Irresistible Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe

Garlic butter shrimp and broccoli is like a symphony of flavors dancing on your taste buds. Imagine plump, juicy shrimp coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce, mingling with bright green, crisp-tender broccoli. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have you drooling before you even take the first bite. pesto gnocchi dish This dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience that brings people together around the dinner table, making every bite a celebration of flavor and joy.

Now, if you’re anything like me, you probably have fond memories of family dinners where everyone gathered to share stories and laughter over a hearty meal. Garlic butter shrimp and broccoli has become one of my go-to dishes for such occasions. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to serve on special evenings. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into this culinary adventure that promises to tantalize your palate! For more inspiration, check out this Hawaiian-style garlic shrimp recipe.

Ingredients for garlic butter shrimp and broccoli

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Shrimp: Use large, fresh or frozen shrimp; just ensure they’re peeled and deveined for ease of cooking.
• Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are best; they add a beautiful crunch and color to the dish.
• Butter: Unsalted butter works wonders here, allowing you to adjust the saltiness to your liking.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential for that addictive aroma and flavor; minced is best!
• Olive Oil: A little drizzle helps sauté the veggies perfectly without burning them.

For the Sauce:

• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the dish and balances the richness of the butter.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional but highly recommended; they add a kick that pairs beautifully with garlic.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make garlic butter shrimp and broccoli

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. If using frozen shrimp, make sure they are completely thawed by running them under cold water for about five minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Broccoli

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, toss in the broccoli florets. Sauté them for about 4-5 minutes until they turn bright green and tender-crisp.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Push the broccoli to one side of the skillet (or take it out temporarily if you’re feeling fancy) and add the minced garlic into the empty space. Sauté it until fragrant—about 30 seconds—because burnt garlic is not our friend.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Now it’s time for those gorgeous shrimp! Add them into the skillet along with a pinch of salt and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes per side until they’re pink and opaque.

Step 5: Make It Saucy

Add in your butter and lemon juice while everything’s happily cooking together. Stir well until everything is coated in that creamy goodness.

Step 6: Serve It Up!

Transfer everything onto plates or a serving platter. You can garnish with extra lemon wedges or parsley if you’re trying to impress anyone (or yourself!).

Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch! Enjoy every bite of this scrumptious garlic butter shrimp and broccoli.

With these simple steps, you’re not just making dinner—you’re creating memories filled with laughter, good company, and delicious flavors that will linger long after you’ve finished eating!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve perfect garlic butter shrimp and broccoli, start by cooking the shrimp first until they are pink and tender. Then, sauté the broccoli in the same pan to absorb all the delicious flavors. Finally, combine everything together with the garlic butter sauce for a harmonious finish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize this dish by adding bell peppers for extra crunch or swapping out shrimp for chicken or tofu. You can also experiment with different herbs like basil or cilantro to enhance the flavor profile according to your preference.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent overcooking the shrimp and losing that delightful garlic butter goodness.

Sharing this dish with friends at a casual get-together led to compliments that had me floating on air! One friend asked for the recipe after savoring every bite, and I happily obliged, knowing they’d be hooked too.

FAQs :

What ingredients do I need for garlic butter shrimp and broccoli?

To make garlic butter shrimp and broccoli, you will need fresh or frozen shrimp, broccoli florets, butter, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Optional ingredients include red pepper flakes for a spicy kick and parsley for garnish. Using high-quality ingredients enhances the taste of this dish. Fresh garlic gives a robust flavor that complements the shrimp perfectly. Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking to ensure a smooth preparation process. For more inspiration, check out this creamy lemon shrimp pasta recipe.

How long does it take to cook garlic butter shrimp and broccoli?

Preparing garlic butter shrimp and broccoli is quick and easy. The cooking time typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Start by sautéing the garlic in butter until fragrant. Then add the shrimp, cooking them until they turn pink. Finally, add the broccoli and cook until tender yet crisp. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner guests since it’s both delicious and fast to prepare.

Can I use frozen shrimp for garlic butter shrimp and broccoli?

Yes, you can definitely use frozen shrimp for garlic butter shrimp and broccoli. Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking. To do this, place the frozen shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes or leave them in the refrigerator overnight. Thawing ensures even cooking and helps retain their flavor and texture when combined with the buttery sauce.

What can I serve with garlic butter shrimp and broccoli?

Garlic butter shrimp and broccoli pairs well with various side dishes. You can serve it over a bed of rice or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce. For a lower-carb option, consider cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. wild rice soup recipe A fresh green salad or crusty bread also complements this dish beautifully, adding balance to your meal while enhancing its overall appeal.

Conclusion for garlic butter shrimp and broccoli :

In conclusion, garlic butter shrimp and broccoli is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp with tender broccoli in a rich buttery sauce. With minimal prep time and easy-to-find ingredients, it’s an ideal choice for busy weeknight dinners or special occasions alike. parmesan crusted cod By mastering this recipe, you can impress your family or guests with a delightful meal in no time. Enjoy this savory dish as part of your regular menu rotation!

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Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli

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• Author: Hannah
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Garlic butter shrimp and broccoli is a delectable dish that combines juicy shrimp and vibrant broccoli in a rich, buttery sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this quick recipe can be prepared in just 20 minutes. Its enticing aroma and colorful presentation make it a favorite at the dinner table, ensuring everyone will be asking for seconds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare your ingredients by thawing the shrimp if frozen.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Sauté broccoli for 4-5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
3. Push broccoli to one side and add minced garlic; cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add shrimp, salt, and red pepper flakes; cook for 3-4 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
5. Add butter and lemon juice; stir until everything is coated in the sauce.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with additional lemon wedges or parsley if desired.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 31g
• Cholesterol: 245mg

Keywords: You can substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for different protein options. Feel free to add bell peppers or other vegetables based on your preferences. For best results, avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking shrimp to ensure even cooking.