If you’re searching for a recipe that’s equal parts impressive, delicious, and achievable on a weeknight, Honey Garlic Salmon & Shrimp over Garlic Butter Rice has your name all over it. This dish is my personal go-to when I crave bold flavors and a restaurant-style seafood feast right at home. Sweet honey, savory soy, and aromatic garlic cling to tender salmon and juicy shrimp, all piled onto the creamiest, garlicky rice imaginable. There’s nothing fussy here—just a symphony of flavors and textures in one swoon-worthy bowl, sure to delight family and guests alike!

Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in Honey Garlic Salmon & Shrimp over Garlic Butter Rice is thoughtfully chosen to ensure maximum flavor, color, and that signature satisfying contrast between sweet, savory, and buttery goodness. Let’s take a peek at how each one works its magic.
- Salmon Fillets: Choose firm, skinless salmon so the glaze soaks in beautifully—fresh or thawed fillets work great.
- Shrimp: Big, juicy shrimp (peeled and deveined) makes for an easy, melt-in-your-mouth bite every time.
- Honey: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to round out the salty and tangy flavors in the sauce.
- Soy Sauce: For a deep, savory punch—amino-rich and irresistible, especially when combined with honey.
- Garlic: Fresh and minced, it infuses both sauce and rice for that fragrant, craveable kick.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish with acidity, balancing the richness of the fish and sweet sauce.
- Olive Oil: A neutral base for sautéing, keeping everything luscious without overpowering.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning the proteins and rice to bring all the flavors forward.
- Unsalted Butter: Melts into the rice for unbelievable creaminess and depth.
- Long-Grain White Rice: Perfectly fluffy and just sticky enough to cradle that garlicky goodness.
- Chicken Broth (or Bouillon): Infuses the rice with extra savoriness; water and bouillon are great substitutes.
- Chopped Parsley: Added optional freshness and a pop of color to brighten up the finished dish.
- Lemon Wedges: For serving and squeezing over at the table for an extra zingy finish.
How to Make Honey Garlic Salmon & Shrimp over Garlic Butter Rice
Step 1: Create the Honey Garlic Marinade
Whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and lemon juice in a small bowl until fully blended. This golden elixir is the heart of Honey Garlic Salmon & Shrimp over Garlic Butter Rice, offering a beautiful balance of sweetness, umami, and a touch of zest that’ll soak into the seafood as it cooks.
Step 2: Prep and Season Your Seafood
Gently pat your salmon fillets and shrimp dry with paper towels, then season both sides with a hearty pinch of salt and pepper. Drying the surface ensures the proteins sear up with a gorgeous color and helps all those lovely flavors stick.
Step 3: Sear the Salmon
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the salmon fillets and cook each side for 3–4 minutes until deep golden and just cooked through. Don’t move the fillets around too much—letting them sit undisturbed gives you that restaurant-style caramelization. Transfer the cooked salmon to a plate while you move on to the shrimp.
Step 4: Cook Shrimp & Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the shrimp and immediately pour in the honey garlic sauce. Cook for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and the sauce thickens to a lovely glaze. The pan deglazes itself, all those flavorful bits from the salmon lending extra depth to the sauce. Nestle the salmon fillets back into the pan, gently spooning sauce over the top to glaze.
Step 5: Prepare the Garlic Butter Rice
For the rice, heat olive oil and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic for 1–2 minutes, just until it’s fragrant but not browned. Stir in the rice, toasting it for another minute or two to draw out each grain’s nutty aroma. Pour in the broth and sprinkle in salt, bring it all to a gentle boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 18–20 minutes, letting the liquid absorb and the rice turn fluffy. Let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork and stirring in chopped parsley, if using.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
To serve Honey Garlic Salmon & Shrimp over Garlic Butter Rice, scoop a generous mound of rice into each bowl. Top with a salmon fillet, a handful of shrimp, and all that glossy sauce from the pan. Add fresh parsley and lemon wedges to finish—then dive in!
How to Serve Honey Garlic Salmon & Shrimp over Garlic Butter Rice

Garnishes
Garnishing this dish is where you get to play with brightness and color. A sprinkle of fresh parsley offers a pop of green, while extra minced garlic (if you dare) dials up the flavor. Lemon wedges are a must—everyone loves that final squeeze over their bowl for a fresh, citrusy kick that offsets the sweet and savory flavors.
Side Dishes
Honey Garlic Salmon & Shrimp over Garlic Butter Rice is hearty and satisfying on its own, but a crisp cucumber salad or lightly sautéed green beans make for great pairings. Even a simple steamed broccoli or edamame gives a fresh, crunchy contrast to all those luscious textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Try presenting this dish family-style on a platter, letting everyone dig in for dramatic effect. You can also serve it in individual bowls with the seafood artfully layered, or even packed up for a gourmet lunch. For dinner parties, use a mold to shape the rice for a beautiful restaurant-inspired presentation—don’t forget those glistening shrimp perched right on top!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, let the dish cool completely before storing. Transfer the salmon, shrimp, and rice into separate airtight containers (this keeps the rice from turning too soft), and pop them in the fridge. They will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 2 days.
Freezing
While the rice and shrimp hold up well to freezing, the salmon is best enjoyed fresh to preserve its tender texture. If you want to freeze, place the cooled rice and shrimp in freezer-safe containers or bags. They’ll be good for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best results.
Reheating
Reheat Honey Garlic Salmon & Shrimp over Garlic Butter Rice gently to preserve its texture. For the rice and shrimp, use a nonstick skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep everything moist. For salmon, reheat in a low oven or gently in the microwave, taking care not to overheat so it stays juicy and flaky.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp or salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure both are completely thawed and patted dry before cooking to help them sear up nicely and absorb all that amazing honey garlic glaze.
Is there a substitute for soy sauce if I want to keep it gluten-free?
Yes, you can use tamari or coconut aminos as a gluten-free alternative to traditional soy sauce. Both will give you the same savory flavor base for the sauce.
What if I don’t have fresh garlic?
While fresh garlic gives the boldest, most aromatic flavor, you can use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder in a pinch for both the sauce and the rice. Just remember, a little goes a long way!
How can I add some spice?
If you love a bit of heat, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the honey garlic sauce. It adds a fantastic kick that balances out the sweetness quite nicely.
Can I make the rice ahead of time?
Definitely! The garlic butter rice can be made a day ahead, then fluffed up and reheated with a splash of broth or water. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making your meal prep even easier.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Honey Garlic Salmon & Shrimp over Garlic Butter Rice is such a favorite in my kitchen—it’s easy, unfussy, and always impressive, whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to something special. Give it a try, have fun with the garnishes, and prepare for a chorus of happy, satisfied bites!
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Honey Garlic Salmon & Shrimp over Garlic Butter Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This delicious recipe combines succulent honey garlic salmon and shrimp served over flavorful garlic butter rice. A perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that is sure to impress!
Ingredients
For the protein:
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skinless)
- 1/2 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the garlic butter rice:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water with bouillon)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the protein: Whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Season salmon and shrimp with salt and pepper. Cook salmon in olive oil until golden, then set aside. Add shrimp to the skillet with honey garlic sauce and cook until pink.
- Make the garlic butter rice: Sauté garlic in olive oil and butter, then add rice and cook until toasted. Pour in broth, simmer until rice is fluffy. Fluff with a fork and stir in parsley.
- Serve: Spoon garlic butter rice into bowls, top with salmon and shrimp. Drizzle with extra sauce and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- You can substitute salmon with another firm fish like cod or trout.
- For a touch of heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Brown rice can be used instead but will require a longer cook time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 140mg