Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp

This honey butter Old Bay shrimp dish brings together sweet, savory, and spicy flavors in a way that feels both special and simple. The shrimp get a beautiful caramelized coating from the honey butter sauce that pairs perfectly with the warm, aromatic Old Bay seasoning. It comes together quickly, making it ideal for a busy weeknight or an impressive appetizer when guests are over.

I first made this when friends came over unexpectedly and was delighted by how quickly it disappeared. It’s easy enough for a quick dinner but impressive enough to share with company.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: three tablespoons provides a creamy base and helps caramelize the honey for a glossy finish. Choose fresh butter with a high fat content for best results
• Honey: two tablespoons adds natural sweetness that balances the spices. Pick raw or local honey if possible for richer flavor
• Old Bay seasoning: one tablespoon is the soul of this dish. Use a recently opened container for the freshest, most vibrant taste
• Large shrimp: one pound peeled and deveined. Select firm and fresh shrimp to ensure a tender bite and even cooking
• Garlic: two cloves minced builds deep savory notes and aroma. Mince finely to spread flavor evenly and avoid strong raw garlic bits
• Fresh parsley: chopped adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness. Choose bright green sprigs with firm leaves for the best garnish

Instructions

Pat the shrimp dry and season:

Pat the shrimp dry thoroughly with a paper towel to ensure they sear properly and develop a caramelized crust. Lightly season the shrimp with a small sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning to start layering flavor right away.

Melt butter and cook garlic with honey:

Place a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Stir in the honey and minced garlic, cooking for about one minute until the garlic becomes fragrant but does not brown. This infuses the butter with a sweet and savory aroma that will coat the shrimp.

Cook shrimp until caramelized:

Add the shrimp in a single layer without crowding the pan. Let them cook undisturbed for two to three minutes on one side until they turn pink and develop a slight caramelized color from the honey butter sauce. Flip and cook the other side for the same amount of time, ensuring juicy shrimp with the perfect glaze.

Finish and serve:

Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and a fresh herbal note. Serve immediately alongside rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious honey butter sauce.

I love how the honey creates a sticky glaze that clings to each shrimp. It always reminds me of summer cookouts where this recipe was the first to disappear from the table.

Storage Tips

Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently over low heat or in a skillet to keep them moist and prevent drying out. This dish is best eaten fresh but can be enjoyed shortly after storage without losing texture or flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Butter can be swapped with ghee or olive oil for different fat profiles and subtle flavor changes. If you are out of honey try using maple syrup or agave nectar though the flavor will be slightly different but still pleasantly sweet. In place of Old Bay seasoning a combination of paprika celery salt and a pinch of cayenne pepper offers a similar taste experience.

Serving Suggestions

Pair the shrimp with fluffy white rice that soaks up the honey butter sauce beautifully or mix them into pasta with a squeeze of lemon for a light and quick meal. Add steamed green beans or a crisp salad to balance the richness and add freshness. For entertaining serve shrimp piled high on toasted baguette slices for an easy yet impressive appetizer everyone will love.

Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. This quick, flavorful recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or as an impressive appetizer.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What type of shrimp works best?

Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp are ideal as they cook evenly and absorb the honey butter glaze well.

→ How to avoid rubbery shrimp?

Cook shrimp quickly over medium heat, about 2-3 minutes per side, until just pink and cooked through for tender texture.

→ Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes, modify the Old Bay seasoning amount to suit your taste or blend with other spices for a custom flavor.

→ What sides complement this dish?

Steamed rice, buttered pasta, or fresh crusty bread make excellent accompaniments to soak up the sauce.

→ Is fresh parsley necessary?

Parsley adds a bright, herbal contrast that lifts the dish but can be swapped with cilantro or chives if preferred.