This sweet and savory honey butter garlic shrimp is a treat for your taste buds! Juicy shrimp get tossed in a buttery sauce with a hint of honey and garlic—what’s not to love?
It’s super quick to make, perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious. I often serve mine over rice, and just like that, it’s a yummy meal that feels fancy! 🍤✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are ideal for this recipe. If you can’t find fresh, frozen shrimp work just as well—just make sure they’re thawed before cooking. For a twist, you can use scallops or even chicken if you prefer.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best to control the saltiness. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute with olive oil or vegan butter for a similar flavor.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor. In a pinch, you can use garlic powder, but fresh garlic offers a more robust aroma and taste.
Honey: Honey provides sweetness and richness. If you’re vegan or need a substitute, maple syrup or agave syrup works well for a similar effect.
Smoked Paprika: This ingredient adds depth to the dish. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or chili powder can be used, but the smoky flavor will be less pronounced.
How Do I Achieve the Perfectly Cooked Shrimp?
Cooking shrimp is all about timing! You want them just cooked without being rubbery. Here’s how:
- Start with dry shrimp. Pat them with paper towels to ensure they sear properly instead of steaming.
- Heat your pan to medium-high before adding the shrimp. This helps achieve a nice sear.
- Cook shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. If you’re unsure, remove one to check!
Lastly, timing is key: overcooking shrimp makes them tough. So, be attentive and enjoy those sweet, garlicky bites! 🌟
How to Make Honey Butter Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off as preferred)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for color and warmth)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a mild kick)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of half a lime (optional, for brightness)
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep and cooking time. It’s quick and easy, making it perfect for a busy weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
First, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them sear nicely. Sprinkle them lightly with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if you’re using it to enhance the flavor.
2. Heat the Skillet:
In a large skillet (a cast iron one works great!), heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. This step is important to get a good sear on your shrimp!
3. Cook the Shrimp:
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Let them cook without stirring for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
4. Make the Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium, and add the butter to the same skillet. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant—be careful not to let it burn!
5. Add Honey and Spice:
Stir in the honey and red pepper flakes (if using). Let this bubble gently for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. This is where you get that delightful sweet and savory flavor!
6. Combine Shrimp and Sauce:
Return the shrimp to the skillet, tossing them to coat evenly in the honey butter garlic sauce. Cook together for an additional minute to warm everything through.
7. Final Touches:
Remove the skillet from the heat. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the shrimp and enjoy the zesty flavor boost. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro or parsley to add freshness and color.
8. Serve & Enjoy!
Serve the honey butter garlic shrimp immediately over rice, pasta, or alongside your favorite vegetables. Enjoy every sweet and savory bite!
This dish is a delicious combination of flavors that is sure to impress, while also being quick to prepare!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the frozen shrimp before using them. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or place the sealed shrimp in cold water for about 15-20 minutes for quicker results.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you need a substitute for honey, maple syrup or agave syrup works well to maintain a sweet flavor in the dish. Just keep in mind that the taste will slightly change, but it’ll still be delicious!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the shrimp and sauce ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat gently on the stove before serving, adding a bit more butter or a splash of water to refresh the sauce.
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp further!