This Honey Butter Garlic Shrimp is a tasty treat that’s super quick to make! The shrimp gets a lovely sweet and savory glaze, making it irresistible. Plus, it’s ready in just 15 minutes!
Trust me, the smell of garlic and honey together is like magic in the kitchen. I love serving it over rice or with crusty bread—perfect for soaking up that yummy sauce!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp work best, but feel free to use medium or even scallops if you prefer. If you’re not a seafood fan, cooked chicken can be a great substitute. Always ensure shrimp is fresh or properly thawed if frozen.
Unsalted Butter: I love using unsalted butter to control the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or olive oil can work instead, though it’ll give a different flavor profile!
Honey: Honey is the star for sweetness, but maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as a vegan alternative. Keep in mind that the flavor will vary a bit, but it will still taste delicious!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is the best here for that strong aroma. In a pinch, garlic powder can work, but use less since it’s more concentrated.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish. You can swap it for lime juice or even vinegar for a tangy twist. Just adjust to taste!
What’s the Best Way to Cook Shrimp for This Recipe?
Cooking shrimp can be easy, but timing is key! Here are my tips to get perfectly cooked shrimp:
- Always start with dry shrimp to achieve a lovely sear. Pat them dry with paper towels before seasoning.
- Use medium heat so the butter doesn’t burn when you add the garlic. You want the garlic fragrant but not browned!
- Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking makes them rubbery—nobody wants that!
- When you add the honey and lemon juice, keep an eye on it. Stir frequently to coat the shrimp and avoid burning the sauce.
These tips will help you achieve juicy and tasty shrimp in no time! Enjoy your cooking!
Honey Butter Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off based on preference)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Cooked white rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 5 minutes prepping the ingredients and 10 minutes cooking the shrimp. It’s quick, simple, and bursting with flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels. This step is important for getting a good sear! Once dried, season the shrimp lightly with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika for added flavor.
2. Melt the Butter and Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
Now, add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook them for 2 minutes on one side until they start turning pink and opaque. This is the key indicator that they’re cooking nicely.
4. Add the Honey and Lemon:
Flip the shrimp over and pour in the honey and lemon juice. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes at this time for an extra kick. The honey will start to caramelize, creating a delicious glaze!
5. Glaze the Shrimp:
Continue cooking the shrimp for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll know they’re done when they’re fully cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly, coating the shrimp beautifully.
6. Finish and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped parsley for that fresh flavor boost. Serve the shrimp immediately in the skillet or on a plate alongside cooked white rice. For a finishing touch, garnish with extra parsley and lime wedges for squeezing on top.
Enjoy this sweet, buttery garlic shrimp that is sure to impress your family or guests, all while being super easy to make!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw your frozen shrimp completely before cooking. The best way to thaw shrimp is to leave them in the refrigerator overnight or place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Absolutely! If you enjoy a bit more heat, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the honey and lemon mix. You can also pair it with spicy sides to amp up the heat!
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you’re looking for alternatives, maple syrup or agave nectar works well as substitutes for honey. Just keep in mind that they will slightly change the flavor of the dish, but it will still taste delicious!
How to Store Leftover Shrimp?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent them from drying out.
