Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp

This dish features large shrimp cooked in a luscious honey butter sauce infused with Old Bay seasoning. The combination of sweet honey and savory butter with warm, spicy notes from Old Bay creates a caramelized glaze that makes every bite deliciously vibrant. Garlic deepens the flavor while fresh parsley adds brightness, turning simple shrimp into a special treat perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a festive appetizer.

I first made this for a casual dinner with friends and was surprised by how everyone asked for seconds. It’s a simple recipe that makes a big impression every time.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: three tablespoons creates a rich creamy base helping the honey caramelize beautifully
• Honey: two tablespoons brings natural sweetness that balances the warmth and spice of the Old Bay
• Old Bay seasoning: one tablespoon is the star spice blend providing the unique savory and slightly spicy flavor choose a fresh jar for the most potent taste
• Large shrimp: one pound peeled and deveined choose firm fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor
• Garlic: two cloves minced builds deep aroma and savory notes enhancing the sauce
• Fresh parsley: chopped adds a fresh herbal brightness finish pick sprigs with vibrant green leaves for color

Instructions

Pat the shrimp dry and season:

Pat the shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels to help them sear well and develop a nice caramelized crust. Lightly sprinkle a bit of Old Bay seasoning on the shrimp at this stage so the flavors start layering early.

Melt butter and cook garlic with honey:

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter completely. Stir in honey and minced garlic. Cook the mixture for about one minute until you can smell the garlic but it has not browned. This step infuses the butter with sweet honey flavor and garlic aroma without bitterness.

Cook shrimp until caramelized:

Add the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet making sure not to crowd the pan for even cooking. Let cook undisturbed for two to three minutes on one side until the shrimp turn pink and have a slight caramelized glaze from the honey butter. Flip each shrimp and cook the other side for another two to three minutes ensuring they are just cooked through and juicy.

Finish and serve:

Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the top to add a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve the shrimp immediately with fluffy rice, pasta, or crusty bread to enjoy every drop of the luscious sauce.

One of my favorite parts is how the honey creates a sticky, shiny glaze that hugs each shrimp. It brings back memories of summer cookouts when this dish disappeared off the table faster than anything else.

Storage tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently over low heat or in a warm skillet to avoid drying out the shrimp. The dish is best eaten fresh but keeping leftovers short in the fridge preserves the texture and flavor.

Ingredient substitutions

You can replace unsalted butter with ghee or olive oil if you want to change the fat profile. Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used instead of honey though the flavor will be a bit different. If Old Bay seasoning is not available try a mix of paprika celery salt and just a pinch of cayenne pepper to mimic the spices.

Serving suggestions

Pair the shrimp with fluffy white rice to soak up the sauce or toss with pasta and add a squeeze of lemon for a quick and satisfying main dish. Serve alongside steamed green beans or a crisp salad to balance the richness. For a casual appetizer offer the shrimp on toasted baguette slices to impress guests simply.

Serve immediately to enjoy the glossy honey butter glaze. It’s a quick impressive dish for weeknights or gatherings.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What type of shrimp works best for this dish?

Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp provide the best texture and allow the honey butter glaze to coat evenly for optimal flavor.

→ 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 keep them tender.

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

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

→ What sides pair well with this shrimp preparation?

Steamed rice, buttered pasta, or fresh crusty bread soak up the honey butter sauce perfectly and balance the flavors.

→ Is fresh parsley essential in this dish?

Parsley adds a fresh, herbal brightness to the rich sauce but can be omitted or substituted with cilantro or chives if preferred.