Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp – Quick, Juicy, and Flavor-Packed

The first time I made honey garlic butter shrimp, I had exactly 20 minutes before dinner guests arrived. No backup plan, just a bowl of thawed shrimp and a wild craving for something sweet, savory, and buttery. One sizzling skillet and a garlicky cloud of heaven later—this recipe became a forever favorite. You’re about to see why.

Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp

This honey garlic butter shrimp recipe hits all the marks—quick, easy, and packed with bold, crave-worthy flavor. It takes just 15 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for last-minute weeknight dinners or last-minute guests. The buttery garlic sauce, kissed with honey and a hint of lemon, clings to each shrimp like it was meant to be there. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—serve it over fluffy jasmine rice, toss it with noodles, or pile it onto a salad.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Shrimp – Use fresh or thawed frozen shrimp (peeled and deveined); extra-large size (21–30 count) works best for juicy bites.
• Honey – Adds natural sweetness and a luscious glaze.
• Garlic – The heart of the flavor—use fresh minced garlic for the best punch.
• Butter – Unsalted is ideal to control salt levels and add rich, silky texture.
• Soy Sauce (optional) – A splash adds that subtle umami depth.
• Lemon Juice or Chili Flakes (optional) – For brightness or a kick of heat, depending on your mood.

How to Make Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp

Step 1 – Prep the Shrimp

Start by patting your shrimp dry with paper towels. This is key—dry shrimp means the seasoning sticks better and you’ll get a beautiful sear. Toss them in a bowl with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 2 – Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

In a small bowl, stir together 1/4 cup honey, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, 6 tablespoons of diced unsalted butter, and 1 tablespoon soy sauce (if using). You can also add a squeeze of lemon or a pinch of red pepper flakes here if you’re feeling bold.

Step 3 – Cook the Shrimp

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Let them sizzle for about 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches if needed.

Step 4 – Glaze & Finish

Turn the heat to medium-low and pour in the honey garlic butter sauce. Let it bubble and thicken slightly, coating every shrimp in glossy, garlicky goodness. Finish with a splash of fresh lemon juice and, if you like, a sprinkle of chopped parsley for color.

What to Serve with It

This dish is super flexible, which makes dinner planning a breeze. Serve your honey garlic butter shrimp over steamed jasmine rice, buttery orzo, or thin spaghetti. It also pairs beautifully with roasted asparagus, stir-fried veggies, or even crusty bread to soak up that dreamy sauce. For a complete meal idea, try pairing it with this succulent Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm the shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave at 50% power. Shrimp overcooks fast—so go low and slow to keep them tender.

Pro Tips for Perfect Shrimp

• Don’t overcook. Two minutes per side is usually enough—shrimp should be plump and pink.
• Use medium-high heat. It gives shrimp a light sear without drying them out.
• Add sauce at the end. This prevents the honey from burning.
• Fresh garlic matters. The flavor is miles better than the jarred stuff.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Quick Shrimp Recipes to Try

If you love this, you’ll want to bookmark a few more quick weeknight winners like this savory Honey Garlic Chicken recipe or this rich, creamy Smothered Okra with Shrimp. These are tried, true, and seriously tasty.

Conclusion

There’s just something magical about shrimp sizzling in garlic butter, kissed with honey, and ready in minutes. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a quick crowd-pleaser, this honey garlic butter shrimp is guaranteed to satisfy. Try it tonight, share it with friends, or save it on Pinterest or Facebook so you can come back to it anytime.

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