This honey butter garlic shrimp is packed with sweet and savory flavors that make it so tasty! It cooks up quickly, perfect for busy weeknights or a special treat.
I can’t resist the sweet aroma of honey mixed with garlic while this dish is cooking. Serve it over rice for a delicious dinner that’s ready in no time. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are perfect for this recipe, but feel free to use medium shrimp if that’s what you have. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you could use firm tofu, cut into cubes, but the texture will be different.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over the salt in the dish. If you prefer a dairy-free option, try using coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is ideal for flavor. In a pinch, garlic powder can work, but use about 1/8 teaspoon as it’s more concentrated in flavor.
Honey: For a vegan alternative, maple syrup or agave nectar works well. They will change the flavor slightly but still offer that sweet touch.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens the dish. If you don’t have limes, lemon juice is a handy substitute, or vinegar if you need an acidic kick.
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Shrimp?
Cooking shrimp is quick, but overcooking is easy to do! Here’s how to get them just right:
- Start with a preheated skillet and a bit of oil and butter to prevent sticking.
- Cook shrimp in a single layer. This helps them cook evenly.
- Watch for the color change: shrimp go from gray to pink. Cook about 2 minutes per side.
- Remove them from heat when they are just cooked through; they’ll continue to cook in the sauce.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have juicy, flavorful shrimp every time!
How to Make Honey Butter Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off as preferred)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for a touch of umami)
- Juice of half a lime (plus lime wedges for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10-15 minutes from start to finish! Just a few minutes to prep the ingredients and cook the shrimp for a delicious meal that comes together quickly.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Shrimp:
Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water. Then, pat them dry with paper towels. Season the shrimp lightly with salt and black pepper to enhance their flavor.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil along with 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Let them cook for about 2 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink and slightly golden. Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Make the Honey Butter Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until the garlic is fragrant but not browned—the last thing you want is burnt garlic!
4. Combine the Flavors:
Add the honey, soy sauce (if you’re using it), and lime juice to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Toss and Serve:
Return the shrimp to the skillet and gently toss them in the honey butter garlic sauce until they are well coated and heated through. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat, along with the chopped parsley or cilantro.
6. Enjoy Your Dish:
Serve the honey butter garlic shrimp immediately, garnished with lime wedges. They pair wonderfully over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread for dipping and soaking up that amazing sauce!
Enjoy your fragrant, sweet, and savory honey butter garlic shrimp! This dish is sure to impress anyone at your dinner table!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp Instead?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or quickly by placing them in a sealed bag and submerging it in cold water for about 20-30 minutes.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you’re looking for a vegan option, maple syrup or agave nectar works well in place of honey. While the flavor will be slightly different, it will still provide a lovely sweetness!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Add a touch of butter or olive oil to keep them moist.
What Can I Serve This With?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, pasta, or a crisp salad. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up that delicious garlic butter sauce!