Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Skillet is a quick, flavorful, and healthy one-pan meal. Packed with juicy shrimp, tender-crisp broccoli, and a luscious garlic butter sauce, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something light and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes.
- One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup required.
- Healthy: High in protein, low in carbs, and loaded with nutrients.
- Flavorful: The garlic butter sauce elevates the dish to restaurant-quality.
- Customizable: Easy to adapt with different vegetables or spices.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Broccoli florets
- Butter
- Garlic (minced)
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Broccoli: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Shrimp: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Lower the heat and add more butter to the skillet. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice.
- Combine: Return the broccoli and shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes to warm through.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Vegetables: Swap broccoli with asparagus, zucchini, or green beans.
- Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Herbaceous Touch: Use fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill for additional flavor.
- Dairy-Free: Replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter.
- Serve with Sides: Pair with cauliflower rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. Avoid overcooking the shrimp to prevent them from becoming rubbery.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking.
2. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but add them to the skillet at the end just to heat through, as they are already cooked.
3. How do I keep the broccoli from getting soggy?
Cook the broccoli just until tender-crisp, and avoid overcooking it.
4. Can I add cheese to this dish?
Yes, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a delicious savory touch.
5. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Absolutely! It’s naturally low in carbs and fits well into a keto diet.
6. Can I bake this dish instead?
Yes, combine all ingredients in a baking dish and bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes.
7. Can I use other proteins?
Chicken, scallops, or tofu are great alternatives to shrimp.
8. How do I prevent shrimp from overcooking?
Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque; this typically takes 2-3 minutes per side.
9. What can I serve with this dish?
Steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread pair well with the garlic butter sauce.
10. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the broccoli and sauce in advance to save time.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Skillet is a simple yet elegant meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich garlic butter sauce and tender shrimp, this dish is sure to impress while keeping things easy and healthy. Try it tonight for a dinner that’s both delicious and stress-free!
PrintGarlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Skillet Recipe
This Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Skillet is a quick, healthy, and delicious one-pan meal. Juicy shrimp and crisp-tender broccoli are cooked in a garlic butter sauce, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or light dinner. Serve it as is or over rice, pasta, or cauliflower rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (about 1 tbsp)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp:
- Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Cook the Broccoli:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the broccoli florets and a pinch of salt. Sauté for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- Lower the heat to medium-low and add the remaining butter to the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine and Finish:
- Return the shrimp and broccoli to the skillet. Toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and stir gently to combine.
- Serve:
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy as is or with your choice of sides.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the sauce.
- Use frozen shrimp and broccoli for convenience, but thaw them before cooking.
- For a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes.