1-First step: mix the sauce Start by making the sauce in a small bowl. Add 1/2 cup honey, 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce, 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger or 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, 2 tablespoons minced garlic, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Stir until everything is fully combined. This sauce is the flavor base for the whole dish, so take a moment to mix it well.

2-Second step: marinate the shrimp Place 1 pound of large shrimp in a medium bowl. Spoon about one-third of the sauce over the shrimp and toss to coat. If you have time, let it sit for about 30 minutes for deeper flavor. This short marinating step gives the shrimp a sweeter, richer taste without making the process complicated. Keep the remaining sauce aside for the skillet.

3-Third step: thicken the reserved sauce Whisk 1 teaspoon cornstarch into the remaining sauce. Set it aside while you cook the vegetables and shrimp. The cornstarch helps the sauce turn glossy later, so it clings nicely to each bite. If the sauce seems a little thin at the end, a brief simmer usually solves it.

4-Fourth step: cook the broccoli Heat a skillet over high heat and add 1 teaspoon olive oil. Once the pan is hot, add 2 cups broccoli cut into bite-sized pieces, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring often, until the broccoli softens but still keeps a little bite. Remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

5-Fifth step: cook the shrimp Add 2 tablespoons butter to the same skillet. Once it melts, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and start to curl. Shrimp cooks fast, so keep an eye on it. Overcooked shrimp can turn rubbery, so pull it from the heat as soon as it is opaque and pink.

6-Sixth step: add the sauce and finish Pour in the reserved sauce and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. The sauce should thicken slightly and coat the shrimp in a shiny glaze. Return the broccoli to the skillet and toss everything together until heated through. The broccoli picks up the sauce nicely, which makes every bite taste balanced and satisfying.

7-Final step: serve it up Serve honey garlic butter shrimp and broccoli over rice or pasta while it is hot. This dish also works well with cauliflower rice if you want a lighter option. The full recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, 10 minutes of cook time, and 20 minutes total, which makes it a very practical dinner for weeknights.