Sweet and Savory Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp - Easy sweet meal

Sweet and Savory Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp

by Emily
Sweet and Savory Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp

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This Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp recipe is the perfect weeknight dinner for seafood lovers. Juicy, tender shrimp are coated in a luscious blend of honey and butter, then seasoned with the iconic Old Bay spice mix, creating a flavor profile that’s both sweet and savory. The garlic adds a fragrant aroma, while a hint of red pepper flakes delivers a subtle kick for those who enjoy a little heat. Every bite is rich, buttery, and bursting with flavor, making this dish an instant favorite for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or even party appetizers.

Ready in under 20 minutes, this dish brings restaurant-quality seafood to your home kitchen with minimal effort. It’s an easy way to elevate ordinary shrimp into a mouthwatering dinner or elegant appetizer. Serve it over steamed rice, creamy mashed potatoes, buttery pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up every drop of the decadent honey butter sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Prepares in just 15–20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

  • Flavor-Packed: Sweet honey, buttery richness, and Old Bay spice create a balanced, irresistible taste.

  • Family-Friendly: Mildly sweet and savory, loved by adults and kids alike.

  • Versatile: Works as a main course, appetizer, or party food.

  • Minimal Ingredients: Uses pantry staples without sacrificing flavor.

  • Crowd-Pleasing: Elegant enough for entertaining yet simple enough for everyday meals.

Ingredient Breakdown

Large Shrimp – Fresh or frozen shrimp (peeled and deveined) are the star of the dish. They cook quickly and absorb the sauce beautifully, giving each bite a tender, juicy texture.

Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and creaminess, serving as the perfect base for the honey and seasonings. Using unsalted allows you to control the saltiness.

Honey – Balances the savory flavors with natural sweetness and helps create a sticky, caramelized glaze on the shrimp.

Old Bay Seasoning – A classic seafood spice mix that adds depth and signature flavor. Its combination of paprika, celery salt, and spices gives shrimp a bold, aromatic taste.

Garlic – Fresh garlic provides an aromatic punch and enhances the overall savory notes of the dish.

Red Pepper Flakes (Optional) – Adds subtle heat for those who like a little spice. Can be omitted for a milder version.

Fresh Parsley – Brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor at the end.

Olive Oil (Optional) – Helps prevent sticking when cooking shrimp in a skillet and adds extra flavor.

Salt & Pepper – Used to season the shrimp to taste and balance the sweetness and richness of the sauce.

Sweet and Savory Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp
Pro Tips

  • Pat Shrimp Dry: Moisture prevents browning, so always pat shrimp dry before cooking.

  • Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook quickly; overcooking makes them rubbery. Aim for 2–3 minutes per side until opaque.

  • Layer Flavors: Sprinkle some Old Bay directly on the shrimp before cooking and the rest during cooking to build depth.

  • Use Medium Heat: Cooking at medium heat ensures the honey butter doesn’t burn while allowing shrimp to caramelize.

  • Serve Immediately: The sauce is best served fresh, so plate the shrimp as soon as they’re done.

Ingredient Swaps or Variations

  • Butter Alternatives: Use ghee or coconut oil for a different flavor profile.

  • Honey Substitutes: Maple syrup or agave nectar works if you prefer a milder sweetness.

  • Spice Variations: Swap Old Bay with Cajun or Creole seasoning for a Southern twist.

  • Shrimp Sizes: Jumbo or medium shrimp both work; adjust cooking time slightly for larger shrimp.

  • Add Citrus: A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice at the end brightens the dish and complements the sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

  • Over Rice: White, brown, or jasmine rice pairs perfectly to soak up the sauce.

  • With Pasta: Toss cooked linguine or fettuccine with the honey butter sauce for a shrimp pasta dinner.

  • On a Salad: Place warm shrimp over a bed of mixed greens for a light, flavorful meal.

  • With Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted asparagus, zucchini, or broccoli for a balanced plate.

  • As Appetizers: Skewer shrimp for party-friendly finger food.

Make Ahead + Storage Tips

  • Prep Ahead: Peel and devein shrimp up to 24 hours in advance and store in the refrigerator.

  • Storage: Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

  • Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking. Do not microwave at high heat as shrimp will become rubbery.

  • Sauce Make-Ahead: Honey butter sauce can be prepared in advance and warmed before tossing with cooked shrimp.

Cultural or Historical Notes

Old Bay seasoning is a classic American spice blend developed in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1939. Originally intended for crabs and seafood, it has become a staple in many kitchens for adding bold, savory flavor to shrimp, chicken, and even roasted vegetables. Combining it with honey and butter gives this shrimp recipe a modern, sweet-savory twist that is both comforting and indulgent.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
A: Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure proper caramelization.

Q: Can I make this dish spicy?
A: Absolutely! Add extra red pepper flakes or use a spicier seasoning blend like Cajun or Creole.

Q: What can I serve with Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp?
A: Serve with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even in tacos for a fun twist.

Q: How do I prevent the honey from burning?
A: Cook over medium heat and add honey after the butter has melted. Stir constantly and avoid high heat.

Q: Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
A: Yes, use a larger skillet or cook in batches to ensure even cooking and proper sauce coverage.

Sweet and Savory Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp
Emily

Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp

Sweet, buttery, and full of bold seasoning — this Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp is pan-seared in a garlicky honey butter sauce with classic Old Bay spice. Quick to make in under 20 minutes, it’s perfect served over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 260

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste (optional)
  • 1 tsp olive oil (for skillet, if needed)

Equipment

  • large non-stick or cast iron skillet
  • paper towels
  • spatula or tongs
  • mixing bowl (optional, for seasoning mix)

Method
 

  1. Pat shrimp dry using paper towels. Lightly sprinkle a pinch of Old Bay seasoning over the shrimp and let sit while you prep the skillet.
  2. In a large non-stick or cast iron skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add honey and minced garlic. Stir and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant and bubbly. Add red pepper flakes if using.
  3. Add shrimp in a single layer to the skillet. Sprinkle remaining Old Bay seasoning over the shrimp. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque with slight caramelization. Spoon sauce over shrimp as they cook.
  4. Remove skillet from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread.

Notes

For extra heat, add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce. This dish is also great with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving. Serve as a main over carbs, or as an appetizer with toothpicks. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently in a skillet.

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