Name: Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tbsp honey; 2 tsp Old Bay seasoning (plus more for seasoning shrimp); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp olive oil; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Sweet, savory, and packed with a little spice, Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings bold coastal flavors to the table with minimal effort. The buttery sauce caramelizes beautifully, while Old Bay seasoning adds that familiar tangy warmth. This is the kind of quick dinner I turn to when I want something comforting and impressive without much fuss. Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fast, flavorful, and versatile. The honey and butter balance the spice from the Old Bay seasoning perfectly, creating a sauce that clings to the shrimp in the most delicious way. Whether I serve it over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread, it’s always a hit. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or casual entertaining—ready in less than 20 minutes but tastes like I spent all day on it.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Unsalted butter
Honey
Old Bay seasoning
Garlic (minced)
Lemon juice
Olive oil
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

I start by patting the shrimp dry and seasoning them lightly with Old Bay.
In a skillet over medium heat, I add a bit of olive oil and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
I then add the shrimp and cook them for about 1-2 minutes on each side until just pink.
Next, I stir in butter, honey, more Old Bay seasoning, and a splash of lemon juice.
I let everything simmer together for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes the shrimp.
Finally, I garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings and takes around 15–20 minutes total—10 minutes for prep and just 10 minutes to cook.

Variations

When I want to change things up, I sometimes add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for extra heat. Swapping honey for maple syrup gives a different kind of sweetness. I’ve also tossed the shrimp with cooked linguine or spooned them over cheesy grits for a Southern twist. For a lighter option, I serve it over a crisp green salad.

Storage/Reheating

If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I use a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp. I add a splash of water or lemon juice to help loosen the sauce. I don’t recommend freezing since the texture of the shrimp can become rubbery.

FAQs

What is Old Bay seasoning made of?

Old Bay is a mix of celery salt, paprika, black pepper, cayenne, cinnamon, and other spices. It gives the shrimp that signature tangy-spicy flavor I love.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, I just make sure to thaw and pat them dry well before cooking to avoid watering down the sauce.

Is this dish very spicy?

It has a mild heat from the Old Bay, but the honey and butter mellow it out. I find it more savory than spicy.

Can I make this ahead of time?

I wouldn’t cook the shrimp in advance since they’re best fresh, but I do mix the sauce ingredients ahead to make it quicker when I’m ready to cook.

What can I serve this with?

I usually serve it over rice, but it’s also great with pasta, mashed potatoes, grits, or even tucked into tacos for something different.

Conclusion

Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp is the perfect mix of sweet, buttery, and bold seafood flavor. It’s fast enough for a weeknight but tastes like something I’d order at a coastal restaurant. Whether I’m cooking for myself or entertaining friends, this recipe always delivers a satisfying and flavorful meal.