Sweet & Savory Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp – A 15-Minute Seafood Sensation

Looking for a quick, flavor-packed dinner that’s guaranteed to impress? Say hello to your new weeknight go-to: Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp. In just 15 minutes, this dish delivers a crave-worthy balance of spicy, buttery, and sweet flavors, all wrapped around tender, juicy shrimp.

Whether you’re serving it over rice, tossing it into tacos, or keeping things low-carb with a side of grilled veggies, this easy shrimp recipe is a total crowd-pleaser. It’s bold, buttery, and bursting with coastal flavor—perfect for seafood lovers and spice fans alike.

Why This Honey Butter Shrimp Recipe Works

This is not your average shrimp sauté. What sets this dish apart is the trifecta of bold seasoning, rich butter, and golden honey. The classic Old Bay seasoning brings that zesty, peppery heat, while the honey butter glaze softens the spice with just the right amount of sweetness.

This recipe is:

Fast and fuss-free – ready in under 15 minutes.
Flavor-packed – thanks to the bold seasoning and luscious sauce.
Versatile – perfect for rice bowls, tacos, pasta, or on its own.
Elegant enough for guests, but simple enough for any weeknight.

Ingredients & What They Do

3 tbsp honey

Adds natural sweetness and caramelizes slightly in the pan for a glossy, sticky glaze that clings to the shrimp.

4 tbsp butter

Creates a rich base for the sauce. Butter enhances the Old Bay flavor and adds silky texture to every bite.

1 tbsp olive oil

Helps coat the shrimp evenly with the seasoning and provides a bit of extra fat for sautéing.

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

The star of the dish! Large shrimp cook quickly and stay juicy. Make sure they’re peeled and deveined for the best texture and flavor.

2 tbsp Old Bay seasoning

A classic seafood seasoning blend with celery salt, paprika, and spices. It gives the shrimp that signature Maryland-style flavor with a kick of heat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Honey Butter Sauce

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the butter and honey. Stir gently until the butter is fully melted and the honey is incorporated into a smooth sauce.
Pro Tip: Use a nonstick or stainless steel skillet for even heat distribution and easy cleanup.

2. Season the Shrimp

While the sauce heats, toss the shrimp in a bowl with olive oil and Old Bay seasoning. Make sure every piece is evenly coated for maximum flavor in every bite.
Chef’s Tip: If you like extra heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

3. Sauté the Shrimp

Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 3–5 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the shrimp are pink and opaque with a slightly golden exterior.
Don’t overcook! Shrimp cook fast, and overcooked shrimp can turn rubbery. Remove them from heat as soon as they’re done.

4. Serve Immediately

Spoon any remaining honey butter sauce over the shrimp before serving for maximum flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions: Make It a Meal

These Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp are incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to serve them:

Over fluffy rice or buttered grits for a Southern-inspired meal.
Tossed with linguine or angel hair pasta for a quick seafood pasta.
Loaded into corn tortillas with slaw for spicy shrimp tacos.
Topped on a crisp salad with avocado and lime vinaigrette.
Stuffed into lettuce wraps with a drizzle of extra honey butter for a low-carb option.

Expert Tips for Shrimp Perfection

Use fresh or thawed raw shrimp – precooked shrimp won’t absorb the flavor or caramelize properly.
Dry your shrimp before seasoning – this helps them sear instead of steam.
Cook in batches if your pan is small. Crowding the pan will lower the heat and prevent browning.
Deglaze with a splash of lemon juice or white wine after cooking for a tangy finish.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short bursts to avoid overcooking.
Freeze? Not recommended—shrimp can get rubbery after freezing and reheating.

Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Quick & Flavorful Shrimp Dish

If you’re craving something fast, flavorful, and totally satisfying, this Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp recipe checks all the boxes. With just a handful of ingredients and a skillet, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish on your table in under 15 minutes.

From weeknight dinners to impromptu gatherings, this is one recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Bold, buttery, and beautifully spiced, these shrimp are proof that great meals don’t have to be complicated.