sweet, and garlicky, making every bite a mouthwatering experience.
Healthy and Balanced: Shrimp and broccoli pack in lean protein and veggies, making this a wholesome choice for dinner.
Customizable: You can easily add more veggies or swap out rice for cauliflower rice to fit your tastes or diet.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Honey Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli Recipe plays an important role. The shrimp provides tender protein, broccoli adds that lovely crunch and nutrition, and the sauce brings everything together in its bold, sweet-savory glory. Here’s a little insight into each:

Flat lay of large uncooked shrimp with shells removed, fresh broccoli florets, a small white bowl of golden peanut oil, a small white bowl of light chicken broth, a small white bowl of dark low sodium soy sauce, a small white bowl of amber honey, a small white bowl of packed brown sugar, fresh garlic cloves whole and unpeeled beside minced garlic in a small white bowl, a small white bowl of apple cider vinegar, a small white bowl of toasted sesame oil, fresh ginger root whole beside ground ginger in a small white bowl, a small white bowl of red pepper flakes, a small white bowl of cornstarch powder, a small white bowl of cold water, cooked white long grain rice in a simple white ceramic bowl, fresh green onions whole with white and green parts, roughly chopped honey roasted peanuts in a small white bowl, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp are ideal because they cook quickly and absorb the sauce beautifully. If using frozen, just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry.
Peanut or Olive Oil: Both are great for sautéing; peanut oil has a higher smoke point, but olive oil adds a nice touch if you prefer a lighter oil.
Broccoli Florets: Fresh broccoli works best—you want crisp, vibrant florets for texture and color.
Chicken Broth: It adds depth to the sauce, making it rich without overwhelming the shrimp’s delicate flavor.
Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Balances the sweetness and adds umami without being too salty.
Honey and Brown Sugar: These are the stars of the sweet side of the sauce—combine to create that signature sticky glaze.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the whole dish with that classic punch that brings everything alive.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a gentle tang to balance the sweetness—trust me, it makes all the difference!
Toasted Sesame Oil: Completely optional but highly recommended for that nutty aroma and flavor boost.
Ground Ginger and Red Pepper Flakes: These give subtle heat and warmth, rounding out the flavor profile.
Cornstarch + Cold Water: This thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency so every bite is coated just right.
Green Onions & Honey Roasted Peanuts: Added as garnishes to give freshness and crunch at the end. I love how they elevate the dish!

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this Honey Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli Recipe depending on what I have on hand or the mood I’m in. It’s flexible, so don’t be shy to make it your own!

Veggie Boost: Sometimes I throw in sliced bell peppers or julienned carrots with the broccoli for extra color and crunch—your favorite veggies will all work great here.
Low-Carb Version: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to keep it light but still filling.
Spicy Kick: If you like heat, sprinkle in extra red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha right into the sauce.
Mild or Bold Garlic: Use more or less garlic based on how garlicky you want your dish—double it up if you’re feeling bold!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli Recipe

A white plate holds a bed of white rice topped with shiny, sauce-coated shrimp and bright green broccoli florets. The shrimp are plump and glossy with a rich brown sauce that pools slightly onto the rice. Scattered on top are small pieces of golden peanuts and chopped green herbs, adding texture and color contrast. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with some peanuts near the plate edge and a white cloth napkin folded in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Shrimp and Sauce

Start by thawing your shrimp completely if frozen, then pat them dry to avoid extra moisture messing with the sauté. I usually peel and devein them before cooking, but you can also do this after if you prefer the shell on for extra protection from overcooking. Mix together the sauce ingredients, but hold off on the cornstarch slurry until later.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp Just Right

Heat peanut or olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the shrimp and cook for about 1 minute and 20 seconds per side. Set a timer — shrimp cooks fast and it’s easy to overdo it. The shrimp should curl into a soft “C” shape; avoid letting them curl into an “O” or they’ll get rubbery. Once cooked, transfer them to a clean plate to rest.

Step 3: Sauté the Broccoli

Use the same skillet to sauté the broccoli florets for about 4 minutes until they’re just tender but still have a nice bite. If the skillet looks dry, add a splash of oil to keep things slick. Then remove the broccoli and set aside with the shrimp.

Step 4: Bring the Sauce to Life

Add your sauce mixture (without cornstarch) to the skillet and bring it to a boil. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth, then slowly pour it into the simmering sauce while stirring continuously. You’ll see the sauce thicken almost immediately to that perfect glossy coating consistency.

Step 5: Combine and Heat Through

Turn the heat down to low and add the broccoli back into the skillet. Cover partially and let it warm through for 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld. Then gently fold the shrimp back in and spoon sauce over everything for about a minute more. Remember, you don’t want to cook the shrimp further here—just warm.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

For serving, I love fluffy white rice or my own vegetable fried rice as the perfect base. Garnish with chopped green onions and a scatter of roughly chopped honey roasted peanuts for that extra crunch and little salty kick. Sometimes I drizzle a touch more honey for that glossy, sweet finish—pure comfort in every bite!

Top Tip

After making this Honey Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli Recipe a ton of times, I’ve found a few tricks that make all the difference in flavor and texture. Trusting these really helps you get that perfectly balanced dish every time.

Shrimp Timing: Use a timer to avoid overcooking; shrimp goes from tender to rubbery in seconds.
Dry Shrimp: Patting your shrimp dry before cooking helps get a nice sear and prevents sogginess.
Cornstarch Slurry: Add this slowly and stir constantly to avoid lumps and get that silky sauce.
Partial Cover: When reheating broccoli in the sauce, cover the pan partially to keep veggies crisp but tender.

How to Serve Honey Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli Recipe

A silver pan filled with bright green broccoli pieces covered in a thick, dark brown sauce with visible sesame seeds scattered throughout. The sauce looks shiny and glossy, coating each broccoli piece evenly. A red spatula with white holes rests inside the pan, partially dipped into the sauce. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of topping this Honey Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli Recipe with thinly sliced green onions because they add fresh brightness. Also, the honey roasted peanuts provide a wonderful contrast with their salty crunch that you don’t want to skip. If you like a little extra zest, a squeeze of fresh lime works beautifully, too.

Side Dishes

My go-to side is always white long grain rice that soaks up the sauce perfectly. But sometimes I throw together a quick vegetable fried rice or even some simple quinoa for a slightly nuttier texture. Steamed jasmine or basmati rice also pairs nicely if you want a fragrant aroma on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For celebrations, I like arranging the shrimp and broccoli over a bed of rice in a pretty shallow bowl, drizzling extra sauce artistically in a zigzag, and sprinkling a handful of peanuts and green onions on top. Adding lemon or lime wedges around the edge not only looks gorgeous but lets your guests add a fresh squeeze if they want.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying a fresh batch, I store leftover Honey Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for about 3 days. Just make sure to cool it fully before sealing to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish before without issue—divide it into portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. It lasts up to 3 months, which is perfect for when you want a no-fuss meal later. Just thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it gently in a skillet over medium heat. This helps retain the sauce’s texture and prevents the shrimp from getting rubbery. I avoid microwaving because uneven heating can toughen the shrimp. Alternatively, reheating in a double boiler setup works wonders to keep it delicate.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Honey Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli Recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid extra water diluting the sauce and steaming the shrimp instead of sautéing them.

How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?

Shrimp cook very quickly, usually just a couple of minutes. Watch for them to curl into a "C" shape, which signals they’re done. Using a timer and removing the shrimp from the pan immediately helps prevent them from turning rubbery.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Yes! Bell peppers, carrots, and onions are all great additions. Just add them along with the broccoli to keep everything cooking evenly and maintain a good texture.

What’s the best way to serve this Honey Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli Recipe?

It’s wonderful over steamed white rice, jasmine, or basmati. Alternatively, use vegetable fried rice or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Garnish with green onions and honey roasted peanuts for texture and freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli Recipe is one of those meals I keep coming back to because it’s just so darn good and easy. It’s a beautiful balance of flavors and textures without the fuss, and the leftovers (if you have any!) make for a perfect next-day lunch or quick dinner. I hope you enjoy making and eating this as much as I do—give it a try next time you want a fast, flavorful dinner that feels like a warm hug from the kitchen.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ingredients & Why They Work

Make It Your Way