Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp
Creamy, juicy, and bursting with sweet-salty flavor, Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp is the kind of quick weeknight dish that feels indulgent without any fuss. This recipe takes plump shrimp, tosses them in a luscious honey-butter glaze, and finishes them with the unmistakable kick of Old Bay seasoning — simple, speedy, and totally craveable. Fun fact: Old Bay was originally created for crab and seafood in Baltimore, but it has a way of making everything from fries to popcorn sing. If you love comfort seafood like our Cheddar Bay Crab Cakes with Lemon Butter Drizzle, you’ll find this shrimp just as satisfying and even faster to pull together. It’s family-friendly, pantry-friendly, and perfect for anyone who wants a restaurant-style plate on a Tuesday night. Get ready — this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds.
What is Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp?
What’s in a name? Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp sounds like the lovechild of a Southern diner and a Chesapeake Bay crab shack — and honestly, that’s exactly the vibe. Curious where the name comes from? Imagine honey and butter getting cozy with the tangy, herbal punch of Old Bay — irresistible, right? Some say the phrase “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Maybe it’s true, because one bite of these caramelized shrimp has a knack for winning people over. Try it for yourself and see if it doesn’t become a new weeknight favorite.
Why You’ll Love This
This recipe hits three big reasons you’ll love it. First, the honey-butter glaze is the main highlight: buttery richness balanced by honey’s mellow sweetness and Old Bay’s savory warmth — a perfect flavor trifecta. Second, making it at home saves money compared to ordering shrimp from a restaurant, and you control the ingredients and portions. Third, the final sprinkle of fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon adds brightness and texture that makes every bite pop. If you’re a fan of sweet-and-savory combos like our Cinnamon Honey Butter, this shrimp delivers a similar cozy sweetness with a seafood twist. Don’t wait — give it a try tonight.
How to Make
Quick Overview
This dish is ridiculously easy and richly flavored. You’ll appreciate the simplicity of a one-skillet meal that delivers slightly caramelized shrimp with a silky honey-butter sauce. Prep time is minimal and the cooking is fast — total time about 15 minutes. Expect tender, juicy shrimp with a glossy, slightly sticky coating — a standout element that feels special but doesn’t require effort.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 6 to 8 minutes
Total time: ~15 minutes
Ingredients
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature or cut into pieces
2 tablespoons honey, measured and ready
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning, plus extra for finishing if desired
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails optional
2 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 teaspoon)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Lightly season both sides with 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning. Set aside.
- Make the Honey Butter Sauce: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 tablespoons unsalted butter and let it melt, swirling the pan to coat. Stir in 2 tablespoons honey and 2 cloves minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and the honey starts to meld with the butter. Be careful not to let the garlic brown.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer so they sear evenly. Cook without moving for 2 to 3 minutes, until the undersides are pink and just beginning to caramelize. Flip each shrimp and cook the other side for another 2 to 3 minutes, spooning the honey-butter sauce over them so they glaze nicely. Shrimp are done when opaque and slightly firm to the touch.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp for color and freshness. Serve immediately with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to sop up the sauce.
What to Serve With
- Steamed white or jasmine rice — a classic and easy base to soak up the sauce.
- Buttered pasta or linguine tossed with a squeeze of lemon for a light, silky pairing.
- Roasted or grilled vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini for a wholesome plate.
- A crisp green salad with a bright vinaigrette to cut the richness.
- Crusty bread and a chilled glass of white wine or iced tea for a more relaxed dinner vibe.
Top Tips for Perfecting
- Use large shrimp for the best texture — they’re less likely to overcook quickly.
- Pat shrimp thoroughly dry so they sear and caramelize instead of steaming.
- If your honey is thick, warm it slightly so it blends smoothly with the butter.
- Don’t overcook: shrimp go from perfect to rubbery fast. Remove when opaque and just firm.
- For a citrus lift, add a squeeze of lemon or lime right before serving.
- To boost heat, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic.
- Common mistake: cooking on too-high heat can burn the honey. Keep to medium and adjust if sizzling too aggressively.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The sauce will thicken as it cools.
Freezing: Not recommended for best texture; cooked shrimp tend to become rubbery after freezing and reheating.
Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat with a teaspoon of butter or a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Microwave on low power in short bursts if needed, stirring between intervals. Avoid high heat to prevent overcooking the shrimp.
FAQs
What type of shrimp is best for this recipe?
Large or jumbo shrimp work best because they stay plump and juicy. Use peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience and faster cooking.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes — thaw frozen shrimp in the refrigerator or under cold running water, then pat dry before seasoning and cooking.
Is Old Bay the only seasoning I can use?
Old Bay gives a classic seafood flavor, but you can substitute a seafood seasoning blend or a mix of paprika, celery salt, and a pinch of cayenne.
Can I make this without butter?
You can use olive oil, but butter gives the sauce its signature richness and helps the honey caramelize properly.
How do I make more sauce if I want to serve a crowd?
Double the butter and honey while keeping the Old Bay roughly proportional. Cook in batches so the shrimp sear evenly.
Conclusion
This Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp is a fast, flavorful weeknight hero that proves special meals don’t need hours in the kitchen. It’s simple to make, wallet-friendly compared to dining out, and packed with sweet, buttery, and savory notes that everyone will love. If you want a quick variation or inspiration from other cooks, check out this 15 Minute Honey Butter Old Bay Garlic Shrimp Recipe – Bowl Me Over for a similar take, or see a different twist at Old Bay Honey Shrimp ~ The Moody Blonde. Give this recipe a try, share it with family or friends, and enjoy the applause that comes with a perfectly glazed pan of shrimp.
Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp
Equipment
- Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature or cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons honey measured and ready
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning plus extra for finishing if desired
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined, tails optional
- 2 cloves garlic minced (about 1 teaspoon)
- to taste fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Lightly season both sides with 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning. Set aside.
- Make the Honey Butter Sauce: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 tablespoons unsalted butter and let it melt, swirling the pan to coat. Stir in 2 tablespoons honey and 2 cloves minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and the honey starts to meld with the butter. Be careful not to let the garlic brown.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer so they sear evenly. Cook without moving for 2 to 3 minutes, until the undersides are pink and just beginning to caramelize. Flip each shrimp and cook the other side for another 2 to 3 minutes, spooning the honey-butter sauce over them so they glaze nicely. Shrimp are done when opaque and slightly firm to the touch.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp for color and freshness. Serve immediately with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to sop up the sauce.