Honey Lime Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and healthy dinner option, Honey Lime Shrimp and Broccoli is a winning choice. This recipe combines succulent shrimp and tender-crisp broccoli, tossed in a tangy and sweet honey lime glaze. It’s a perfect balance of fresh ingredients and bold flavors, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a satisfying weekend treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for hectic schedules.
2. Healthy and Balanced: Packed with protein from shrimp and nutrients from broccoli.
3. Bursting with Flavor: The honey lime sauce delivers a delightful mix of sweet, tangy, and savory notes.
4. Versatile: Serve it over rice, noodles, or enjoy it as is for a low-carb option.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

1. Rinse and Dry: Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
2. Season: Toss the shrimp with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Set aside.

Step 2: Steam or Sauté the Broccoli

1. Steam Option: Steam the broccoli florets in a steamer basket over boiling water for 3–4 minutes, until vibrant green and tender-crisp.
2. Sauté Option: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add broccoli and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender but still slightly crisp. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Honey Lime Sauce

1. Whisk Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
2. Adjust Flavor: Taste and adjust the balance of sweet and tangy flavors by adding more honey or lime juice, if needed.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

1. Heat the Pan: In the same skillet used for the broccoli, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Sear the Shrimp: Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 5: Combine Shrimp, Broccoli, and Sauce

1. Add the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium. Pour the honey lime sauce into the skillet and let it simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
2. Toss Everything Together: Return the shrimp and broccoli to the skillet. Toss well to coat them evenly in the sauce.

Step 6: Serve

1. Plate the Dish: Transfer the honey lime shrimp and broccoli to a serving platter.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side.
3. Pair It Up: Serve over steamed jasmine rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Honey Lime Shrimp and Broccoli

1. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly and can become rubbery if overcooked. Watch closely and remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink.
2. Use Fresh Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice provides a vibrant flavor that bottled juice can’t replicate.
3. Prep Ingredients Ahead: Have all your ingredients measured and ready to go, as this dish cooks quickly.
4. Broccoli Texture: For tender-crisp broccoli, avoid overcooking. A short steam or sauté keeps the florets vibrant and slightly firm.

Recipe Variations

Protein Options

• Chicken: Swap shrimp for diced chicken breast or thighs.
• Tofu: For a vegetarian version, use firm tofu cubes, pressed and lightly pan-fried before tossing in the sauce.

Vegetable Add-Ins

• Bell Peppers: Add red, yellow, or orange bell peppers for a pop of color and sweetness.
• Snow Peas: Toss in a handful of snow peas for extra crunch.
• Carrots: Thinly sliced carrots can complement the dish’s flavor and texture.

Low-Carb Option

• Serve the shrimp and broccoli over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Serving Suggestions

• Rice: Jasmine rice, basmati rice, or coconut rice pairs perfectly with the flavors of the dish.
• Noodles: Stir-fried noodles or plain soba noodles make a great base.
• Bread: Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, frozen shrimp work well. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or quickly defrost them by running cold water over them in a colander.

Can I use other vegetables?

Absolutely! This recipe is versatile. Try using asparagus, zucchini, or green beans instead of broccoli.

What can I use instead of soy sauce?

If you’re avoiding soy, coconut aminos or tamari are excellent substitutes.

Honey Lime Shrimp and Broccoli is a bright and zesty dish that combines simplicity with gourmet appeal. The honey lime sauce offers the perfect balance of sweetness and tang, complementing the shrimp’s delicate flavor and the broccoli’s hearty texture. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting guests, this dish is sure to impress while keeping things light and easy.

Yield: 4

Honey Lime Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe

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If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and healthy dinner option, Honey Lime Shrimp and Broccoli is a winning choice. This recipe combines succulent shrimp and tender-crisp broccoli, tossed in a tangy and sweet honey lime glaze. It’s a perfect balance of fresh ingredients and bold flavors, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a satisfying weekend treat.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Sauce:
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• For the Shrimp and Broccoli:
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional Garnishes:
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lime wedges

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, lime juice, lime zest, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
2. If you prefer a thicker glaze, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water to create a slurry. Add this to the sauce later during cooking.

2. Cook the Broccoli

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the broccoli florets, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
3. Transfer the broccoli to a plate and set aside.

3. Cook the Shrimp

1. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Season the shrimp lightly with salt and pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they are pink and fully cooked.

4. Combine and Glaze

1. Return the broccoli to the skillet with the shrimp.
2. Pour the prepared honey lime sauce over the shrimp and broccoli.
3. If using the cornstarch slurry, stir it in now to thicken the sauce.
4. Toss everything together and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to coat the shrimp and broccoli evenly.

5. Serve

• Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges if desired.
• Serve hot over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete meal.

Notes

• Swap the Protein: Try chicken, tofu, or scallops instead of shrimp.
• Add Crunch: Sprinkle with sesame seeds or crushed peanuts before serving.
• More Veggies: Add bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for a colorful mix.
• Meal Prep: This dish reheats well and is great for meal prepping lunch or dinner.