If you’re craving something that’s both dazzlingly delicious and incredibly simple to whip up, Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli is your ticket to weeknight dinner triumph. Imagine tender shrimp glistening in golden garlic butter with vibrant green broccoli florets, all coming together in a single pan in under 20 minutes. This dish is a pure celebration of bold flavors, craveable texture, and eye-popping color—all with minimal fuss and maximum satisfaction. Whether you’re cooking for a family, impressing a friend, or treating yourself, Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli never lets you down.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli is how down-to-earth and accessible the ingredient list is. Each simple component plays a key role in building bold, balanced flavor and a gorgeous finish.
- Shrimp: Go for large, peeled and deveined shrimp for the best juicy texture and quick cooking.
- Broccoli florets: Choose fresh, bright green broccoli for crunch and color—trim them into bite-sized pieces.
- Butter: Salted or unsalted, this is the backbone of the sauce, lending rich flavor and luscious mouthfeel.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh and finely minced gives a fragrant punch; don’t be shy with the garlic!
- Olive oil: Helps get the shrimp golden without burning the butter, and adds subtle floral notes.
- Lemon juice: Adds freshness, zing, and sets off the richness of the butter and shrimp.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Just a pinch for gentle heat and a bit of color.
- Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning everything just right.
- Fresh parsley: Sprinkle on at the end for a pop of color and fresh, herby flavor.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp and Broccoli
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and toss them lightly with salt and pepper—this helps them cook up juicy, not watery. Cut the broccoli into similar-sized florets so they cook evenly. Having everything ready up front means this dish comes together in a flash.
Step 2: Quick-Steam the Broccoli
Add the broccoli to a large skillet with a splash of water and cover tightly, letting it steam just until crisp-tender—about 2 to 3 minutes. This method keeps it bright green and perfectly tender without getting mushy. Remove broccoli and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp
With the skillet hot again, swirl in olive oil. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook quickly over medium-high heat until just pink—the perfect bite is just a minute or two per side. Remove the shrimp before they overcook and turn tough.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower the heat a bit and melt the butter. Toss in lots of minced garlic and, if you’re a fan, red pepper flakes. Stir constantly so the garlic turns fragrant and just golden, swirling everything together for about 30 seconds (don’t let it burn!).
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the shrimp and broccoli to the pan, gently tossing to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice and toss again, letting all those bright flavors mingle for another minute or so.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli right in the pan. Give it all a final toss, then serve immediately for maximum flavor and color.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli
Garnishes
A shower of fresh parsley is classic, but you can also add an extra squeeze of lemon or a light dusting of grated Parmesan for a hint of richness. For those who like a little spice, a few extra red pepper flakes on top make the Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli really sing.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a soft, warm bed of white or brown rice, fluffy couscous, or even twirls of buttered pasta. Crusty bread is also a must for sopping up any extra garlic butter. For a lighter meal, simply serve Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli over a tangle of fresh greens or alongside a simple salad.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant dinner, mound Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli in shallow bowls or serve it straight from the skillet family-style—everyone gets to dig in together. Try stuffing the garlicky mixture into lettuce cups for a fresh, fun appetizer, or pile it onto toasted baguette slices for a crowd-pleasing starter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The flavors only continue to deepen, making next-day lunches something to look forward to.
Freezing
While fresh is always best for texture, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Place in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, keeping in mind that the broccoli may soften a bit after freezing.
Reheating
For best results, gently reheat Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to restore some steam. Avoid the microwave if you can, as shrimp can become rubbery quickly when overheated.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and pat them very dry before cooking so you can still get that lovely sear and prevent excess moisture in the pan.
What if I don’t have lemon juice?
If lemons aren’t on hand, try a splash of white wine or a tiny bit of white vinegar for brightness—though lemon is classic for Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli.
Can I substitute another vegetable for broccoli?
100 percent—broccolini, asparagus, or snap peas work wonderfully. Just adjust the cooking time to keep things snappy and green.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli is naturally gluten-free as written. If you’re serving alongside bread or pasta, just use your favorite gluten-free version as needed.
How do I make this dish spicier?
For extra heat, sprinkle in more red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper when making the garlic butter sauce. You can even drizzle a little chili oil on top before serving.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a dinner that’s equal parts quick, beautiful, and jam-packed with flavor, you simply can’t go wrong with Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli. It’s a feast for the eyes and tummy, whether dressed up for company or scarfed straight out of the pan. Give it a try—you might find it turns into your new go-to for any night of the week!
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Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sauté, Pan-Fry
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick and delicious recipe for Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli that’s perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal. Juicy shrimp and crisp broccoli are coated in a savory garlic butter sauce, creating a satisfying dish that can be served over rice or pasta.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Broccoli:
- 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Shrimp: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare the Broccoli: In a separate pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and sauté until tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve the garlic butter shrimp over the sautéed broccoli and enjoy!
Notes
- You can squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish for a citrusy kick.
- This recipe is versatile and can be easily customized with your favorite seasonings and spices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 265mg
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