Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp is a fast skillet dinner built around a simple sweet-savory combination. Honey and butter make a glossy sauce, while Old Bay brings the salty, peppery seafood flavor that keeps the dish from tasting overly sweet.
Why You’ll Like This Shrimp
- Only a few ingredients: shrimp, butter, honey, olive oil, and Old Bay do the work.
- Quick stovetop method: the sauce comes together in the same skillet used to cook the shrimp.
- Sweet and savory: honey softens the spice and saltiness of the seasoning.
- Easy to serve: spoon it over rice, pasta, grits, or vegetables.
Ingredient Notes
Large shrimp are a good fit because they are easier to cook without overdoing them. If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and pat dry first.
Old Bay seasoning is fairly assertive, so coating the shrimp evenly matters more than adding extra seasoning after cooking. Honey and butter should be warmed just long enough to blend into a smooth sauce before the shrimp go in.
Tips for Juicy Shrimp
- Dry the shrimp before seasoning so the Old Bay sticks instead of becoming watery.
- Do not let the honey-butter mixture scorch. Medium-high heat is enough once the ingredients are combined.
- Cook only until the shrimp are opaque and firm. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery quickly.
- If the sauce thickens too much as it cools, warm it gently rather than boiling it hard.
Serving Ideas
This shrimp works well over white rice, fried rice, noodles, mashed potatoes, or alongside corn and a simple salad. For more quick shrimp dinners, try Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp, Lemon Butter Baked Shrimp, or browse the Seafood recipes collection.
Storage and Reheating
Keep leftovers refrigerated in a covered container. Reheat briefly in a skillet over low heat, stirring just enough to loosen the butter sauce. The shrimp only need to be warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this less sweet?
The published recipe uses 3 tablespoons of honey. If you prefer a more savory result, serve the shrimp with plain rice or vegetables so the sauce is balanced by a neutral side.
Can I use smaller shrimp?
Yes, but they will cook faster, so watch them closely and remove them from the heat as soon as they turn opaque.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. honey
- 4 Tbsp. butter
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 Tbsp. Old Bay seasoning
How To Make Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp
- Place the butter and honey in a skillet over medium-high heat. Stir to combine and cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
- In a bowl, coat the shrimp with the olive oil and Old Bay seasoning.
- Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and sauté until completely cooked through.
- Serve warm with the honey-butter sauce spooned over the shrimp.
