Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp

Category: Food That Makes People Think You've Got Life Figured Out

Golden shrimp simmer in a rich honey butter sauce with a hint of Old Bay and garlic, creating a deliciously sweet and savory flavor. This dish comes together quickly in one skillet, making it perfect for easy weeknight dinners or special gatherings. The shrimp caramelize gently, soaking up the buttery sauce and aromatic spices, then get a final sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and freshness. Serve these shrimp immediately with warm rice, pasta, or rustic bread to enjoy every last bit of the sauce.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Sun, 17 Aug 2025 23:28:57 GMT
A pan of shrimp with honey butter and old bay seasoning. Save
A pan of shrimp with honey butter and old bay seasoning. | lilicooks.com

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.
Shrimp with butter and honey. Save
Shrimp with butter and honey. | lilicooks.com

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.

A close up of shrimp in a pan. Save
A close up of shrimp in a pan. | lilicooks.com

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.

Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp

Juicy shrimp glazed with honey butter, Old Bay, and garlic, finished with parsley for a bold, flavorful dish.

Preparation Time
10 min
Cooking Time
10 min
Overall Time
20 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Party & Snacks

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 4 Serves

Dietary Options: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 2 tablespoons honey
03 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
04 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
05 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 Fresh parsley, chopped

Steps

Step 01

Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel. Season lightly with Old Bay seasoning.

Step 02

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the honey and garlic, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and caramelized in the honey butter sauce.

Step 04

Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately with rice, pasta, or bread.

Required Tools

  • Large skillet
  • Paper towel

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Shellfish
  • Dairy

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 210
  • Fats: 9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Proteins: 19 g