1. Homepage
  2. All Recipes
  3. Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp

Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

This dish features large shrimp cooked to juicy perfection in a rich honey butter sauce infused with the warm and savory spices of Old Bay seasoning. Garlic adds a fragrant depth while fresh parsley provides a bright, herbal finish. The shrimp develop a caramelized glaze balancing sweetness and savoriness, delivering a vibrant seafood experience. Simple steps highlight natural flavors and tender texture, ideal for pairing with rice, pasta, or bread for an easy and satisfying meal.

Save Recipe Spread the Word Share Recipe Print It Now Skip to Recipe
A woman in a white chef's coat holding a glass of wine.
Provided By Lina
Last updated on Wed, 15 Oct 2025 21:54:02 GMT
A pan of shrimp with a sauce of honey, butter, and Old Bay seasoning. Bookmark
A pan of shrimp with a sauce of honey, butter, and Old Bay seasoning. | deliciousrecipeshere.com

This recipe highlights large shrimp cooked in a luscious honey butter sauce infused with warm Old Bay seasoning and fresh garlic. The shrimp take on a caramelized glaze that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors while the fresh parsley adds a bright finish. It’s an easy dish that elevates simple ingredients into a satisfying meal perfect alongside rice, pasta, or crusty bread.

I first made this for a casual dinner with friends and was amazed that everyone asked for seconds. It’s simple to throw together but always feels special.

Ingredients

  • Unsalted butter: three tablespoons provides a creamy base and helps caramelize the honey
  • Honey: two tablespoons adds natural sweetness that balances the Old Bay's spice
  • Old Bay seasoning: one tablespoon is the star of the flavor profile pick a fresh container for the best aroma and taste
  • Large shrimp: one pound peeled and deveined choose firm, fresh shrimp for the best texture
  • Garlic: two cloves minced adds savory depth and aroma
  • Fresh parsley: chopped adds brightness and a fresh finish pick vibrant green sprigs

Instructions

Pat the shrimp dry and season:
Pat the shrimp dry thoroughly with a paper towel to help them sear properly. Lightly sprinkle Old Bay seasoning over the shrimp so the flavors begin layering immediately.
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 smell the garlic but before it starts to burn. This step infuses the butter with honey sweetness and garlic aroma.
Cook shrimp until caramelized:
Add the shrimp in a single layer without crowding the pan. Let the shrimp cook for two to three minutes on one side until they turn pink and get slightly caramelized in the honey butter sauce. Flip and cook the other side for the same amount of time. Being patient here ensures juicy shrimp coated in a flavorful glaze.
Finish and serve:
Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the shrimp for a burst of color and freshness. Serve right away with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up every delicious drop of the sauce.
Shrimp with honey butter and old bay seasoning.
Shrimp with honey butter and old bay seasoning. | deliciousrecipeshere.com

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 the first to disappear from the serving tray.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently over low heat or in a warm skillet to prevent the shrimp from drying out. This dish is best fresh but keeping it for a short time in the fridge preserves its texture and flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap unsalted butter for ghee or olive oil for a different fat profile. Maple syrup or agave nectar work if you don’t have honey on hand though the flavor will change slightly. If Old Bay is unavailable, mixing paprika, celery salt, and a pinch of cayenne makes a close substitute.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with fluffy white rice to soak up all the sauce or toss with pasta and a squeeze of lemon for a quick main dish. A side of steamed green beans or a crisp green salad balances the richness nicely. For a casual party, place the shrimp on toasted baguette slices for a simple but impressive appetizer.

A plate of shrimp with butter and honey.
A plate of shrimp with butter and honey. | deliciousrecipeshere.com

Serve immediately to enjoy the glossy honey butter glaze on the shrimp. It pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ What type of shrimp works best for this dish?

Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp work best as they cook evenly and hold the honey butter glaze well.

→ How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery?

Cook shrimp quickly over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until just pink to keep them tender and juicy.

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

Yes, adjust the amount of Old Bay to taste or mix in additional spices to customize the flavor profile.

→ What sides pair well with this shrimp preparation?

Steamed rice, buttered pasta, or crusty bread are excellent for soaking up the honey butter sauce.

→ Is fresh parsley essential in this dish?

Parsley adds a fresh, herbal brightness but can be replaced with cilantro or chives if preferred.

Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp

Large shrimp glazed in honey butter with Old Bay and fresh parsley, perfect with rice or crusty bread.

Prep Time
5 minutes
Cooking Time
8 minutes
Total Time
13 minutes
Provided By: Lina

Recipe Type: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Great for Beginners

Cuisine Inspiration: American

Portion Size: 4 Serving Size

Dietary Preferences: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

What You’ll Need

→ Sauce

01 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 2 tablespoons honey
03 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
04 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Seafood

05 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

→ Garnish

06 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Steps to Make This

Step 01

Pat shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing. Lightly sprinkle with Old Bay seasoning to begin layering flavors.

Step 02

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt butter. Stir in honey and minced garlic, cooking for about one minute until fragrant without burning garlic.

Step 03

Add shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook 2 to 3 minutes on one side until pink and caramelized, then flip and cook an additional 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 04

Remove skillet from heat. Sprinkle chopped parsley over shrimp. Serve immediately with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to absorb the honey butter sauce.

Additional Notes

  1. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure shrimp caramelize instead of steaming.
  2. Use fresh minced garlic for balanced aroma without overpowering bites.
  3. Fresh parsley adds brightness and color, enhancing the final presentation.
  4. Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated up to 2 days; reheat gently.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Paper towels
  • Measuring spoons
  • Knife and chopping board

Allergy Warnings

Always check ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a healthcare provider if needed.
  • Contains shellfish
  • Contains honey (not suitable for infants under 1 year)

Nutrition Details (Per Portion)

These details are for informational purposes and aren’t a substitute for professional guidance.
  • Calories: 210
  • Fat: 13 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 12.5 grams
  • Proteins: 18 grams