Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli
Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli is a quick and flavorful dish that's perfect for busy nights or when you're craving something light but satisfying. With succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic butter and paired with tender broccoli, it’s a well-balanced meal that’s both healthy and delicious. This recipe takes minimal time to prepare and is packed with flavor, making it a must-try for anyone who loves simple, tasty meals. It’s also super versatile—add some heat, swap out veggies, or serve it with rice or pasta. Trust me, you’ll be coming back for more!
Ingredients
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?
Instructions
How to Cook Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli: A Step-by-Step Guide
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.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute the butter with olive oil for a dairy-free version.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes if you like some spice!
- The shrimp cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.