April 2 2025

Garlic Shrimp With Broccoli

Hey👋! So, I’ve got a recipe that I know you’re going to love—Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli.

I’m talking garlicky shrimp that are juicy and tender, paired with crisp broccoli. It’s so simple to make, but every bite feels like a little treat.

I don’t know about you, but I’m all for meals that don’t take hours to make but still taste like you’re eating at your favorite restaurant.

This one definitely checks that box. You can throw it together in no time, and it’s a total crowd-pleaser (even if you’re just cooking for yourself!).

Ready to get cooking? Let’s get started!

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 cups broccoli florets
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (for extra freshness)

Key Substitutions:

Shrimp: You can swap shrimp for chicken breast or tofu for a different protein.
Broccoli: Feel free to use another veggie, like asparagus or green beans if you prefer.
Butter: If you’re dairy-free, you can replace the butter with extra olive oil or a plant-based butter.

Now you’re all set with everything you need! Ready to cook?

How to Cook Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli: Step-by-Step Directions

Prep the shrimp: Peel and devein your shrimp (unless you bought prepped ones—lucky you!). Pat them dry with a paper towel so they cook up nice and crispy.
Get the broccoli ready: Cut the broccoli into florets if you haven’t already. If they’re too big, chop them down a bit—no one wants to fight with giant broccoli pieces.
Cook the broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the broccoli and sauté for about 5-6 minutes until it’s tender and starting to brown slightly. Don’t forget to season with a little salt and pepper. It’s like giving the broccoli a little spa treatment.
Cook the shrimp: In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the butter. Once the butter’s melted, toss in the garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds—just enough for the garlic to smell like heaven (don’t burn it!). Then, add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
Bring it all together: When the shrimp is done, toss the cooked broccoli back into the pan. Stir everything together, then squeeze in the lemon juice for a burst of freshness. Taste and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed.
Serve and enjoy: Now, take a moment to admire your creation because it looks as good as it tastes! Serve up your garlic shrimp with broccoli and enjoy. Bonus points if you impress anyone nearby with how fast and delicious this came together.

And that’s it! See? Simple, tasty, and done in a flash.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks so fast. Like, blink and they’re done. Overcook them, and they turn into rubbery little balls of regret. Watch them closely—once they turn pink and opaque, they’re ready to go. Don’t be that person who serves tough shrimp!
Burning the Garlic: Garlic is amazing, but it’s also picky. If you cook it too long, it goes from fragrant to bitter faster than a speeding ticket. Sauté it for just 30 seconds—enough to release that delicious smell, but not enough to burn it to a crisp.
Skipping the Broccoli Prep: Don’t just throw whole broccoli florets into the pan expecting magic. If the pieces are too big, they won’t cook evenly. Chop them into bite-sized chunks so they get that perfect crispy, tender texture!
Not Seasoning Enough: Trust me, salt and pepper are your best friends here. You don’t need to go wild, but don’t be shy either. A little sprinkle during cooking and at the end makes all the difference. It’s like giving your dish a big, flavorful hug.
Not Letting the Pan Get Hot Enough: You want that sizzle when you add the shrimp to the pan. If the pan’s not hot enough, your shrimp will stick to it like they’re on a mission. Heat the pan first, then add your oil. Simple but essential.

Variations & Customizations

Keto-Friendly Version: Want to make this even more keto-friendly? Skip the butter and swap it for extra olive oil to keep those healthy fats high. You can also toss in some cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a low-carb, veggie-packed side. It’s a win-win for anyone on the keto train.

Spicy Shrimp Lovers: If you like things on the spicy side (and let’s be real, who doesn’t?), bump up the heat by adding a chopped jalapeño or some fresh chili flakes. For extra kick, drizzle with a bit of hot sauce just before serving. Your taste buds will thank you!

Vegetarian/Plant-Based Swap: Not a shrimp fan or want to make it vegetarian? Swap the shrimp for tofu or tempeh. Just press your tofu to remove excess water, cube it up, and cook it just like the shrimp. It’ll absorb all that garlicky goodness, and you’ll still have a hearty, satisfying meal.

There you go! These tweaks are perfect for making the dish your own, depending on your mood, dietary needs, or what’s in your fridge.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Plate with a Purpose: Grab a nice, wide plate—something that lets the colors pop! Start by placing a small mound of the garlic shrimp and broccoli in the center. You want to showcase that beautiful, garlicky shrimp and vibrant green broccoli, so don’t overcrowd the plate.
Add a Splash of Freshness: Squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the top just before serving. Not only does it add a burst of flavor, but it gives the dish a fresh, vibrant look. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with a few lemon wedges on the side for an extra pop.
Get Creative with the Sides: If you’ve made rice or cauliflower rice, serve it alongside the shrimp and broccoli to balance out the dish. You could even make a quick side salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette to add some extra crunch and freshness.
Don’t Forget the Drink: Pair this with a light white wine, like a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, or a refreshing sparkling water with a slice of lemon. It’s all about setting the mood with the right drink to complement your meal.
A Little Final Touch: For a bit of extra elegance, sprinkle some fresh herbs (parsley or basil work great) over the dish right before serving. It adds color and a nice aromatic touch.

How to Best Serve This Dish

Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli is best served hot and fresh! Plate the shrimp and broccoli in the center of a wide plate, with a side of rice or cauliflower rice for a well-rounded meal.

For extra flavor, squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice on top and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil.

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine or sparkling water for a refreshing touch. It’s simple, yet impressive, and perfect for a quick dinner or a meal to wow your guests!

Storage and Freezing

Storing Leftovers: If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge.

They’ll stay fresh for about 2-3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in a pan over low heat or in the microwave, making sure to add a little splash of water or broth to keep everything moist.

Freezing the Dish: Freezing Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli is doable, but the texture of the shrimp may change slightly after freezing.

To freeze, place the cooled shrimp and broccoli in a freezer-safe container or bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible.

This can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

A tip: If you plan to freeze the dish, consider freezing the shrimp and broccoli separately from the rice to maintain the best texture when reheated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. If you skip this step, the excess moisture could make the shrimp soggy, which is not ideal.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! To add some heat, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili when sautéing the garlic. You can also drizzle with hot sauce at the end for an extra kick.
Can I use something other than broccoli?
Of course! While broccoli works great here, you can swap it out for other vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or green beans. Just adjust the cooking time based on the veggie you choose.
How do I know when the shrimp is done cooking?
The shrimp should be pink and opaque when it’s done. It usually only takes 2-3 minutes per side, so keep a close eye on them. Overcooked shrimp becomes rubbery, and you definitely don’t want that.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Simply swap the butter for olive oil or any other dairy-free cooking oil. The dish will still be just as flavorful, and you won’t miss the butter at all.
Can I make this ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can prep the shrimp and broccoli ahead of time by chopping them and storing them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, it’ll come together in just a few minutes.
What can I serve this with?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice), pasta, or a light side salad. You can also serve it with some crusty bread to soak up all that delicious garlic sauce.

Conclusion

And there you have it! Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli—quick, easy, and full of flavor.

Trust me, after trying this, you’ll never go back to the store-bought stuff. Why settle for bland when you can whip up something this delicious in no time?

And, it’s so customizable—you can make it spicy, add your favorite veggies, or even switch up the protein!

I’d love to see how you make it your own. Snap a pic, share your version, and tag me! Let’s get creative in the kitchen.

Now go ahead and enjoy your tasty creation, and remember, cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be incredible!

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