Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight meal: garlic butter shrimp and broccoli! This dish is not just simple; it’s a flavor explosion that makes my heart sing. I remember the first time I whipped it up for my family—they couldn’t believe how quickly it came together, and the kitchen was filled with the most heavenly aroma of garlic and butter. It’s become a staple in our home because not only is it delicious, but it’s also packed with healthy ingredients. The juicy shrimp and crisp broccoli come together in a way that’s just so satisfying! Trust me; you’ll find yourself making this dish again and again. It’s the kind of recipe that brings everyone to the table with big smiles, ready to dig in!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
How to Prepare Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Instructions
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
Let’s get cooking! First things first, grab a large skillet and melt those 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. You’ll want to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t brown too much—just let it get nice and bubbly. Once the butter is melted, add the 4 cloves of minced garlic. Oh wow, the aroma will start to dance around your kitchen! Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, just until it’s fragrant.
Now it’s time to add the shrimp. Toss in your peeled and deveined shrimp, cooking them for around 2-3 minutes until they turn a lovely pink color. This is when you’ll really start to feel the excitement! Next, add in the 2 cups of broccoli florets. Stir-fry everything together for another 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still a bit crisp. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste, along with that splash of lemon juice for brightness. And voilà! Serve it hot and enjoy the deliciousness you just created!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Packed with flavor from the rich garlic butter sauce.
- Healthy and nutritious, combining protein-rich shrimp with vibrant broccoli.
- One-pan dish means less cleanup—yay!
- Customizable with your favorite seasonings or additional veggies.
- Family-friendly and sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Tips for Success
To make sure your garlic butter shrimp and broccoli turns out perfectly every time, here are a few of my top tips! First, always opt for fresh shrimp if you can. They make a huge difference in flavor and texture—look for shrimp that smell like the ocean, not fishy. If you’re a garlic lover like me, don’t hesitate to adjust the amount of garlic to suit your taste; add an extra clove if you want that bold flavor to shine! And let’s not forget about pairing—this dish is fantastic served over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside some al dente pasta. You can also toss in some red pepper flakes for a kick or squeeze extra lemon juice for brightness. Trust me, these little tweaks can elevate your dish to the next level!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to shake up this garlic butter shrimp and broccoli recipe! For a colorful twist, try adding bell peppers or snap peas for a pop of sweetness and crunch. You can also swap the broccoli for asparagus or green beans—both are fantastic! If you’re in the mood for a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or toss in some diced jalapeños. And hey, why not experiment with different herbs? Fresh parsley or basil can bring a lovely freshness to the dish. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity flow!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk nutrition! A serving of this delicious garlic butter shrimp and broccoli comes in at about 250 calories. You’ll get around 15 grams of fat, with 8 grams being saturated fat. Plus, it’s packed with protein—about 20 grams per serving! You’ll also find 6 grams of carbs and 2 grams of fiber. Keep in mind, these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of the wholesome goodness you’re enjoying!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Frozen shrimp can be just as tasty, but be sure to pat them dry to avoid excess water in your dish.
What can I substitute for butter?
If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use olive oil instead of butter. It’ll still give you that lovely flavor but with a lighter touch.
Can I add other vegetables?
Of course! Feel free to mix in your favorites—zucchini, carrots, or even snap peas would work wonderfully in this garlic butter shrimp and broccoli dish.
Is this recipe spicy?
It’s not spicy, but if you like a kick, try adding some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking to amp up the heat!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Serving Suggestions
To really make your garlic butter shrimp and broccoli shine, serve it over a fluffy bed of rice—jasmine or basmati works beautifully! The rice soaks up that delicious garlic butter sauce, creating the perfect flavor combo. If you’re in the mood for something a bit heartier, try pairing it with al dente pasta like fettuccine or linguine. You could even toss in a light salad on the side for some freshness, or some crusty garlic bread to mop up every last bit of that sauce. Trust me, these sides will take your meal from great to absolutely fabulous!
Print
Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli: 5-Minute Delight
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A simple and delicious garlic butter shrimp and broccoli dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink.
- Add broccoli and stir-fry until tender.
- Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for best flavor.
- Adjust garlic according to your taste.
- Serve with rice or pasta if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: garlic butter shrimp and broccoli
