This Honey Butter Garlic Shrimp is a sweet and savory treat that cooks up quickly. Delicious shrimp get a yummy glaze from honey and garlic, making them irresistibly tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp work best for this recipe. If you’re allergic or prefer a different protein, feel free to use chicken or tofu. Just adjust your cooking time accordingly.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal so you can control the saltiness. You can also substitute with ghee or a dairy-free option like coconut oil for a different flavor profile.
Honey: This gives the dish its sweet flavor. If you want a vegan substitute, maple syrup or agave syrup both work well to achieve a similar sweetness.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for flavor. If you only have garlic powder, you can use 1/8 teaspoon per clove, but fresh is always best for this.
Herbs: Fresh cilantro or parsley adds freshness. If you don’t have these on hand, green onions or basil can also be great alternatives.
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Shrimp?
Getting the shrimp just right is key! You’ll want to take care not to overcook them as they can become rubbery. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a hot skillet and allow the shrimp to cook undisturbed for the first couple of minutes. This helps to develop a nice sear.
- Pay attention to the color change. When shrimp turn pink and opaque, they are nearly done.
- Once you flip them, keep a close eye. They generally only need another 1-2 minutes on the other side.
- Remove them from the heat as soon as they’re cooked to avoid overcooking.
Following these tips will help you achieve perfectly succulent shrimp every time!
Honey Butter Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off as you prefer)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Juice of half a lime (plus lime wedges for serving)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 6-8 minutes of cooking. In under 20 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels. This will help them cook better. Then, season them lightly with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. This adds great flavor!
2. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, pour in the olive oil and heat it over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil is hot but not smoking. You want it sizzling, but not burning!
3. Cook the Shrimp:
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Let them cook for about 2 minutes on one side until they turn pink and get a little browned.
4. Add Garlic and Butter:
Carefully flip the shrimp over. Now, toss in the unsalted butter and minced garlic. Quickly stir the garlic around to avoid it burning and make the kitchen smell amazing!
5. Mix in Honey and Chili:
Once the butter has melted, add the honey and chili flakes to the skillet. Toss the shrimp well to coat them evenly with the delicious garlic-butter-honey sauce.
6. Finish Cooking:
Let everything cook together for another 1-2 minutes, until the shrimp are fully cooked and the sauce starts to thicken just a bit.
7. Add Lime Juice:
Remove the skillet from the heat. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the shrimp for that lovely tangy kick. Sprinkle chopped cilantro or parsley on top!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the honey butter garlic shrimp hot with lime wedges on the side. This dish is delicious over steamed rice, crusty bread, or pasta. Enjoy the sweet, buttery, garlicky goodness!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. To thaw quickly, place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Pat dry before seasoning and cooking.
Can I Make This Dish Spicy?
Absolutely! If you like more heat, you can increase the amount of chili flakes or even add a splash of hot sauce to the honey garlic mixture. Just taste as you go to find your ideal level of spiciness!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep them moist.
What Can I Serve With Honey Butter Garlic Shrimp?
This shrimp pairs beautifully with steamed rice or pasta. For a low-carb option, serve it over zucchini noodles or alongside a fresh salad. It’s versatile and works great with various sides!