Dreamy Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Succulent shrimp dance in a delightful honey garlic butter sauce that promises pure culinary magic.

Fresh ingredients create an irresistible melody of flavors waiting to surprise you.

Seafood enthusiasts will adore this quick and elegant dish that comes together in minutes.

Mediterranean influences shine through each perfectly coated morsel of tender protein.

Aromatic garlic and sweet honey blend seamlessly with rich, melted butter for an unforgettable taste experience.

Simple techniques make this recipe accessible to home cooks of all skill levels.

Mastering this dish guarantees applause around your dinner table and requests for seconds.

Prepare to impress with a restaurant-quality meal that feels like a delicious secret.

What’s Delicious About Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp

• Speed Sensation: Lightning-fast cooking process that transforms simple ingredients into a delectable meal in mere minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving restaurant-quality flavor.
• Flavor Explosion: Rich combination of sweet honey, zesty garlic, and tender shrimp creates a mouthwatering harmony that tantalizes taste buds and leaves everyone craving more.
• Versatile Delight: Adaptable dish that pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or salad, making it an ideal choice for quick weeknight dinners or impressive dinner party appetizers.
• Simple Mastery: Beginner-friendly recipe requiring minimal cooking skills, basic ingredients, and just one skillet, ensuring even novice cooks can achieve professional-looking results with confidence.

Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp Ingredient Rundown

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that serves as the primary protein and star of this quick cooking dish.

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy base for cooking and adds depth of flavor.
• Honey: Adds sweet glaze and helps create a golden caramelized exterior.
• Garlic: Offers intense aromatic flavor and forms the core of the sauce's taste profile.
• Lemon Juice: Brings bright, acidic balance to the sweet and rich components.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural taste of shrimp.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds color and light herbal freshness to the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient that provides a spicy heat element.
• Lemon Wedges: Serves as a fresh, zesty accompaniment for squeezing over shrimp.

Cooking Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp Made Simple

Step 1: Prep Shrimp for Sizzling Success

Grab your paper towels and gently pat each shrimp until completely dry. This crucial step ensures a gorgeous golden sear and keeps unwanted moisture at bay.

Step 2: Create Buttery Magic

Heat a large skillet over medium-high flame. Melt butter until it transforms into a foamy, slightly golden liquid that promises deliciousness.

Step 3: Unleash Garlic Aromas

Toss minced garlic into the bubbling butter. Stir quickly for 30-45 seconds, dancing the garlic around to prevent any burning and release its incredible fragrance.

Step 4: Introduce Shrimp to the Party

Carefully place shrimp in a single layer across the skillet. Let them sizzle for 2-3 minutes on each side, waiting until they turn a beautiful pink and develop a tempting golden crust.

Step 5: Drizzle Sweet and Tangy Goodness

Pour honey and fresh lemon juice over the shrimp. Gently stir to ensure every single piece gets a luxurious coating of the sweet and zesty sauce.

Step 6: Season with Flavor Excitement

Sprinkle salt and black pepper across the skillet. Toss the shrimp playfully to distribute seasonings and create a mouthwatering blend of flavors.

Step 7: Reduce and Glaze

Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes, watching the sauce transform into a glossy, irresistible glaze that hugs each shrimp perfectly.

Step 8: Transfer to Serving Plate

Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the shrimp to a beautiful serving platter. Make sure every piece is generously coated with the honey garlic butter sauce.

Step 9: Add Finishing Touches

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the shrimp. For those who love a spicy kick, scatter some red pepper flakes across the top.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Place lemon wedges alongside the platter. Serve immediately, allowing everyone to squeeze fresh lemon juice over their shrimp just before diving in.

Handy Tips for Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp

• Dry Shrimp Thoroughly: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture, guaranteeing a perfect golden sear and preventing steaming instead of browning.
• Control Heat Carefully: Watch butter closely while melting to achieve a golden foam without burning, which creates a rich flavor base for the dish.
• Layer Shrimp Strategically: Arrange shrimp in a single layer during cooking to ensure even browning and prevent overcrowding the pan.
• Quick Cooking is Key: Cook shrimp for only 2-3 minutes per side to maintain tender texture and prevent rubbery, overcooked seafood.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Sprinkle red pepper flakes sparingly or generously based on personal heat preference, creating a customized flavor profile.

Flavor Twists for Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp

• Mediterranean Herb Shrimp: Replace honey with white wine, add oregano, thyme, and rosemary for a zesty Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Cajun Butter Shrimp: Mix in Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, and swap honey for brown sugar to create a bold, fiery version of the original recipe.
• Asian-Inspired Sesame Shrimp: Incorporate soy sauce, sesame oil, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and green onions for an authentic Asian taste.
• Caribbean Coconut Shrimp: Blend coconut milk with honey, add a splash of rum, and sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical transformation.

What to Pair with Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a bright, acidic sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to cut through the rich butter and complement the honey's sweetness.
• Serve Over Jasmine Rice: Create a perfect bed of fluffy, fragrant jasmine rice to soak up the delicious honey garlic butter sauce and add textural contrast.
• Match with Roasted Asparagus: Grill thin asparagus spears with olive oil and sea salt to provide a light, green vegetable side that balances the shrimp's rich flavors.
• Enhance with Crusty Bread: Offer warm, crusty sourdough or French bread to allow diners to mop up the incredible honey garlic butter sauce, maximizing every delicious drop.

How to Store Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp Leftovers

• Store leftover honey garlic butter shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cover the shrimp completely with the remaining sauce to keep them moist and prevent drying out.
• Transfer cooled shrimp to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 1 month, making sure to label with the date of storage.
• Warm refrigerated shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent overcooking. Add a splash of water or extra butter to help restore moisture and prevent the shrimp from becoming tough and rubbery.
• Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can cause the shrimp to become chewy and lose their delicate texture.

FAQs on Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw them completely, pat dry thoroughly, and ensure they’re deveined before cooking to achieve the best searing and flavor.

• How do I know when shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and curl into a loose “C” shape. Overcooking makes them tough and rubbery, so watch them closely during the 2-3 minute cooking time.

• Is it okay to substitute butter with another fat?

While butter provides the best flavor, you can use olive oil or ghee as alternatives. Each will slightly change the taste and texture of the final dish.

• What type of shrimp works best for this recipe?

Medium to large-sized shrimp work perfectly. Wild-caught or large tiger shrimp are recommended for the most consistent texture and best flavor profile.

Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp brings Mediterranean coastal flavors straight to your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum taste. Juicy shrimp caramelized in a golden honey-garlic sauce promise a quick, delectable meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood:

• 1 lb (454 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Sauce Ingredients:

• 4 tbsp (60 ml) unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp (45 ml) honey
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Garnish and Finishing:

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing and prevent excess moisture.
2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it starts to foam and become slightly golden.
3. Add minced garlic to the butter and sauté for 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4. Introduce shrimp to the skillet in a single layer, cooking 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and develop a golden exterior.
5. Pour honey and lemon juice over the shrimp, stirring gently to coat each piece evenly.
6. Sprinkle salt and black pepper across the skillet, tossing shrimp to distribute seasonings thoroughly.
7. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes the shrimp with a glossy finish.
8. Remove from heat and transfer to a serving platter, ensuring all shrimp are coated with the honey garlic butter sauce.
9. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and sprinkle red pepper flakes for an optional spicy kick.
10. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the shrimp just before eating.

Notes

• Ensure shrimp are completely dry to achieve a perfect golden sear without steaming them in excess moisture.
• Use medium-high heat when melting butter to create a nutty, golden base that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Sauté garlic briefly to release its aromatic oils without burning, which can turn the sauce bitter and unpleasant.
• Cook shrimp quickly to maintain their tender, juicy texture and prevent becoming rubbery or overcooked.
• For a low-carb version, replace honey with a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit sweetener or omit entirely.
• Add red pepper flakes sparingly to control heat level, catering to different spice preferences.
• Pair with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, keto-friendly meal option.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg