This Honey Butter Garlic Shrimp is a quick and tasty dish that’s sure to impress! Sweet honey, rich butter, and zesty garlic come together to make every shrimp extra delicious.
Trust me, it’s hard to eat just one! I love serving it over rice or noodles; it helps soak up all that tasty sauce. Perfect for a simple dinner or when you want to wow guests without a fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp works great; just make sure to thaw frozen shrimp beforehand. If you’re allergic or looking for a vegetarian option, try swapping shrimp for firm tofu or mushrooms for a similar texture.
Butter: Unsalted butter is the star here for a creamy texture and flavor. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative can replace it without losing richness.
Honey: If you prefer a vegan option, agave nectar or maple syrup can be used instead of honey. Just remember that this will slightly change the flavor profile!
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch—about 1 teaspoon should suffice. Just know the flavor won’t be as strong or fresh.
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Shrimp?
Cooking shrimp is quick, but timing is key! Here are my tips for perfectly cooked shrimp:
- Make sure the shrimp are patted dry; this helps them sear nicely.
- Cook shrimp over medium-high heat to get that lovely golden color. Avoid overcrowding the pan for an even cook.
- Watch closely as they cook; they only need 2-3 minutes per side. Once they turn pink and opaque, they’re done! Overcooking will make them rubbery.
Your Honey Butter Garlic Shrimp will be juicy and bursting with flavor when you follow these tips. Trust me—perfect shrimp will take your dish to the next level!
Honey Butter Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb 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
Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for color and mild smoky flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, sliced (for garnish and squeezing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to cook, making it a quick and delicious meal that you can whip up in just 20 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels. This step is important because it helps them sear better. Season the shrimp lightly with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if you’re using it. Set them aside while you prepare the skillet.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook them for about 2 minutes on one side until they are pink and just starting to curl. Flip the shrimp and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Make the Honey Butter Sauce:
Now, reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter to the same skillet. Let it melt, and then add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn it; you want it soft and golden, not brown.
4. Combine Everything:
Next, stir in the honey and, if you’re using, the chili flakes. Let the sauce cook for another minute until it starts bubbling and everything is well combined.
5. Add the Shrimp Back:
Return the shrimp to the skillet and gently toss them in the honey butter garlic sauce to coat them evenly. Cook for another minute just to warm everything through and let those flavors blend together beautifully.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer the shrimp to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro, along with the lime slices. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges on the side to add some fresh zesty flavor. This dish is great over steamed rice, pasta, or even with crusty bread to soak up that amazing sauce!
Enjoy your delicious Honey Butter Garlic Shrimp—a perfect blend of sweet, buttery, and garlicky goodness!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. The best methods are to leave them in the refrigerator overnight or place them in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for about 30 minutes.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you’re looking for a vegan alternative, agave nectar or maple syrup works well as a substitute for honey. Keep in mind that the flavor will slightly differ but still maintain that sweet touch!
How Do I Store Leftover Shrimp?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking and becoming rubbery.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for additional flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them in the skillet before adding the shrimp to ensure they cook through!