Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp

Sweet buttery shrimp coated in bold Old Bay seasoning is one of those quick meals that tastes indulgent but comes together in no time. It is the kind of dish I crave on busy nights or whenever I want something fast but packed with flavor. This honey butter Old Bay shrimp is the ultimate weeknight dinner upgrade that always gets rave reviews at my table.

I whipped this up after a long workday when the cupboards looked bare and now it is one of my favorite go-to meals year round. My family loves it so much that they always ask for extra bread to soak up every drop of the sweet and savory sauce.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: brings creaminess and richness use good quality real butter for the best flavor
• Honey: lends a mellow sweetness that balances the spice choose locally made honey if possible
• Old Bay seasoning: is the star providing a bold savory kick make sure it is fresh
• Large shrimp: look for firm glossy shrimp that smell like the ocean
• Fresh garlic: adds punch and aromatic depth always use fresh cloves
• Fresh parsley: makes things bright and pretty buy a bunch with crisp green leaves

Step by Step Instructions

Pat Dry and Season:

Use a paper towel to pat the shrimp very dry so they sear not steam. Sprinkle a little Old Bay on both sides so every shrimp is seasoned.

Melt Butter and Infuse Honey Garlic:

Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Let it melt slowly then pour in honey and toss in the minced garlic. Stir constantly for about one minute until the garlic is fragrant and the honey has blended smoothly into the butter. This step releases the best aroma and is key for deep flavor.

Sear the Shrimp:

Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the hot skillet. Let them cook undisturbed for two to three minutes until the bottom side is golden and the edges start to turn pink. Flip each shrimp over and cook for another two to three minutes until fully pink and caramelized in the sauce. Be careful not to overcook as shrimp can turn rubbery fast.

Garnish and Serve:

Turn off the heat and toss the shrimp to coat in the sticky sauce. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for color and brightness. Serve right away with a side like rice pasta or crusty bread to soak up every drop.

Save

I absolutely love using local honey because a beekeeper in my neighborhood gifted me a jar once. Now every time I make this dish I remember the flavor of that summer harvest. My kids always beg for the extra sauce so I double it and keep a little reserved for dipping bread.

Storage Tips

Leftover shrimp keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. If storing with sauce keep the sauce separate if possible and reheat gently on low to keep the shrimp tender and prevent the sauce from breaking.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute maple syrup for honey for a slightly deeper sweetness or try using ghee in place of regular butter for a richer flavor. If you cannot find Old Bay any celery salt based seafood seasoning will work in a pinch.

Serving Suggestions

Pile the shrimp over lemony rice serve with a cool cucumber salad or toss onto warm cooked pasta for an instant meal. Sometimes I toast thick slices of bread and let everyone make their own little shrimp toasts at the table.

Save

Cultural and Historical Context

Old Bay seasoning is a classic American spice blend with roots along the East Coast often paired with seafood. The blend has been beloved since the nineteen forties for its unique mix of celery salt paprika and other spices that perfectly complement shellfish dishes like this one.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, thaw frozen shrimp thoroughly and pat dry before cooking to achieve the best texture and flavor.

→ What can I serve alongside this dish?

Honey butter Old Bay shrimp pairs well with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to absorb the sauce.

→ Is it necessary to use fresh parsley for garnish?

Fresh parsley adds brightness, but you can use dried parsley or skip if unavailable.

→ Can I substitute another seasoning for Old Bay?

While Old Bay offers unique flavor, Cajun or Creole seasoning makes a good alternative in a pinch.

→ How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?

Cook shrimp just until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side, to maintain a tender bite.