Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli

Ingredients

Main ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 5 cloves garlic, finely minced

• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons water or chicken broth

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Optional additions

• 1 teaspoon soy sauce for extra savory flavor

• ¼ teaspoon onion powder

• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and onion powder if using.

Drying the shrimp helps them brown nicely instead of releasing too much moisture into the pan.

Step 2: Cook the broccoli

Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the broccoli for 2–3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain well.

Alternatively, steam the broccoli for 4–5 minutes. Avoid overcooking because it will finish cooking in the skillet.

Step 3: Sauté the shrimp

Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for approximately 1–2 minutes per side, until pink, opaque, and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.

Avoid overcrowding the skillet; cook in batches if necessary.

Step 4: Make the garlic butter sauce

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet.

Stir in the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for about 30–45 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.

Add the lemon juice and water or chicken broth. Stir to combine, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

For a deeper savory flavor, add the optional soy sauce.

Step 5: Add the broccoli

Add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Toss gently for 2–3 minutes, allowing the vegetables to absorb the garlic butter sauce.

If the pan becomes dry, add another tablespoon of water or broth.

Step 6: Return the shrimp to the skillet

Return the cooked shrimp to the pan. Toss everything together for 1–2 minutes until heated through and evenly coated with the glossy sauce.

Taste and adjust the salt, pepper, and lemon juice as desired. Shrimp should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Step 7: Garnish and serve

Remove from the heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for a bright, fresh finish.

Nutrition Information

Estimated per serving, assuming 4 servings and excluding optional additions.

Nutrition values vary depending on shrimp size, butter quantity, and seasoning brands.

Tips for the Best Results

• Use fresh or fully thawed shrimp: Pat them dry before cooking for better browning.

• Don’t overcook the shrimp: Remove them as soon as they turn opaque and curl into a loose C shape.

• Keep broccoli bright green: Cook it until tender-crisp rather than soft.

• Avoid burning the garlic: Add it after the shrimp and lower the heat before stirring.

• Make extra sauce: Add another tablespoon of butter and a splash of broth if you plan to serve the dish over rice.

Serving Suggestions

• Steamed white or brown rice

• Garlic noodles or pasta

• Quinoa or cauliflower rice

• Roasted potatoes

• A fresh cucumber and tomato salad

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Freezing is possible for up to 2 months, although the broccoli may soften after thawing.

• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a small splash of water or broth until heated through. Avoid prolonged heating, which can make shrimp rubbery.

Allergy and Dietary Information

• Nuts: No nuts are included in the basic recipe.

• Gluten-free: Yes, when prepared with gluten-free broth and without regular soy sauce; use gluten-free tamari if desired.

• Dairy-free: Replace butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.

• Low-carb: This dish is naturally relatively low in carbohydrates.

• Allergens: Contains shellfish (shrimp). Check packaged seasonings and sauces for additional allergens.

Enjoy your homemade garlic butter shrimp and broccoli! 🍤