If you are craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s both comforting and quick to whip up, this Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe is exactly what your weeknight dinner lineup needs. Bursting with the bright zest of lemon, the subtle heat of red pepper flakes, and the irresistible aroma of garlic butter, every bite delivers a perfect harmony of freshness and indulgence. Shrimp with tender-crisp broccoli tossed in a luscious butter sauce makes this a dish that feels special yet requires minimal fuss—ideal for sharing with loved ones or savoring solo.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each adding its own burst of flavor, texture, or color, transforming humble shrimp and broccoli into a stunning meal.
- Large shrimp (1 pound): Peeled and deveined, they cook quickly and soak up the garlicky butter for mouthwatering flavor.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a fruity richness and helps gently sauté the garlic without burning.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The star aromatic that infuses the entire dish with its unmistakable, comforting fragrance.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Provides a bright, fresh acidity that cuts through the richness of the butter perfectly.
- Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Adds an extra layer of citrusy brightness that truly wakes up the palate.
- Red pepper flakes (1 teaspoon): Offers a subtle kick of heat to keep things exciting without overpowering.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Brings a delicate earthiness that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Butter (1 tablespoon): Creates the silky sauce that envelops the shrimp and broccoli in luxurious richness.
- Broccoli florets (1 cup): Adds vibrant color, satisfying crunch, and a nutritious boost.
- Salt and Black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance every ingredient’s natural flavors.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Heat Your Skillet
Start by warming a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing. This step ensures your olive oil and garlic awaken their flavors properly without sticking or burning.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Spices
Pour the olive oil into the hot skillet and let it warm for about a minute. Then add the minced garlic, sautéing until it becomes fragrant—about 30 seconds—being careful not to let it brown too much. Quickly stir in the red pepper flakes and dried thyme so their aromas toast a little and mingle with the garlic’s essence.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add your shrimp in a single layer, giving each piece enough space to cook evenly. Let them develop a lovely pink hue and opaque texture by cooking about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Once ready, set the shrimp aside on a plate to rest and keep them juicy.
Step 4: Prepare the Broccoli
In the same skillet, stir in the butter and let it melt completely. This melds with your residual garlic and oil, creating a rich butter sauce base. Toss in your broccoli florets and allow them to cook for around 5 minutes, stirring occasionally so they turn tender yet retain a bit of crunch and that gorgeous green color.
Step 5: Combine Bright Citrus and Shrimp
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the broccoli and sprinkle the lemon zest to bring zesty brightness to the dish. Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet, gently tossing everything together and seasoning well with salt and black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes on low heat so flavors meld perfectly, and your Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or dill make wonderful garnishes, lending a splash of green and an herbal lift that complements the garlic butter sauce beautifully. A sprinkle of extra lemon zest on top can also brighten the presentation and add a subtle pop of flavor.
Side Dishes
To turn this into a complete meal, consider serving it alongside fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even a light pasta. Each option soaks up the buttery sauce wonderfully and rounds out the plate for a satisfying dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe inside hollowed-out lemon halves or on a bed of wilted spinach for an elegant twist. Or, for a casual family-style meal, pile it high on a large platter so everyone can dig in together, creating a fun, approachable dining experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover shrimp and broccoli in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Stored properly, the flavors hold up well, though the shrimp is best eaten sooner rather than later for optimal texture.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as frozen shrimp can sometimes become rubbery. If you must freeze, store only the cooked broccoli and sauce separately in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month and reheat gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat to preserve the shrimp’s tenderness and keep the broccoli from overcooking. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce and refresh the dish during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry to prevent extra moisture in the pan, which can affect the cooking process and texture.
What can I substitute for broccoli?
Cauliflower, asparagus, or green beans all make great alternatives and pair nicely with the garlic butter sauce. Choose whatever you have on hand for versatility.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a gentle kick from the red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the amount to suit your spice preference or omit it entirely for a milder flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure all your ingredients, especially spices and butter, don’t contain additives with gluten.
How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?
Shrimp is done when it turns pink and opaque throughout, with a firm but tender texture. Overcooking makes shrimp rubbery, so watch closely during the 2-3 minutes per side.
Final Thoughts
Giving this Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe a try means treating yourself to a quick, satisfying dish that never feels mundane. With its blend of fresh, vibrant ingredients and luscious buttery sauce, it’s the kind of meal that’s easy to love and even easier to make. I hope it becomes a favorite at your table, bringing joy and delicious flavor every time you cook it.
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Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 15m
- Total Time: 0h 25m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A quick and flavorful Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli skillet dish featuring succulent shrimp sautéed with garlic, aromatic herbs, and a hint of lemon, paired perfectly with tender-crisp broccoli. This easy, nutritious one-pan meal is ideal for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Vegetables
- 1 cup broccoli florets
Oils and Flavorings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat and allow it to warm up.
- Heat olive oil: Pour in the olive oil and let it heat for about a minute until shimmering.
- Sauté garlic: Add minced garlic to the hot oil and sauté for roughly 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful to prevent burning.
- Add spices: Stir in red pepper flakes and dried thyme, toasting them briefly for a few seconds to release their flavors.
- Cook shrimp: Add shrimp in a single layer to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Set aside shrimp: Remove cooked shrimp from the skillet and place them on a plate to keep warm.
- Prepare broccoli: Add butter to the same skillet and let it melt, swirling to combine with the garlic and oil residue.
- Cook broccoli: Add broccoli florets and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until tender but still slightly crisp.
- Add lemon: Squeeze lemon juice and sprinkle lemon zest over the broccoli, stirring gently to combine.
- Combine shrimp and broccoli: Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to mix evenly with the broccoli and sauce.
- Season: Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Final cook: Cook everything together for an additional 2 minutes to ensure shrimp and broccoli are heated through and well coated.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for best texture, but frozen and thawed can work as well.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- For a low-fat version, use olive oil only and reduce or omit butter.
- Serve with steamed rice, quinoa, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Broccoli can be substituted with other vegetables like asparagus or green beans.
