Looking for a quick and tasty dish? Try my Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli! This meal only takes 20 minutes and it’s packed with flavor. You’ll love the garlicky aroma and buttery goodness. With fresh shrimp, vibrant broccoli, and a hint of lemon, it’s a complete delight for your taste buds. In this post, I’ll guide you step by step to create this easy favorite. Ready to cook? Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Aromatics and Seasonings
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Flavor Enhancements
– Zest and juice of 1 lemon
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
– Cooked rice or quinoa, for serving
For this dish, each ingredient plays a key role. The shrimp brings a sweet, mild flavor. Broccoli adds a nice crunch and nutrition. Unsalted butter gives a rich taste. Garlic enhances the flavor profile with a warm, aromatic note.
Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat. You can adjust this to suit your taste. Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning, helping to balance the flavors. The lemon zest and juice brighten the dish, giving it a fresh and zesty twist. Finally, parsley adds color and freshness, making your meal pop.
You can find the full recipe by following the link. It’s straightforward and perfect for any skill level. Enjoy the cooking journey!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Broccoli
– Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
– Blanch broccoli for 2-3 minutes.
To get the broccoli just right, bring your pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. This helps keep the broccoli bright and fresh. Blanch the broccoli for about 2-3 minutes. You want it tender yet still crisp. After blanching, quickly transfer the broccoli to an ice bath. This step halts the cooking process and keeps the color vibrant. Set it aside for later.
Making the Garlic Butter Sauce
– Melt unsalted butter over medium heat.
– Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes.
Next, let’s whip up that garlic butter sauce. In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when it starts to smell amazing. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir them together for about a minute. The garlic should turn golden, and the aroma will fill your kitchen.
Cooking the Shrimp
– Increase heat and add shrimp to the skillet.
– Season and cook until shrimp are pink and opaque.
Now, crank up the heat and add the shrimp to the skillet. Sprinkle them with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally, and watch as they turn a lovely pink hue and become opaque. This is when they are perfectly done.
Combining Ingredients
– Return blanched broccoli to the skillet.
– Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle zest.
It’s time to bring everything together! Gently return the blanched broccoli to the skillet with the shrimp. Drizzle fresh lemon juice and sprinkle lemon zest over the top. This adds a bright flavor. Stir everything together and let it heat through for another minute.
Final Touches
– Toss everything together.
– Adjust seasoning as needed.
Give it all a good toss. Make sure the sauce coats every piece of shrimp and broccoli. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. You want the flavors to pop!
Serving Suggestions
– Serve over rice or quinoa.
– Garnish with parsley.
To serve, ladle the garlic butter shrimp and broccoli over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa. This will soak up all that delicious sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. This adds a nice color and a hint of freshness. Enjoy this delightful dish! For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Techniques
– Perfectly blanching broccoli: Start by boiling salted water in a large pot. When the water reaches a rolling boil, add the broccoli florets. Blanch them for 2-3 minutes. You want them bright green and slightly tender. Quickly move them to an ice bath to stop cooking. This keeps the color and crunch.
– Sautéing shrimp without overcooking: Heat a spacious skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter first, then add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Once fragrant, increase the heat to medium-high. Add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes. Look for a pink color and opaque texture. Remove them from heat as soon as they are done.
Flavor Enhancements
– Alternative ingredients for more flavor: You can swap the unsalted butter for olive oil or ghee. This adds a different taste. Try adding a splash of white wine to the garlic butter for more depth. A dash of soy sauce can also deepen the flavor profile.
– Adjusting red pepper flakes for spice level: If you like heat, keep the red pepper flakes. If you prefer mild flavors, reduce the amount. You can also substitute with smoked paprika for a smoky taste without the heat.
Presentation Ideas
– Plating techniques for a professional look: Use a large, white plate to highlight the colors. Place the rice or quinoa in the center. Arrange the shrimp and broccoli around it. Drizzle some sauce over the dish to make it shine.
– Using garnishes effectively: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color. Scatter it over the top just before serving. You can also add a few lemon wedges on the side for a fresh touch. This makes the dish look elegant and inviting.
For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section.
Variations
Dietary Variations
You can easily adapt this recipe to fit your diet. To make it gluten-free, simply ensure that any sauces or ingredients you use are labeled gluten-free. Most fresh ingredients in this dish are naturally gluten-free, so you’re off to a good start. If you need a dairy-free option, swap unsalted butter for a plant-based butter or oil. This change keeps the dish tasty without dairy.
Ingredient Substitutions
Feel free to switch out the vegetables. Instead of broccoli, try using asparagus, snap peas, or even bell peppers. These veggies add color and crunch. If shrimp isn’t your thing, you can use chicken or tofu as a protein. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything cooks evenly.
Flavor Variations
Looking to mix things up? Add herbs like basil or cilantro for a fresh twist. You could also sprinkle in some smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. If you enjoy sauces, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or a drizzle of sriracha for some heat. These small changes make your garlic butter shrimp and broccoli even more exciting. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps above.
Storage Info
Keeping Leftovers
To keep your Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli fresh, use airtight containers. Place the leftovers in the fridge right after they cool down. They stay good for up to three days. Always check for any off-smells or changes in texture before eating.
Reheating Tips
When you reheat this dish, do it gently. I recommend using a skillet over low heat. This way, the shrimp won’t dry out. Another option is to use a microwave. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. You can also make this meal ahead of time. It works well for meal prep and saves time during busy days.
Freezing Guidelines
Yes, you can freeze Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli! First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in freezer-safe bags or containers. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, just place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave to bring back its flavor. For the best results, avoid freezing it with rice or quinoa, as those can become mushy.
FAQs
How long does it take to make Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli?
It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes total. You can serve this dish to four people.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Thaw them in cold water before cooking. This helps them cook evenly.
What can I serve with Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli?
You can serve this dish with rice or quinoa. A fresh salad also pairs well for a complete meal.
How can I adjust the spice level in the dish?
To adjust spice, add more or less red pepper flakes. You can also use fresh chili peppers for heat.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is great for meal prep. Cook it ahead, store it in containers, and enjoy it later.
This Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli dish is quick and full of flavor. You learned how to prepare the ingredients and make a delicious garlic butter sauce. Using fresh shrimp and broccoli gives a healthy meal option. Don’t forget the tips for variations and storage. Try this recipe for an easy weeknight dinner or meal prep. Enjoy the simple steps and great taste! Cooking can be fun and rewarding.
