Garlic Butter Shrimp Broccoli

A vibrant, flavorful dish featuring succulent shrimp and crisp-tender broccoli tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce&mdashall cooked in a single pan for easy cleanup.

This dish quickly became a family favorite because it combines delicious flavors with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• Seafood: 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp peeled and deveined
• Vegetables: 3 cups (about 300 g) broccoli florets, 1 small red bell pepper sliced (optional for color)
• Aromatics & Flavor: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 4 cloves garlic minced, 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional), 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, Zest of 1 lemon, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Garnish: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Step 1:

Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and lemon zest. Set aside.

Step 2:

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the broccoli florets (and red bell pepper if using). Season with a pinch of salt and sauté for 3–4 minutes until broccoli is bright green and just starting to soften.

Step 3:

Push the vegetables to the side of the pan. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and minced garlic to the cleared space. Let the garlic sizzle for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4:

Add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 2 minutes per side or until shrimp are pink and opaque.

Step 5:

Add lemon juice and toss everything together to coat in the garlic butter. Remove from heat.

Step 6:

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

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This recipe has brought many happy family dinners filled with laughter and conversation around the table.

Required Tools

Large skillet or sauté pan, cutting board, chefs knife, spatula or wooden spoon

Allergen Information

Contains shellfish (shrimp) and dairy (butter). For a dairy-free version, use olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative. Always check ingredient labels if you have allergies.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 235, Total Fat: 13 g, Carbohydrates: 8 g, Protein: 22 g per serving

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This simple, delicious meal always feels like a special treat with minimal effort.

Recipe FAQs

→ How should I prepare the shrimp before cooking?

Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and lemon zest to enhance flavor before cooking.

→ Can I substitute the broccoli with other vegetables?

Yes, asparagus or snap peas work well as alternatives, offering a similar crisp texture and fresh taste.

→ What is the best pan to use for this dish?

A large skillet or sauté pan is ideal for even cooking and easy tossing of ingredients in one pan.

→ How do I make this dish dairy-free?

Replace butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative to keep it dairy-free while maintaining richness.

→ What sides complement this garlic butter shrimp and broccoli?

Steamed rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice are excellent accompaniments that soak up the flavorful sauce.