If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor but comes together in a flash, then this Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine juicy, tender shrimp infused with rich garlic butter, bright notes of lemon, and a gentle kick from red pepper flakes, all perfectly paired with vibrant, crisp-tender broccoli. It’s an ideal weeknight meal that feels indulgent without being heavy, balancing protein and veggies in a way that’s both satisfying and wholesome. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a quick, tasty dinner, this recipe will soon become one you return to time and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli Recipe shines because of its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role, from the juicy shrimp that serve as the star to the broccoli that adds a fresh crunch and lovely color. The garlic, lemon, and herbs bring everything together in a flavor-packed melody that’s hard to resist.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Choose fresh or thawed frozen shrimp for the best texture and flavor; they cook quickly, making them perfect for speedy meals.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: A good-quality olive oil adds a fruity, smooth base and helps evenly cook the shrimp and broccoli.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is the heartbeat of this dish, delivering a warm, aromatic punch that elevates every bite.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice cuts through the richness, bringing brightness and balance.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Adds a fragrant, citrusy depth that complements the shrimp beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Just enough heat to awaken the palate without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers an herbal nuance that pairs wonderfully with garlic and lemon.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Melts into the garlic oil to create a luscious sauce that coats the shrimp and broccoli perfectly.
- 1 cup broccoli florets: Choose bright green florets that are firm and fresh; they add lovely texture and vibrant color.
- Salt, to taste: Enhances all the natural flavors and makes the dish sing.
- Black pepper, to taste: Adds a touch of warmth and complexity.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Heat up your skillet
Start by warming a large skillet over medium heat. This ensures an even cooking surface that will give your shrimp the perfect sear and your broccoli just the right amount of tenderness.
Step 2: Sauté the garlic in olive oil
Pour the olive oil into the hot skillet and give it about a minute to warm up. Then add the minced garlic, cooking it gently for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant and golden—keep a close eye here to avoid any bitterness from burning.
Step 3: Toast the seasonings
Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and dried thyme and let them toast with the garlic for a few seconds. This quick step releases their aromas and layers in gentle heat and herbal complexity.
Step 4: Cook the shrimp
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer across the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque, signaling they are perfectly cooked and tender. Remove them from the skillet and keep aside so they don’t overcook.
Step 5: Prepare the broccoli
In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt, combining with the remaining garlic flavor. Toss in the broccoli florets and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll want the broccoli to be tender but still have a satisfying crunch.
Step 6: Add lemon and return the shrimp
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the broccoli and sprinkle the lemon zest on top, stirring to mix. Then bring the shrimp back into the skillet, tossing everything together to coat the shrimp and broccoli evenly with the garlicky, buttery sauce.
Step 7: Final touches and seasoning
Add salt and black pepper to taste, then cook the entire dish together for another 2 minutes. This final step helps meld the flavors perfectly and ensures everything is warmed through, ready to serve.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a little extra lemon zest on top can brighten the presentation and add a fresh herbal note. You can also add a few lemon wedges on the side for an extra citrus kick. These simple garnishes take the visual and flavor appeal up a notch.
Side Dishes
This dish works wonderfully on its own for a light meal, but if you’re feeling a bit more indulgent, serve it alongside fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even a warm crusty bread to soak up every bit of that decadent garlic butter sauce. A crisp green salad dressed simply will round out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant touch, serve the shrimp and broccoli over a bed of buttery pasta or spiralized zucchini noodles. Alternatively, toss everything into a warm tortilla for a quick shrimp taco, garnished with a dollop of sour cream or avocado slices for creaminess.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. It will keep well for up to 2 days, making it perfect for a quick next-day lunch.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is possible but not ideal due to the broccoli’s texture change upon thawing. If you do freeze it, separate the shrimp and broccoli into airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and use within one month. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat to preserve the shrimp’s tenderness and avoid drying out the broccoli. You can add a splash of olive oil or a small knob of butter to rejuvenate the sauce. Microwaving is a quicker option but can sometimes leave the shrimp rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they sear nicely and don’t release too much water.
How spicy is this dish with the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth that’s more subtle than overpowering. If you prefer less heat, simply reduce the amount or leave them out altogether.
Can I substitute the butter with something else?
Yes! If you want a dairy-free option, try using a high-quality olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative. The dish will still be delicious and rich in flavor.
Is this recipe good for meal prepping?
Definitely. It cooks quickly, stores well, and reheats nicely, making it an excellent contender for healthy and convenient meal prep.
What could I add to make this dish more filling?
Adding cooked quinoa, brown rice, or even a side of roasted potatoes can make this Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli Recipe more of a hearty meal without detracting from its fresh and vibrant character.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli Recipe enough if you want a quick, fresh, and utterly delicious dinner that feels special but requires minimal fuss. The combination of garlic, butter, lemon, and just the right spices brings out the best in shrimp and broccoli. Give it a try tonight—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
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Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 15m
- Total Time: 0h 25m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A quick and flavorful Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli skillet dish featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a garlicky butter sauce with tender-crisp broccoli, brightened with lemon juice and zest, and a hint of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasonings
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Vegetables
- 1 cup broccoli florets
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking.
- Heat olive oil: Add the olive oil to the skillet and allow it to heat for about a minute until shimmering.
- Sauté garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Toast spices: Stir in red pepper flakes and dried thyme, allowing them to toast briefly for enhanced flavor.
- Cook shrimp: Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
- Set shrimp aside: Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a plate to keep warm.
- Melt butter: In the same skillet, add butter and let it melt, swirling to combine with the garlic and oil remnants.
- Cook broccoli: Add broccoli florets and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender yet crisp.
- Add lemon: Squeeze lemon juice over broccoli and sprinkle lemon zest, stirring to incorporate the bright flavors.
- Return shrimp: Return shrimp to the skillet, tossing them with broccoli to combine evenly.
- Season: Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Final cook: Cook everything together for 2 minutes to ensure all ingredients are warmed and coated.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use large shrimp for best texture and quick cooking times.
- Do not overcook shrimp; they are done when pink and opaque.
- Broccoli should remain tender yet crisp for best mouthfeel.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Serve with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter sauce.
- Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors and can be adjusted to taste.
