Zesty Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Skillet Recipe for Dinner

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delicious solutions that pack serious flavor into every bite.

This irresistible garlic butter shrimp and broccoli skillet recipe delivers a mouthwatering punch of savory goodness.

Tender shrimp swim in a rich, golden butter sauce infused with aromatic garlic and vibrant green broccoli.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of protein and vegetables that makes healthy eating feel like an indulgence.

The skillet method ensures maximum flavor and minimal cleanup, making this dish a true weeknight hero.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this simple yet spectacular recipe and discover your new favorite fast and fresh dinner.

How To Store Garlic Butter Shrimp And Broccoli Skillet Recipe Properly

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover shrimp and broccoli in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps well in the refrigerator for 1-2 days, maintaining optimal taste and texture.
• Quick Reheating Trick: Warm individual portions in a skillet over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes. Add a splash of water or olive oil to prevent drying out and restore the dish's original juiciness.
• Flavor Boost Method: Before refrigerating, separate shrimp and broccoli from sauce to prevent sogginess. Store sauce separately and drizzle fresh when reheating to maintain vibrant garlic butter taste.
• Freezing Wisdom: Not recommended for this recipe. Shrimp tends to become rubbery and lose delicate texture when frozen and reheated. Best enjoyed fresh within 24-48 hours of initial preparation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 3

What You’ll Need For Garlic Butter Shrimp And Broccoli Skillet Recipe

• Shrimp: Sweet and succulent seafood that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully; choose large, deveined shrimp for easier preparation and best texture.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances natural shrimp flavor and helps create a delicious crust during cooking.
• Black Pepper: Adds warm, subtle heat that complements the shrimp's delicate taste.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces a smoky depth and beautiful reddish color to the shrimp.

• Broccoli: Nutrient-packed green vegetable that provides a wonderful crunch and vibrant color; select fresh, firm florets with deep green hue.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that creates a rich, intense flavor base for the entire dish; fresh cloves offer the most robust taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spice that brings gentle heat and complexity to the sauce.

• Olive Oil: Healthy cooking fat that helps prevent sticking and adds subtle fruity undertones.
• Butter: Creates a luxurious, silky sauce that coats ingredients with rich, creamy flavor.
• Lemon: Bright citrus that adds freshness and helps balance the richness of butter and shrimp.
• Fresh Parsley: Lightweight herb that provides a pop of color and fresh, clean flavor to finish the dish.

Cooking Tools For Garlic Butter Shrimp And Broccoli Skillet Recipe

• Large skillet: Essential for sautéing and creating this one-pan wonder.
• Paper towels: Perfect for drying shrimp and ensuring crispy, golden edges.
• Chef's knife: Sharp blade for precise chopping of garlic and parsley.
• Cutting board: Sturdy surface for preparing ingredients quickly and safely.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and tossing ingredients without scratching the skillet.
• Measuring spoons: Helpful for adding precise amounts of seasonings and butter.

Instructions For Garlic Butter Shrimp And Broccoli Skillet Recipe

• Shrimp Preparation

Quick season the seafood with a flavor blend that brings out its natural sweetness. Create a light coating using simple spices that enhance the delicate protein.

• Broccoli Sizzle

Transform bright green florets into tender-crisp nuggets of deliciousness. A hot skillet helps caramelize the vegetable’s natural sugars, creating incredible depth of flavor.

• Protein Magic

Cook the shrimp until they curl and turn a beautiful coral shade. Work quickly to keep them juicy and tender without overcooking.

• Garlic Symphony

Create a luxurious sauce that brings everything together. Melt butter and let minced garlic dance and release its aromatic magic, creating a base that will make your taste buds sing.

• Final Fusion

Reunite the shrimp and broccoli in the pan, allowing them to mingle with the rich garlic butter. A splash of citrus brightens the entire dish, adding a zesty freshness that elevates every bite.

• Plate and Enjoy

Transfer the skillet masterpiece to your favorite serving dish. Sprinkle with fresh herbs for a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor. Savor immediately while the dish is warm and inviting.

Smart Seasoning Ideas For Garlic Butter Shrimp And Broccoli Skillet Recipe

• Quick Weeknight Meal Hack: Prep all ingredients beforehand to reduce cooking stress and make the entire process smoother and faster.
• Protein Powerhouse Swap: Replace shrimp with chicken or tofu for a versatile protein option that keeps the delicious garlic butter sauce intact.
• Low-Carb Friendly Twist: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional grains to create a keto-friendly version of this delectable dish.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference – use less for mild flavor or add extra for a spicier kick that elevates the entire meal.

Ways To Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp And Broccoli Skillet Recipe

• Pasta Pairing Paradise: Serve this zesty shrimp skillet over a bed of angel hair or linguine pasta for a more substantial meal that soaks up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
• Salad Side Sensation: Create a refreshing Mediterranean-style salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, buttery flavors of the shrimp and broccoli.
• Rice Roundup: Spread the shrimp and broccoli over fluffy white rice or nutty brown rice to catch every drop of the mouthwatering garlic butter sauce, making each bite perfectly seasoned.
• Crusty Bread Companion: Grab a warm, crusty baguette or garlic bread to mop up the incredible sauce, turning this simple skillet dish into a restaurant-worthy experience that'll have everyone asking for seconds.

Tantalizing Garlic Butter Shrimp And Broccoli Skillet Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic butter shrimp and broccoli skillet delivers restaurant-quality comfort on your dinner plate. Creamy, herbed sauce complements tender seafood and crisp vegetables, inviting home cooks to savor each delicious Mediterranean-inspired bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 pound (454 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) butter
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice (from ½ lemon)
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 grams) red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Pat shrimp dry and season with salt, black pepper, and smoky paprika, ensuring even coverage of the delicate seafood.
2. Broccoli Sauté: Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet, add broccoli florets with a light salt sprinkle. Cook until vibrant green and slightly tender, about 4-5 minutes, then transfer to a separate plate.
3. Shrimp Cooking: In the same skillet, add olive oil and butter, then introduce seasoned shrimp. Cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and translucent, then remove and set aside.
4. Garlic Infusion: Reduce heat to medium-low, melt remaining butter, and add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Allow aromatics to bloom for approximately 60 seconds, releasing their intense flavor profile.
5. Final Combination: Return shrimp and broccoli to the skillet, gently toss with the aromatic garlic butter sauce. Brighten the dish with a fresh lemon juice squeeze, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated and heated through.
6. Serving: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately, accompanied by your preferred side dishes.

Notes

• Dry Shrimp Perfectly: Remove excess moisture with paper towels to ensure crispy, golden-brown edges and prevent steaming instead of searing.
• Control Heat Levels: Maintain medium heat for broccoli and shrimp to prevent burning and preserve vibrant colors and delicate textures.
• Maximize Flavor Layering: Use the same skillet for each ingredient to build deeper, more complex taste profiles by capturing residual cooking oils and browned bits.
• Quick Cooking Strategy: Cook shrimp just until pink and translucent to prevent rubbery texture, which typically takes 2-3 minutes per side depending on size.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg