1-First step: Mix the sauce In a small bowl, stir together the 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. This sweet and savory base is what gives the dish its signature flavor. If you want a milder meal for kids or anyone sensitive to spice, you can skip the red pepper flakes.

2-Second step: Marinate the shrimp briefly Place the 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined in a separate bowl and toss with one-third of the sauce. Let it sit while you cook the broccoli. You can marinate the shrimp for up to 30 minutes if you want a deeper flavor, but even a short soak works fine. If you kept the tails on for presentation, that is totally okay too.

3-Third step: Thicken the remaining sauce Whisk the 1 teaspoon cornstarch into the remaining sauce. This helps the sauce cling to the shrimp and broccoli later. Set it aside while you cook the vegetables. If you like a thicker glaze, let the sauce simmer a little longer at the end.

4-Fourth step: Cook the broccoli Heat a skillet over high heat. Add the 1 teaspoon olive oil, then add the 2 cups broccoli, cut into bite-sized pieces, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring now and then, until the broccoli is tender but still bright green. Remove it from the skillet and set it aside. If you are using frozen broccoli, thaw it first and pat it dry so it does not steam too much.

5-Fifth step: Sear the shrimp Add the 2 tablespoons butter to the hot skillet. Once melted, place the shrimp in a single layer in the pan. Cook for about 2 minutes per side, just until the shrimp turns pink and curls into a loose C shape. Do not cook it too long, or it can turn rubbery. Discard the marinade used on the shrimp to keep the dish safe and fresh.

6-Sixth step: Finish the sauce Pour the reserved sauce into the skillet and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. The sauce should thicken and look glossy. If it seems thin, give it another minute or two. This is the part where the dish starts looking like the kind of honey garlic butter shrimp recipe you would happily order at a restaurant.

7-Final step: Bring everything together and serve Return the broccoli to the skillet and toss everything together so the shrimp and broccoli get coated in the sauce. Heat just until warmed through. Serve right away over rice, noodles, or pasta. If you want a simple meal with great flavor, this honey garlic shrimp dish is hard to beat.