Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp

This honey butter Old Bay shrimp recipe highlights large shrimp cooked in a luscious sauce where sweet honey and rich butter meet the warm, complex spice of Old Bay seasoning. Garlic adds aromatic depth while fresh parsley brings a bright, herbal finish. The shrimp caramelize in this mixture, producing a glossy glaze that is both sweet and savory, ideal alongside rice, pasta, or crusty bread. It's a quick and simple way to elevate shrimp with bold yet balanced flavors in just minutes.

I first made this for a casual dinner with friends and was amazed by how everyone asked for seconds. It’s simple but impressive every time.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: three tablespoons provides a creamy base and helps the honey caramelize for a smooth, rich sauce
• Honey: two tablespoons adds natural sweetness that balances the spice from Old Bay
• Old Bay seasoning: one tablespoon the key spice blend for a warm, slightly spicy complexity choose a fresh container for best flavor
• Large shrimp: one pound peeled and deveined select firm fresh shrimp to ensure tender texture and even cooking
• Garlic: two cloves minced builds savory depth and enhances aroma use fresh cloves for bright flavor
• Fresh parsley: chopped adds brightness and a fresh herbal finish pick vibrant green sprigs for visual appeal

Instructions

Pat the shrimp dry and season:

Pat the shrimp dry thoroughly with a paper towel to remove moisture this helps them sear properly. Lightly season with a bit of Old Bay so the flavors begin layering right away.

Melt butter and cook garlic with honey:

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Stir in the honey and minced garlic cook for about one minute until you can smell the garlic but it has not browned. This step infuses the butter with a sweet honey aroma and savory garlic flavor.

Cook shrimp until caramelized:

Add the shrimp in a single layer without crowding the pan. Let cook for two to three minutes on one side until pink and slightly caramelized in the honey butter sauce then flip and cook the other side for the same amount of time. Patience here ensures juicy shrimp with a flavorful glaze.

Finish and serve:

Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and fresh aroma. Serve immediately with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the honey butter sauce.

I love how the honey creates a sticky glaze that perfectly coats each shrimp. It always reminds me of summer cookouts where this dish was a hit and eaten up first, everyone reaching for more.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently over low heat or in a warm skillet to keep the shrimp tender and prevent drying out. This dish shines when fresh but keeps well for short term storage.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap regular butter for ghee or olive oil if you want a different fat profile and a subtle flavor shift. Maple syrup or agave nectar works if you do not have honey on hand but expect a slightly different sweetness. If Old Bay is not available, use a mix of paprika celery salt and a pinch of cayenne to achieve similar warmth and complexity.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with fluffy white rice to soak up all the honey butter sauce or toss the shrimp with pasta and a squeeze of lemon for a quick satisfying dinner. Steamed green beans or a crisp salad balance the richness beautifully. For casual entertaining, pile the shrimp on toasted baguette slices for a simple yet impressive appetizer.

This honey butter Old Bay shrimp is a fast, flavorful dish that turns simple ingredients into an impressive meal. Serve it hot and watch it disappear.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What type of shrimp works best for this dish?

Large, peeled and deveined shrimp are ideal to ensure even cooking and allow the honey butter glaze to coat each piece perfectly.

→ How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery?

Cook shrimp quickly over medium heat, about 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and just cooked through to maintain tenderness.

→ Can I adjust the spiciness of the Old Bay seasoning?

Yes, you can reduce or increase the amount of Old Bay or mix in other spices to customize the flavor to your preference.

→ What sides pair well with this shrimp preparation?

This shrimp pairs excellently with steamed rice, buttered pasta, or crusty bread to help soak up the flavorful honey butter sauce.

→ Is fresh parsley essential in this dish?

Parsley adds a fresh, herbal brightness that complements the rich sauce but can be swapped with cilantro or chives if desired.