Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite quick meal: garlic butter shrimp and broccoli! It’s one of those dishes that never fails to impress, and the best part? It comes together in just 25 minutes! The rich, savory flavor of the garlic butter beautifully coats the succulent shrimp, while the broccoli adds that perfect crunch and vibrant color. I whip this up when I’m in a hurry but still want something delicious and satisfying. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it on repeat – it’s that good!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined (I love using fresh shrimp, but frozen works too—just make sure to thaw them first!)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (Feel free to chop them into bite-sized pieces for easy eating!)
- 4 tablespoons butter (I like to use unsalted butter for better control over the seasoning.)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (The more garlic, the better, right? You can adjust this based on your love for garlic!)
- 1 teaspoon salt (This enhances all the flavors, but you can adjust it to your taste.)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (Freshly cracked is always best for that kick!)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (A splash of lemon really brightens up the dish—don’t skip it!)
How to Prepare Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli
Alright, let’s dive into making this delicious garlic butter shrimp and broccoli! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll feel like a pro chef in no time. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying this delightful dish in about 25 minutes!
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Start by grabbing a large skillet and melting 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. You want it to be nice and bubbly, but be careful not to let it brown! This buttery base is where all that fantastic flavor begins.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Once your butter is melted, it’s time to add in the minced garlic. Stir it around for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Wow, the aroma is just heavenly! Keep an eye on it, so it doesn’t burn—burnt garlic is a no-go.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Now, toss in the peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. You’ll know they’re done when they curl up slightly—just like a little hug from your dinner!
Step 4: Add Broccoli
Next, add your broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir-fry them together with the shrimp for another 3-4 minutes until they’re tender but still crisp. You want that vibrant green color to shine through—it’s so inviting!
Step 5: Season and Serve
Finally, season your dish with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and a tablespoon of lemon juice. Give everything a good toss to combine the flavors. Serve it hot, and if you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top makes it look even more appetizing. Enjoy every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor-packed garlic butter sauce that enhances every bite.
- Healthy and low-calorie, thanks to the shrimp and broccoli.
- One-pan dish means less cleanup – woohoo!
- Customizable: adjust garlic or add a spicy kick with red pepper flakes!
- Impressive enough to serve guests but simple enough for everyday meals.
Tips for Success
To make sure your garlic butter shrimp and broccoli turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite pro tips:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you have a lot of shrimp, cook them in batches. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of that lovely sear we want!
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Using fresh shrimp and vibrant broccoli will elevate your dish. If you can, visit your local market for the best picks!
- Adjust the Heat: Keep an eye on your stove. Medium heat is key for melting butter and sautéing garlic without burning. If it gets too hot, turn it down a notch!
- Taste as You Go: Feel free to adjust the seasoning! A little extra salt or a dash more lemon can make all the difference. Trust your taste buds!
- Let it Rest: After cooking, let your dish sit for a minute before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Nutritional Information
When you’re enjoying garlic butter shrimp and broccoli, it’s nice to know that it’s not just delicious but also a healthier option! Here’s the typical nutritional breakdown per serving (about 1 cup), but keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use:
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 20g
This dish is not only satisfying but also packed with protein and fiber, making it a great choice for a balanced meal!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking. I usually let them sit in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water for a quick thaw. Frozen shrimp can be just as tasty!
What if I don’t like broccoli?
No worries at all! You can easily swap in other veggies like snap peas, bell peppers, or asparagus. Just adjust the cooking time based on the veggies you choose!
Can I make garlic butter shrimp and broccoli ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the shrimp and broccoli separately and store them in the fridge. Just reheat them in a skillet, adding a bit of butter and garlic to refresh the flavors.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you love a bit of heat, try adding red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic, or toss in some sliced jalapeños with the broccoli. It’ll definitely give your garlic butter shrimp and broccoli a nice kick!
What do I serve with garlic butter shrimp and broccoli?
This dish pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or even a light pasta. You could also serve it on a bed of greens for a fresh salad vibe. Either way, it’s delicious!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers of your fabulous garlic butter shrimp and broccoli, you’ll want to store them right to keep the flavors intact. Just let them cool down to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll last in the fridge for up to 3 days. When it’s time to reheat, I recommend using a skillet on medium heat. Just add a little splash of water or a touch of butter to keep everything moist and prevent sticking. Stir them gently for about 4-5 minutes, and you’ll be back to enjoying that deliciousness in no time!
For more information on the health benefits of shrimp, you can check out this article.
To learn more about the nutritional value of broccoli, visit this source.
Print
Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli in 25 Minutes! Enjoy!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A quick and flavorful dish featuring shrimp and broccoli in garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque.
- Add broccoli and stir-fry until tender.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and lemon juice.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust garlic according to taste.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: garlic butter shrimp and broccoli
