![- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 cups broccoli florets - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Salt and black pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) In this dish, I focus on fresh and simple ingredients. The shrimp offers a sweet and tender base, while the broccoli adds a bright crunch. The unsalted butter is key. It brings a creamy richness that makes this meal feel special. Garlic takes center stage here. It not only adds a strong flavor but also a wonderful aroma. The lemon zest and juice brighten the dish, making it feel fresh. I always like to include red pepper flakes for warmth. Adjust them based on your spice level. The fresh parsley serves as a garnish. It adds color and a fresh taste. Together, these ingredients create a dish that’s both delicious and visually appealing. If you're curious about the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. - Rinse and season the shrimp: Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water. This helps remove any grit. Next, pat them dry with paper towels. Season the shrimp with salt and black pepper to taste. - Blanch the broccoli: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes. You want them bright green and slightly tender. After blanching, drain them and quickly transfer them to an ice bath. This stops the cooking. Drain again after a few minutes. - Melt the butter and add garlic: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes. You want it fragrant but not browned. - Incorporate red pepper flakes: After the garlic is fragrant, add the red pepper flakes. This gives the sauce a nice kick. Stir well to combine. - Cook the shrimp until pink and opaque: Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway. They are done when they turn pink and opaque. - Combine broccoli and season to taste: Now, add the blanched broccoli to the skillet. Drizzle with lemon juice and lemon zest. Toss everything gently for about 2 minutes. Make sure all ingredients are well-mixed and heated through. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. For the full recipe, be sure to check the details above! To make the best garlic butter sauce, you must watch the garlic closely. Burnt garlic can ruin the flavor. Cook it just until you smell its lovely scent. If you want more heat, add more red pepper flakes. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. Ensuring your shrimp are perfectly cooked is key. Cook them until they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. If you can't find shrimp, you can use chicken or tofu instead. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time. The best way to blanch broccoli is quick and simple. Boil water first, then add the florets. Cook them for just 2-3 minutes. This keeps the color bright and the crunch alive. You can also swap broccoli with green beans or asparagus for a twist. Both add a nice crunch and flavor. {{image_2}} - Gluten-free adaptations: This dish is naturally gluten-free. Use gluten-free grains like quinoa or rice. Ensure any broth or sauces are also gluten-free. - Low-carb alternatives: For a low-carb twist, skip the grains. Serve the shrimp and broccoli with a side salad or on their own. You can also use zucchini noodles for a fun, veggie-based option. - Adding different herbs or spices: Try using fresh herbs like basil or thyme for a new flavor. You can also swap red pepper flakes with paprika for a milder taste or cayenne for more heat. - Incorporating other vegetables: Feel free to add bell peppers, snap peas, or asparagus. This not only boosts nutrition but also adds color and texture to your meal. - Pairing with different grains: Serve the garlic butter shrimp and broccoli over brown rice, jasmine rice, or even cauliflower rice. Each grain gives a unique taste and texture. - Making it a one-pan meal: To simplify cleanup, cook everything in one pan. Start with the shrimp, add the broccoli, and then mix in your chosen grains. This method makes for an easy, delicious meal. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps in the previous section. To keep your Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli fresh, use airtight containers. Glass containers are great for this. They do not absorb odors and are easy to clean. Place your leftovers in the fridge. They will stay good for about 3 days. When reheating, the best method is to use the stove. Heat a skillet over low heat. Add a bit of butter or oil to keep things moist. Stir gently until hot. This way, the shrimp and broccoli stay tender. You can also use a microwave, but it may change the texture. You can freeze cooked shrimp and broccoli for later meals. First, let them cool completely. Then, pack them in freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They will last up to 2 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned before. This keeps the flavor and texture intact. Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli lasts about three days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. The shrimp keeps its flavor well, but the broccoli may lose some crunch. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them before cooking. You can run them under cold water for quick thawing. This helps keep the shrimp juicy and tender. If you want a dairy-free option, use olive oil or coconut oil. Both work well and add unique flavors. You can also try vegan butter for a similar taste. This dish pairs well with rice or quinoa. You can also serve it with noodles or crusty bread. A side salad or steamed rice adds a nice touch too. To spice it up, add more red pepper flakes. You can also include diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. Adjust the spice level to match your taste. Yes, this dish is healthy! It has lean protein from shrimp and fiber from broccoli. The butter adds flavor but can be adjusted or replaced for lighter options. Enjoy this savory delight with a side of whole grains for a balanced meal. For the full recipe details, check the Full Recipe section. In this blog post, we covered how to make Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli. We explored the key ingredients, like shrimp, broccoli, and a flavorful garlic butter sauce. I shared step-by-step instructions to guide you through the cooking process. We also discussed tips for perfecting the dish and variations to suit different diets. In the end, you can enjoy this quick, tasty meal that’s easy to customize. You’ll impress friends and family while enjoying a healthy, delicious dish!](https://stirredrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/1d27fff6-fea7-4524-b8e9-239e0766ba77-300x300.webp)
Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli
Discover a delicious and easy Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli recipe that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner! This flavorful dish features juicy shrimp, vibrant broccoli, and a mouthwatering garlic butter sauce, all ready in just 20 minutes. Whether served over quinoa or rice, it's sure to please everyone at the table. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner routine today!