Sizzling Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Skillet Recipe

Whipping up a delectable garlic butter shrimp and broccoli skillet can turn an ordinary weeknight dinner into a culinary adventure.

Succulent shrimp dance alongside crisp broccoli florets in a rich, aromatic sauce.

Mediterranean flavors bloom from each carefully seasoned bite.

Minimal ingredients create maximum satisfaction with this quick and elegant meal.

Fragrant garlic infuses every morsel with irresistible depth and warmth.

Simple techniques ensure perfectly cooked seafood that remains tender and juicy.

Let’s dive into a dish that promises to become your new kitchen favorite.

Why Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Is a Skillet Star

• Supercharge Your Nutrition: Packed with lean protein from shrimp and fiber-rich broccoli, this dish delivers a powerhouse of essential nutrients in one delicious skillet.
• Minimize Kitchen Cleanup: By using a single skillet and preparing everything in stages, you'll reduce washing multiple pots and pans while keeping your cooking process streamlined.
• Create Gourmet Flavor Quickly: With just a few simple ingredients like garlic, butter, and lemon, you can transform ordinary shrimp and broccoli into a restaurant-quality meal that tastes complex and sophisticated.
• Perfect for Flexible Dining: This versatile recipe adapts easily to different serving styles – enjoy over rice, pasta, or as a standalone low-carb option that suits various dietary preferences.

What Goes Into Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that provides a delicate and sweet flavor to the dish.

• Butter, Garlic: Rich, creamy base that creates a deeply flavorful and aromatic foundation for the skillet.

• Broccoli Florets: Nutritious green vegetable that adds texture and vibrant color to the meal.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.
• Lemon: Citrus fruit that brightens the flavor and adds a fresh, zesty note.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that provides a light, green garnish and subtle herbal finish.

• Olive Oil: Neutral cooking oil used for initial sautéing and preventing ingredients from sticking to the skillet.

Cooking Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli to Perfection

Step 1: Fire Up The Skillet

Grab a large skillet and heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Let the pan warm up evenly to create the perfect cooking surface for your seafood and veggie adventure.

Step 2: Sear The Shrimp

Toss shrimp into the hot skillet. Cook these ocean gems for 2-3 minutes on each side until they transform into a beautiful pink color with a golden-brown kiss. Once done, transfer them to a clean plate and keep them cozy.

Step 3: Create Garlic Butter Magic

In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Let the garlic dance around for 30-45 seconds, releasing its aromatic charm without burning.

Step 4: Bring In The Broccoli

Add broccoli florets to the garlic butter wonderland. Stir continuously as they cook for 3-4 minutes, watching them turn a vibrant green and become tender-crisp.

Step 5: Season With Flair

Sprinkle salt and black pepper over the broccoli. Coat them evenly to enhance their natural flavors while maintaining their crisp texture.

Step 6: Reunite The Ingredients

Gently return the shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything together, allowing the flavors to mingle and warm up.

Step 7: Bright Citrus Finish

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the entire mixture. This zesty touch will elevate the dish with a burst of citrusy brightness.

Step 8: Final Herbal Touch

Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top, adding a fresh, green garnish that brings the entire dish to life.

Step 9: Serve And Enjoy

Present the skillet directly at the table, keeping the meal warm and inviting. The rustic presentation will make mouths water and taste buds dance with anticipation.

Quick Tips for Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli

• Enhance Shrimp Cooking: Pat shrimp dry before adding to the skillet to achieve a perfect golden sear and prevent steaming.
• Broccoli Crunch Control: Maintain medium-high heat and avoid overcooking broccoli to preserve its vibrant green color and crisp texture.
• Flavor Boosting Technique: Use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced for a more intense, robust taste that elevates the entire dish.
• Quick Protein Swap: Replace shrimp with chicken or tofu for a versatile meal that adapts to different dietary preferences and protein needs.
• Zesty Finishing Touch: Add red pepper flakes for a subtle heat kick that complements the garlic butter's richness and enhances overall flavor complexity.

Easy Upgrades for Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli

• Mediterranean Marvel: Replace olive oil with Greek olive oil, add crumbled feta cheese, and sprinkle dried oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Spicy Kick Combo: Incorporate red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during garlic sautéing to create a fiery shrimp and broccoli experience.
• Asian Fusion Flair: Swap butter with sesame oil, add soy sauce, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds for an authentic Asian-style preparation.
• Coconut Curry Splash: Include mild curry powder and a splash of coconut milk while cooking, creating a creamy and aromatic alternative to the original recipe.

Delicious Sides to Serve with Garlic Shrimp Skillet

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc offers bright acidity that complements the shrimp's delicate flavor and cuts through the rich garlic butter, creating a refreshing balance.
• Match Zesty Citrus Side: Lemon orzo salad brings complementary citrus notes that echo the dish's lemon juice, while providing a light, tangy contrast to the savory shrimp and broccoli.
• Enhance with Crusty Bread: Warm garlic sourdough allows diners to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce, adding texture and maximizing the skillet's flavorful remnants.
• Boost with Fresh Salad: Arugula salad with light vinaigrette introduces peppery greens that cleanse the palate between bites of rich shrimp and butter, adding a crisp, clean element to the meal.

Best Way to Store Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli

• Store leftover garlic butter shrimp and broccoli in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Warm the dish gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to prevent overcooking the shrimp, adding a splash of water or butter to maintain moisture and prevent dryness.
• Pack the cooled dish in freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn, and store for up to 1-2 months, though the texture might slightly change upon thawing.
• Reheat the dish only once to maintain food safety and prevent bacterial growth, ensuring the best flavor and texture for your meal.

FAQs About Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure proper searing and prevent excess moisture.

• How do I know when shrimp are fully cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and form a loose “C” shape. Avoid overcooking to prevent rubbery texture.

• What type of skillet works best for this recipe?

A non-stick or cast-iron skillet is ideal for even heat distribution and preventing ingredients from sticking.

• Is this dish gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check individual ingredient labels to confirm, especially if you have dietary restrictions.

Garlic Butter Shrimp And Broccoli Skillet Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory garlic butter shrimp and broccoli skillet delivers restaurant-quality comfort in minutes. Crisp broccoli and succulent shrimp mingle with rich, aromatic butter sauce, inviting you to savor each delightful, quick-fix Mediterranean-inspired bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein and Vegetable:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups broccoli florets

Dairy and Fat:

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Extras:

• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, ensuring the pan is evenly heated for optimal cooking.
2. Add shrimp to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and develop a slight golden exterior.
3. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside on a clean plate, keeping them warm.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic, sautéing for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
5. Introduce broccoli florets to the garlic butter, stirring continuously and cooking for 3-4 minutes until they become bright green and slightly tender.
6. Sprinkle salt and black pepper over the broccoli, ensuring even seasoning while maintaining their crisp texture.
7. Return shrimp to the skillet, gently tossing with the broccoli and garlic butter to reheat and blend flavors.
8. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the entire mixture, creating a bright and zesty flavor profile.
9. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley, providing a fresh herb finish.
10. Serve immediately in the skillet for a rustic, appetizing presentation that preserves the dish’s warmth and aroma.

Notes

• Check shrimp freshness by ensuring they smell ocean-like and have a firm, translucent appearance without any discoloration or strong fishy odor.
• Avoid overcooking shrimp by watching their color change to pink and removing them immediately to prevent rubbery texture.
• Use high-heat cooking method to maintain broccoli’s vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture, preserving maximum nutritional value.
• Customize recipe for low-carb or keto diets by replacing butter with ghee and adding extra herbs like thyme or rosemary for enhanced flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 690 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg