Finding a fast, flavorful dinner on a busy weeknight can be challenging. This Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli brings tender shrimp, lightly charred broccoli, garlic, lemon, and a simple butter sauce together in one skillet.
The shrimp provides a convenient source of protein, while the broccoli adds color, texture, and vegetables to the meal. Serve it on its own for a lighter dinner or pair it with rice, quinoa, pasta, or bread for a more substantial meal.
Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli Recipe Overview
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 12–15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Main protein: Shrimp
Best for: Quick weeknight dinners
Texture and flavor: Garlicky, buttery, lemony, and lightly charred
Make-ahead friendly: Partially the broccoli and seasonings can be prepared ahead, but the shrimp is best cooked just before serving.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli
Quick to Prepare
The entire recipe takes about 25 minutes, making it a practical option for evenings when you need dinner on the table quickly.
One-Skillet Cleanup
The broccoli, shrimp, and garlic butter sauce are all cooked in the same skillet, helping keep cleanup simple.
Protein-Rich Base
Shrimp is a lean, quick-cooking source of protein that works well in fast skillet meals.
Simple Seasonings
Paprika, chili flakes, Italian seasoning, garlic, and lemon add plenty of flavor without requiring complicated ingredients.
Easy to Customize
You can serve the shrimp and broccoli with rice, quinoa, pasta, bread, or another favorite side.
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli
8 ounces raw shrimp, peeled and deveined: Use medium or large shrimp for the best texture.
2 cups broccoli florets: Adds color, fiber, and a tender-crisp texture.
1 tablespoon olive oil, divided: Used to cook the broccoli and shrimp.
2 tablespoons butter: Creates a rich but balanced garlic butter sauce.
1 tablespoon minced garlic: Adds the main aromatic flavor.
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided: Enhances the flavor of the broccoli and shrimp.
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided: Adds mild earthy heat.
1 teaspoon paprika: Gives the shrimp color and a mild smoky flavor.
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes: Adds gentle heat. Adjust according to your preference.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, optional: Adds a simple blend of dried herbs.
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Brightens the sauce and balances the richness of the butter.
4–5 thin lemon slices: Adds fresh citrus flavor and makes the finished dish more visually appealing.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli
Prepare the Ingredients
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Dry shrimp will sear more effectively and release less water into the skillet.
Divide the salt and pepper so that you can season both the broccoli and the shrimp evenly.
Sear the Broccoli
Heat half of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is hot, add the broccoli florets. Season with half of the salt and half of the black pepper.
Cook for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is bright green, tender-crisp, and lightly charred around the edges.
Transfer the broccoli to a clean plate and set it aside.
Cook the Shrimp
Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining olive oil to the skillet.
Add the shrimp in a single layer. Season with the remaining salt, remaining black pepper, and paprika.
Cook for approximately 2–4 minutes, turning once, until the shrimp are firm, pearly, and opaque.
Cooking time will vary depending on the size of the shrimp. For food safety, seafood should reach an internal temperature of 145°F or 63°C.
Transfer the cooked shrimp to the plate with the broccoli.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Keep the skillet over medium heat and add the butter.
Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic. Cook for about 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
Do not allow the garlic to become dark brown, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
Stir in the Italian seasoning and red chili flakes. Cook for another 20–30 seconds.
Assemble the Dish
Add the lemon slices to the skillet.
Return the cooked shrimp and broccoli to the pan. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated in the garlic butter sauce.
Add the fresh lemon juice and toss again.
Remove the skillet from the heat and serve immediately.
More Quick and High Protein Meals
Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli
Do Not Crowd the Skillet
The shrimp and broccoli need enough space to sear properly. If you double the recipe, cook the ingredients in batches to prevent them from steaming.
Watch the Garlic Carefully
Garlic cooks quickly in butter. Keep the heat at medium and stir constantly to prevent burning.
Avoid Overcooking the Shrimp
Shrimp cooks much faster than many other proteins. Remove it from the pan as soon as it becomes firm, pearly, and opaque.
A loose “C” shape can be a useful visual clue, but checking the appearance and internal temperature is more reliable.
Dry the Shrimp Before Cooking
Excess water prevents browning and may cause the shrimp to steam. Pat the shrimp thoroughly dry before adding it to the skillet.
Use Fresh Lemon Juice
Fresh lemon juice provides a brighter, cleaner flavor than bottled lemon juice and helps balance the richness of the butter.
Adjust the Chili Flakes
Use 1/4 teaspoon for mild heat or up to 1/2 teaspoon for a spicier sauce.
How to Store, Reheat, and Meal Prep Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli
This recipe is best served immediately because freshly cooked shrimp has the most tender texture.
However, you can prepare the broccoli florets, measure the seasonings, and mince the garlic earlier in the day. Keep all prepared ingredients covered and refrigerated until you are ready to cook.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume them within 2 days for the best texture.
Refrigerate the leftovers promptly and do not leave the cooked shrimp at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
To reheat, place the shrimp and broccoli in a skillet over low heat with a small splash of water. Cover and warm gently until heated throughout.
You can also microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals. Avoid prolonged heating, which can make the shrimp rubbery.
For food safety, reheated leftovers should reach 165°F or 74°C.
Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli
Ingredients
- 8 oz raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cup broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 4-5 thin lemon slices
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
- Heat half of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the broccoli florets and season with half of the salt and black pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp and lightly charred. Transfer the broccoli to a plate.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining olive oil. Add the shrimp in a single layer and season with the remaining salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Cook the shrimp for 2–4 minutes, turning once, until firm, pearly, and opaque. Transfer the shrimp to the plate with the broccoli.
- Add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly.
- Stir in the Italian seasoning and red chili flakes and cook for another 20–30 seconds.
- Add the lemon slices, then return the shrimp and broccoli to the skillet. Toss gently until everything is coated in the garlic butter sauce.
- Add the fresh lemon juice, remove from the heat, and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Can You Freeze Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli?
Freezing is possible, but it is not ideal. Previously cooked shrimp may become firm or rubbery after freezing and reheating, while the broccoli may lose some of its tender-crisp texture.
For the best results, prepare and enjoy this dish fresh.
Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli Nutrition Notes
This meal provides protein from the shrimp and vegetables from the broccoli.
Olive oil provides primarily unsaturated fat, while butter adds richness and flavor but also contributes saturated fat. The amount of butter can be adjusted depending on personal dietary preferences.
For a more substantial meal, serve the shrimp and broccoli with quinoa, brown rice, pasta, or another preferred side.
Nutrition information is provided as an estimate only and may vary depending on the ingredients, brands, portions, and substitutions used.
This content is for general informational purposes and is not intended as medical or dietary advice.
What to Serve With Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli
Serve this dish with:
- Jasmine rice or brown rice
- Quinoa
- Al dente pasta
- Cauliflower rice
- Crusty sourdough bread
- Roasted potatoes
- A simple green salad
Rice, quinoa, pasta, or bread will help turn the shrimp and broccoli into a more substantial dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli
Can I Make This Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli Ahead?
The complete dish is best cooked shortly before serving.
However, you can wash and cut the broccoli, mince the garlic, measure the seasonings, and prepare the lemon in advance. Store everything separately in the refrigerator until cooking time.
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp?
Yes. Thaw frozen shrimp overnight in the refrigerator.
For a faster method, place the shrimp in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water, changing the water as needed until thawed.
Do not thaw shrimp at room temperature.
Once thawed, drain the shrimp and pat it very dry before cooking.
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Shrimp?
Yes, but add it only during the final assembly step.
Cook the broccoli and prepare the sauce first, then add the pre-cooked shrimp and heat it gently for 1–2 minutes. Cooking it for too long can make it rubbery.
What Can I Use Instead of Broccoli?
Asparagus, snap peas, green beans, zucchini, or bell peppers can all work well.
Cooking times may vary depending on the vegetable you choose.
Is This Dish Healthy?
This recipe provides shrimp for protein and broccoli for vegetables. However, individual dietary needs vary, and the butter contributes saturated fat.
Serve it with a whole grain or another side if you want a more filling and substantial meal.
How Do I Know When the Shrimp Is Cooked?
Properly cooked shrimp should be firm, pearly, and opaque.
The cooking time is generally 2–4 minutes depending on the size of the shrimp and the temperature of the skillet.
For food safety, the internal temperature should reach 145°F or 63°C.
Can I Reduce the Butter?
Yes. You can use 1 tablespoon of butter and add 1–2 tablespoons of low-sodium broth or water to create additional sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli is a quick, protein-rich skillet dinner made with simple ingredients.
The combination of tender shrimp, lightly charred broccoli, fresh lemon, garlic, and butter creates a flavorful meal that can be ready in about 25 minutes.
Serve it immediately with rice, quinoa, pasta, or bread, and save the recipe to your Pinterest board for your next busy weeknight.
