1-First Step: Mix the sauce In a small bowl, whisk together 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 until combined. This creates the sweet and savory base that gives the honey garlic shrimp its signature flavor. If you like a little extra heat, you can add a pinch more red pepper flakes, but keep it light if you are serving kids.

2-Second Step: Marinate the shrimp Place 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl. Add one-third of the sauce and toss to coat. Let it sit while you cook the broccoli. This short marinating time helps the shrimp absorb flavor without getting mushy. If you are using frozen shrimp, thaw them fully first and pat them dry before adding the sauce.

3-Third Step: Thicken the remaining sauce To the remaining sauce in the bowl, add 1 teaspoon cornstarch and whisk well. This small step helps the sauce cling to the shrimp and broccoli later. If the cornstarch is not mixed in fully, the sauce may stay thin, so whisk until it looks smooth.

4-Fourth Step: Cook the broccoli Heat a skillet over high heat. Add 1 teaspoon olive oil, then add 2 cups broccoli cut into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir-fry for 5 to 6 minutes until the broccoli softens but still keeps some crunch. Then remove it from the pan and set it aside. If you are using frozen broccoli, thaw it first and pat it dry so extra moisture does not water down the pan.

5-Fifth Step: Cook the shrimp in butter Add 2 tablespoons butter to the same skillet. Once melted and hot, place the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and curl up. Shrimp cook fast, so stay close to the pan. If you overcrowd the skillet, they may steam instead of sear, so cook in batches if needed.

6-Sixth Step: Finish the sauce and bring it all together Add the reserved sauce to the skillet and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens. If it still looks thin, let it cook a little longer. Return the broccoli to the pan and toss everything together until heated through. The sauce should coat the shrimp and broccoli in a shiny layer.

7-Final Step: Serve and enjoy Serve your honey garlic shrimp broccoli stir fry over rice or pasta. It also works well with noodles, quinoa, or cauliflower rice if you want a lighter bowl. Spoon extra sauce over the top and serve right away while the shrimp are hot and tender.