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To make Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli, you need the following: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 cups broccoli florets - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice (optional, for serving) Each ingredient plays a key role in this dish. The shrimp gives a tender bite, while the broccoli adds a fresh crunch. Garlic and butter blend together, creating a rich sauce. Lemon juice and zest bring bright flavors, while red pepper adds a nice kick. Using fresh shrimp makes a big difference in taste. I like to buy shrimp that is wild-caught. It has a better flavor and is often more sustainable. Fresh garlic enhances the aroma and taste, so I always opt for whole cloves over pre-minced options. You can customize this dish by adjusting the red pepper flakes to your taste. If you prefer a milder taste, cut back on them. For a stronger lemon flavor, add more lemon juice and zest. This recipe is not only delicious, but it’s also quick and easy. You can follow the full recipe to create this delightful dish in under 30 minutes. Enjoy! To start, rinse the shrimp under cold water. This step removes any excess grit. After rinsing, pat them dry with a clean towel. Now, season the shrimp with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Make sure every piece gets a good coating. Next, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the broccoli florets and blanch them for 2-3 minutes. You want them bright green and slightly tender. Once done, drain the broccoli and plunge it into a bowl of ice water. This ice bath halts cooking and keeps the color vivid. Now, let’s make the sauce. In a large skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Once it starts to froth, add minced garlic and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Stir and sauté for 1-2 minutes, just until the garlic smells amazing. Be careful not to let it brown, as burnt garlic can taste bitter. Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking. The shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque. This is key to perfect shrimp! Once the shrimp are cooked, it’s time to blend the flavors. Add the blanched broccoli to the skillet. Drizzle in freshly squeezed lemon juice and sprinkle with lemon zest. Toss everything gently for about 2 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Taste your dish to see if it needs more seasoning. Adjust with extra sea salt and black pepper, if needed. Serve your garlic butter shrimp and broccoli hot over a bed of cooked quinoa or rice. This adds a nice, nutritious base. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide above! - Best types of garlic to use: I love using fresh garlic. It gives a rich taste that dried garlic just can't match. Look for firm, plump cloves with no sprouts. This ensures the best flavor. - How to avoid burning garlic: To keep garlic from burning, cook it on medium heat. If you see it turning brown, lower the heat. Burnt garlic can ruin your dish, so watch it closely. - Tips for achieving the ideal shrimp texture: Use large shrimp for this recipe. They cook evenly and stay juicy. Don’t overcrowd the pan; this helps them cook well and not steam. - How to tell when shrimp are fully cooked: Look for a pink color and a slight curl. The shrimp should be opaque throughout. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes in the pan. - Alternatives to blanching broccoli: If you want a faster method, try steaming broccoli. It keeps the color bright and the texture tender. Just steam for about 3-4 minutes. - Keeping broccoli bright and vibrant: To keep broccoli bright green, add it to ice water right after cooking. This stops the cooking process and locks in that lovely color. {{image_4}} You can swap shrimp for chicken or tofu. Chicken gives a hearty bite. Tofu adds a nice texture for a plant-based option. Both proteins soak up the garlic butter well. For veggies, try snap peas or green beans. These add crunch and color. Cauliflower offers a fun twist too. Each option adds its own flair to the dish. To boost flavor, add fresh herbs like basil or thyme. These create a fresh aroma. You can also try smoked paprika for a warm, smoky taste. For a spicy kick, add jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes. A dash of hot sauce can also work. If you want citrus, consider lime juice instead of lemon. It brightens the dish nicely. Serve garlic butter shrimp and broccoli with a side of quinoa or brown rice. Both add fiber and make the meal filling. You can also add a simple green salad for more freshness. For a creative twist, pair it with a mango salsa. The sweetness contrasts with the savory shrimp. Another option is a warm crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter sauce. For the full recipe, check out the guidelines above. To keep your garlic butter shrimp and broccoli fresh, use airtight containers. Glass containers work best because they don’t stain or hold odors. Let the dish cool down before sealing to avoid steam buildup. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, use a skillet over low heat. This method warms the dish evenly and keeps the flavors intact. Stir the shrimp and broccoli gently to avoid overcooking. Another option is to microwave it on medium power for one to two minutes. If you want to freeze garlic butter shrimp, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. You can reheat it in a skillet or microwave after thawing. For the full recipe, check out my detailed instructions earlier. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just remember to thaw them first. Place the shrimp in cold water for about 15 minutes. This will help them thaw evenly. Frozen shrimp are often just as tasty as fresh shrimp. They can save you time and are easy to keep on hand. You can add many veggies to this dish. Here are some tasty options: - Bell peppers - Snap peas - Carrots - Asparagus - Zucchini These veggies will add color and flavor. You can mix and match based on what you like or have at home. The shrimp will turn pink and opaque when they are done. You should also look for them to curl slightly. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. If they look rubbery, they may be overcooked. Keep an eye on them to avoid this. Yes, you can make this dish dairy-free. Use a dairy-free butter or olive oil. These options will still give you a great flavor. You can also try coconut oil for a unique twist. Just remember to adjust the cooking times slightly. I love serving garlic butter shrimp and broccoli over quinoa or rice. This adds a nice base for the dish. You can also serve it in a bowl for a cozy meal. Adding a lemon wedge on the side can enhance the flavors. For garnish, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top. Check out the Full Recipe for fun serving ideas! In this article, we explored a tasty garlic butter shrimp and broccoli dish. We covered essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and clever tips to enhance flavor. You learned how to adjust ingredients and cooking methods and found out how to store leftovers. Cooking this dish is easy and fun. Enjoy making it your own with different flavors. You now have the tools and ideas to create a delicious meal. Have fun in the kitchen!

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli

Discover the delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli recipe that’s both quick and packed with flavor! In just 20 minutes, you'll have a delightful dish combining succulent shrimp with vibrant broccoli in a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, it’s nutritious and satisfying. Click through to explore this easy recipe, complete with serving suggestions and tips to elevate your cooking game!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 cups broccoli florets

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your heat preference)

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

1 cup cooked quinoa or rice (optional, for serving)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold running water and gently pat them dry with paper towels. Season generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring an even coating.

    Blanch the Broccoli: In a large pot, bring water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the broccoli florets and blanch them for 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Immediately drain the broccoli and transfer it to a bowl of ice water to halt further cooking. After a few minutes, drain the broccoli again and set aside, ensuring it's well-drained.

      Create the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat until it begins to froth. Once melted, add the minced garlic and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter flavor.

        Cook the Shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Sauté for approximately 3-4 minutes, gently flipping them halfway through, until the shrimp are fully cooked, appearing pink and opaque.

          Combine Ingredients for Flavor: Incorporate the blanched broccoli into the skillet, then drizzle with the freshly squeezed lemon juice and sprinkle with lemon zest. Toss everything gently but thoroughly for about 2 minutes, ensuring all ingredients are heated through and flavors meld harmoniously.

            Serving the Dish: Taste the concoction and adjust seasoning with additional sea salt and freshly ground black pepper if desired. Serve the luscious shrimp and broccoli hot over a fluffy bed of cooked quinoa or rice, adding a nutritious base to the dish.

              Finish with Garnish: To elevate the visual appeal and flavor profile, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top before serving. This adds a fresh pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4