Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Succulent shrimp are cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce sweetened with honey, creating a delicious balance of savory and sweet. It’s easy to make and sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 tbsp honey (for keto/low carb: use sugar-free maple syrup or sugar-free honey substitute)
• 3 tbsp soy sauce (use gluten-free soy sauce to make this meal gluten-free)
• 1 1/2 pounds jumbo shrimp, deveined, shell off, tails on or off (thawed)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of the butter and let it melt completely.
2. Step 2: Add the minced garlic, soy sauce, and honey to the skillet. Swirl the pan occasionally and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 1–2 minutes. For a spicy kick, stir in 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes or a few drops of hot sauce. Transfer the sauce to a small bowl and set aside.
3. Step 3: Add half of the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes. Flip the shrimp and cook for another 1–2 minutes until they turn pink and curl into a C-shape. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate.
4. Step 4: Melt the remaining butter in the skillet and cook the rest of the shrimp until fully cooked through. Return the first batch of shrimp to the skillet, pour the reserved sauce over them, and stir to combine.
5. Step 5: Optional: Squeeze the juice of one lime over the shrimp. Garnish with 1–2 tablespoons chopped green onions and/or 1–2 teaspoons sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use gluten-free soy sauce to keep the dish gluten-free and safe for sensitive diets.
• For a keto or low-carb version, substitute honey with sugar-free maple syrup or a sugar-free honey alternative.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat or a drizzle of sriracha for more spice.
• Serve over rice, cauliflower rice, or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave briefly to avoid overcooking the shrimp. It’s best enjoyed fresh for the most tender texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp in this recipe?

Yes, just be sure to fully thaw and drain the shrimp before cooking to ensure they cook evenly and the sauce doesn’t dilute.

What can I substitute if I don’t have a cast-iron skillet?

A heavy-bottomed non-stick or stainless steel skillet works well. Just be sure to preheat it properly before adding butter and shrimp.

Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 59 reviews

This Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet is a quick and flavorful dish featuring jumbo shrimp cooked in a luscious garlic butter sauce with honey and soy sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it’s easy to make in one skillet and can be customized with spicy elements or garnishes like lime juice and sesame seeds for added freshness and texture.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 13 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Shrimp and Sauce

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 tbsp honey (For keto/low carb: use sugar-free maple syrup or sugar-free honey substitute)
• 3 tbsp soy sauce (use gluten-free soy sauce to keep the meal GF)
• 1 1/2 pounds jumbo shrimp, deveined and shelled off, tail on or off (thawed)

Optional Garnishes

• Juice of 1 lime
• 1–2 tbsp chopped green onions
• 1–2 tsp sesame seeds
• 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes or a few drops of hot sauce (for spice)

Instructions

1. Melt Butter: Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of the butter and let it melt completely, preparing the pan for cooking the shrimp.
2. Make the Sauce: Add the minced garlic, soy sauce, and honey to the skillet. Swirl the pan occasionally and cook for about 1-2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens. If you prefer a spicy kick, stir in red pepper flakes or hot sauce now. Transfer the sauce to a small bowl and set aside.
3. Cook Shrimp: Add half of the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes on one side. Flip the shrimp and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until they turn pink and curl into a C-shape, indicating they are cooked through. Transfer them to a plate. Then melt the remaining butter in the skillet and cook the remaining shrimp the same way until done.
4. Combine and Finish: Return the first batch of cooked shrimp to the skillet along with the reserved sauce. Stir everything together until the shrimp are evenly coated in the honey garlic butter sauce and heated through.
5. Garnish and Serve: Optionally, squeeze fresh lime juice over the shrimp and sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• For a keto or low-carb version, substitute honey with sugar-free maple syrup or a sugar-free honey substitute.
• Use gluten-free soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a spicy variation.
• Serve with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables to complete the meal.
• Using a cast-iron skillet helps achieve an even cook and better flavor development.

Keywords: honey garlic butter shrimp, skillet shrimp, easy shrimp recipe, quick dinner, gluten-free shrimp, seafood skillet, garlic butter sauce