A Hands-Off Way to Sear Shrimp: Garlicky Broiled Shrimp
A Hands-Off Way to Sear Shrimp: Garlicky Broiled Shrimp is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 190 calories per serving. Recipe by America's Test Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 45 min | Cook: 5 min | Total: 1 hr
Cost: $19.40 total, $3.23 per serving
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds Extra Large Shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails left on; untreated if possible)
- 0.5 teaspoon Kosher Salt (helps draw out moisture; skip if using pre‑treated shrimp)
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted; provides richness and helps browning)
- 1 tablespoon Honey (adds a subtle sweetness and aids caramelization)
- 6 cloves Garlic (grated using a rasp‑style grater)
- 0.5 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (adds a gentle heat; optional)
- 1 Lemon (fresh juice added just before serving)
Instructions
Peel and Devein Shrimp
Using deveining scissors, cut along the back of each shrimp and pull out the vein. Keep the tails on for a handy handle.
Time: PT10M
Salt the Shrimp
Place the shrimp in a bowl, sprinkle ½ teaspoon kosher salt, toss to coat, and let sit for 15–30 minutes to draw out moisture.
Time: PT20M
Dry the Shrimp
Spread the shrimp on a paper‑towel‑lined plate and pat gently with additional paper towels to remove excess liquid.
Time: PT5M
Prepare Garlic‑Honey Butter Sauce
Combine 4 tbsp unsalted butter and 1 tbsp honey in a microwave‑safe bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave 30–60 seconds until melted. Let cool a minute, then stir in 6 grated garlic cloves and ½ tsp red pepper flakes. Allow the mixture to sit for about 5 minutes.
Time: PT6M
Coat Shrimp in Sauce
Return the dried shrimp to the bowl and toss until each piece is evenly coated with the garlic‑honey butter.
Time: PT2M
Preheat Broiler and Prepare Pan
Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Preheat the oven’s broiler and position the rack about 4 inches below the broiler element.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Broil
Arrange Shrimp for Broiling
Spread the coated shrimp in a single layer on the wire rack, leaving a little space between each piece.
Time: PT3M
Broil Shrimp
Broil the shrimp for 3–5 minutes, until they turn pink, lightly char at the edges, and are cooked through.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Broil
Finish and Serve
Remove the shrimp from the oven, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top, and serve immediately.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 190
- Protein
- 27g
- Carbohydrates
- 3g
- Fat
- 8g
- Fiber
- 0g
Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Pescatarian
Allergens: Shellfish, Dairy, Honey
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Extra Large Shrimp: Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Instead of Kosher Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Clarified butter, Ghee
- Instead of Honey: Maple syrup
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic paste
- Instead of Red Pepper Flakes: Cayenne pepper
- Instead of Lemon: Lime juice
Equipment Needed
- Deveining Scissors
- Paring Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Microwave
- Rasp Grater
- Paper Towels
- Baking Sheet (Foil‑Lined)
- Wire Rack
- Oven with Broiler
- Tongs
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Salting the shrimp to draw out moisture
- Preparing the garlic‑honey butter sauce without overheating
- Broiling the shrimp for the correct short time
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use extra‑large shrimp (21–25 count) for a meatier bite and easier handling.
- Leave the tails on for a natural “handle” that makes eating the shrimp more fun.
- Grate garlic with a rasp‑style grater for maximum flavor release.
- A splash of fresh lemon juice right before serving balances the richness of the butter.
Troubleshooting
Shrimp are rubbery or overcooked.
Broil for no more than 5 minutes and watch closely; remove as soon as they turn pink and lightly charred.
Butter sauce separates or looks oily.
Do not overheat the butter; melt gently and add garlic and flakes after the butter has cooled slightly.
Shrimp release too much liquid and become soggy.
Pat the shrimp dry thoroughly after salting and use paper towels to absorb excess moisture before tossing in the sauce.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat gently under a broiler or in a skillet.
Freezer: Not recommended – freezing changes the texture of shrimp.
Room temperature: Serve immediately; do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The garlic‑honey butter sauce can be made up to 2 hours ahead and kept at room temperature.
- Salted shrimp can be prepared earlier; just keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to broil.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Garlicky Broiled Shrimp in American cuisine?
Garlicky Broiled Shrimp reflects the American love for quick, high‑flavor seafood dishes that can be prepared with minimal effort. Broiling became popular in the U.S. after home ovens added the broiler element, allowing home cooks to achieve restaurant‑style char without a grill.
What traditional regional variations of garlicky shrimp exist within American cuisine?
In the Gulf Coast, shrimp are often tossed with Cajun spices and served over rice. In the Pacific Northwest, a lemon‑herb butter is common. The ATK version emphasizes a simple garlic‑honey butter that highlights the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
How is Garlicky Broiled Shrimp traditionally served in the United States?
It is typically served as a cocktail‑style appetizer on a platter with lemon wedges, or as a light main course alongside a simple salad, crusty bread, or a side of rice pilaf.
What occasions or celebrations is Garlicky Broiled Shrimp traditionally associated with in American culture?
The dish is popular at holiday gatherings, summer barbecues (as a quick alternative to grilling), and cocktail parties where bite‑size, elegant seafood is appreciated.
What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for Garlicky Broiled Shrimp versus acceptable substitutes?
The core ingredients are extra‑large raw shrimp, unsalted butter, garlic, and a touch of honey. You can substitute clarified butter or ghee for butter, maple syrup for honey, and red pepper flakes for cayenne if desired.
What other American dishes pair well with Garlicky Broiled Shrimp?
Serve it alongside a crisp Caesar salad, a buttery corn succotash, or a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc. It also works well with a side of garlic‑herb roasted potatoes.
How has the preparation of Garlicky Broiled Shrimp evolved over time in American home cooking?
Earlier recipes relied on pan‑frying or grilling. Modern home cooks favor the broiler because it delivers quick, even caramelization with less mess, and the addition of honey for browning is a recent twist popularized by food‑test kitchens.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Garlicky Broiled Shrimp at home?
Common errors include over‑salting the shrimp, not drying them before broiling, and broiling too long which makes the shrimp rubbery. Also, overheating the butter can cause the sauce to separate.
Why does this Garlicky Broiled Shrimp recipe use honey in the butter sauce instead of sugar?
Honey adds a subtle floral sweetness and helps the butter brown more evenly under the broiler, while sugar can crystallize and create a grainy texture. The liquid nature of honey also blends smoothly with melted butter.
What does the YouTube channel America's Test Kitchen specialize in?
America's Test Kitchen creates rigorously tested, foolproof recipes, detailed equipment reviews, and science‑based cooking tutorials aimed at helping home cooks achieve consistent, restaurant‑quality results.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
