Irresistible Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe

Garlic butter shrimp and broccoli is a dish that dances on your taste buds, offering a delightful symphony of flavors. Picture juicy shrimp sautéed to perfection in rich, garlicky butter, paired with vibrant green broccoli that adds both crunch and color. The aroma wafting from the pan is enough to make anyone’s mouth water, signaling that dinner is about to be a feast for the senses.

This dish has a special place in my heart, evoking memories of cozy family gatherings where laughter mingles with the sizzling sounds of garlic in a hot skillet. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, garlic butter shrimp and broccoli never fails to impress! Get ready to dive into this culinary adventure that promises amazing flavor and comfort in every bite.

Ingredients for garlic butter shrimp and broccoli

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Shrimp: Use large, fresh shrimp for the best texture; frozen shrimp can work too if thawed properly.
• Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are ideal; they add color and crunch while soaking up all that tasty garlic butter.
• Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the seasoning, enriching the dish without overwhelming it.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives this dish its signature flavor; avoid pre-minced varieties if possible.
• Lemon Juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish and enhances the flavors beautifully.
• Red Pepper Flakes: These add a spicy kick; feel free to adjust according to your heat preference.

For seasoning:

• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasoning that elevates the overall flavor of your dish; taste as you go!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make garlic butter shrimp and broccoli

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Rinse the shrimp under cold water if they are frozen, then pat them dry with paper towels. Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets so they cook evenly.

Step 2: Sauté the Broccoli

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt two tablespoons of butter. Add the broccoli florets along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté for about four minutes until they turn bright green but still crisp.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Push the broccoli to one side of the skillet, then add another tablespoon of butter along with minced garlic. Cook for about one minute until fragrant—this is where things start smelling heavenly.

Step 4: Cook Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season them with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for two to three minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.

Step 5: Finish with Lemon

Once your shrimp are perfectly cooked, squeeze fresh lemon juice over everything in the skillet. Stir gently to combine all those fantastic flavors together.

Step 6: Serve

Transfer your garlic butter shrimp and broccoli onto plates or a serving platter. Drizzle any remaining buttery goodness from the skillet over top for an extra flavor boost!

With just these simple steps under your belt, you’re ready to enjoy an elegant yet effortless meal! Grab some rice or crusty bread on the side if you want something extra to soak up that divine sauce—your taste buds will thank you later!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve the best results, start by sautéing the shrimp in garlic butter until they’re perfectly golden. While they cook, blanch the broccoli for that crunchy texture. Combine everything in one pan at the end for maximum flavor infusion.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out broccoli for asparagus or snap peas if you prefer. Adding a splash of lemon juice or red pepper flakes can elevate the dish further, giving it a zesty kick that makes every bite exciting.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently on low heat to avoid rubbery shrimp while keeping those vibrant colors intact.

Sharing my first attempt at garlic butter shrimp was a laugh—my friends couldn’t stop raving about how fancy I looked! It felt great to see them enjoying something I made with love and laughter.

FAQs :

What is garlic butter shrimp and broccoli?

Garlic butter shrimp and broccoli is a delicious and nutritious dish that features succulent shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, paired with tender broccoli florets. This meal is quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of flavors creates a satisfying experience, while the broccoli adds essential vitamins and minerals. You can serve it over rice or pasta for an even heartier meal.

How do I make garlic butter shrimp and broccoli healthier?

To make garlic butter shrimp and broccoli healthier, consider using less butter or substituting it with olive oil. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra nutrients. Opting for whole grain pasta instead of traditional options can boost the fiber content of your dish. Additionally, using fresh ingredients will enhance both flavor and nutrition.

Can I use frozen shrimp for garlic butter shrimp and broccoli?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for garlic butter shrimp and broccoli. Ensure that you thaw the shrimp properly before cooking. A quick way to thaw them is to place them in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Frozen shrimp are often just as flavorful as fresh ones and save time in meal prep.

What should I serve with garlic butter shrimp and broccoli?

You can serve garlic butter shrimp and broccoli with various sides to complement the dish. Options include steamed rice, quinoa, or whole wheat pasta to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce. A simple green salad or some crusty bread can also enhance your meal by adding freshness and texture.

Conclusion for garlic butter shrimp and broccoli :

Garlic butter shrimp and broccoli is an easy, flavorful dish that highlights the best of both seafood and vegetables. With its rich garlic flavor paired with the crunch of fresh broccoli, this recipe is sure to impress anyone at your dinner table. By making simple adjustments, you can customize it to suit your health needs while still keeping its delicious essence intact. Enjoy this delightful meal any night of the week!

Print

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli

• Author: Christina
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

A quick and flavorful dish featuring succulent shrimp and vibrant broccoli in a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for any weeknight meal!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste

---

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Rinse shrimp under cold water if frozen and pat dry. Cut broccoli into bite-sized florets.
2. Sauté the Broccoli: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add broccoli florets with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté for about 4 minutes until bright green but still crisp.
3. Add Garlic: Push broccoli to one side of the skillet. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and minced garlic; cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Cook Shrimp: Add shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
5. Finish with Lemon: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the mixture, stirring gently to combine flavors.
6. Serve: Transfer to plates or a serving platter, drizzling any remaining buttery sauce from the skillet on top.

---

---

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 170mg

Keywords: For added variety, substitute broccoli with asparagus or snap peas. Adjust red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference. Serve with rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.