Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli Rice

The sizzle of plump shrimp hitting a hot pan of fragrant garlic butter creates an irresistible aroma that will draw everyone to your kitchen. Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli Rice combines succulent seafood with a healthier twist on traditional rice, creating a meal that’s both indulgent and nutritious. This one-pan wonder delivers rich buttery flavors balanced perfectly with fresh, crisp broccoli rice—a combination that’s sure to impress even picky eaters. You’ll learn how to perfectly cook shrimp, create flavorful garlic butter, and transform broccoli into a delicious rice alternative all in one cohesive dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli Rice is the perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition that your weeknight dinner rotation desperately needs. The juicy shrimp, bathed in a luxurious garlic butter sauce, provides a satisfying protein source while creating a delightful contrast against the light, veggie-packed broccoli rice base.

What makes this dish truly special is its versatility and speed—ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for entertaining guests. The textural interplay between the tender shrimp and the slight crunch of the broccoli rice creates a delightful mouthfeel with every bite.

Health-conscious diners will appreciate that this recipe packs a serious nutritional punch while still delivering on flavor. The broccoli rice substitution significantly increases your vegetable intake while reducing carbohydrates, making this buttery shrimp dish something you can enjoy regularly without guilt.

Ingredients

For the Garlic Butter Shrimp:

• 1½ pounds (680g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Broccoli Rice:

• 2 medium heads broccoli (about 1½ pounds/680g)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup (120ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

The key to exceptional garlic butter shrimp is using fresh, high-quality shrimp. Frozen shrimp works well too—just ensure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before cooking for the best texture and caramelization.

Pro Tips

Perfect Shrimp Cooking Technique: The secret to juicy, perfectly cooked shrimp in your garlic butter shrimp with broccoli rice is avoiding overcooking. Shrimp cook extremely quickly—typically 2-3 minutes per side. Watch for them to turn pink and opaque, then immediately remove from heat. They should form a loose “C” shape when done; if they curl into a tight “O,” they’re overcooked and will become rubbery.

Broccoli Rice Mastery: For the best broccoli rice texture, pulse the florets and stems in a food processor until they resemble rice grains, but stop before they become mushy. Work in batches to ensure even chopping. After processing, wrap the broccoli rice in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze to remove excess moisture—this prevents soggy broccoli rice and allows it to achieve a more authentic rice-like texture when cooked.

Flavor Enhancement: For a deeper, more complex flavor profile, brown your butter before adding the garlic. Heat butter over medium heat until it foams and begins to turn golden brown with a nutty aroma. Then add garlic and cook just until fragrant (about 30 seconds) before adding the shrimp. This simple technique elevates the entire dish, creating a richer, more sophisticated flavor base for your garlic butter shrimp.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli Rice
Cut broccoli into florets, including some of the stem. Pulse in batches in a food processor until it resembles rice grains (about 10-15 pulses). Don’t overprocess, as this will make the broccoli mushy. You should yield about 4 cups of broccoli rice. Transfer to a clean kitchen towel and gently squeeze to remove excess moisture.

Step 2: Cook the Broccoli Rice
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the broccoli rice, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine. Pour in chicken broth, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 5-6 minutes until broccoli is tender but still has some bite. Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish. Keep warm.

Step 3: Prepare the Shrimp
While the broccoli rice cooks, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Ensuring the shrimp is dry will help it sear rather than steam, giving you better flavor and texture in your garlic butter shrimp.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
In the same skillet (wiped clean), heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. When butter is melted and starts to foam, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes without moving, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until just pink and opaque.

Step 5: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce heat to medium-low. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir constantly for 30 seconds until garlic is fragrant but not brown. Pour in lemon juice and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the pan bottom.

Step 6: Finish and Serve
Return broccoli rice to the skillet if desired, or spoon the garlic butter shrimp over the prepared broccoli rice. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, toss gently to combine, and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture experience.

Variations

Mediterranean Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli Rice: Transform your garlic butter shrimp with Mediterranean flavors by adding 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, and 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese to the final dish. Substitute the parsley with fresh dill and oregano, and finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. This variation brings bright, tangy flavors that complement the garlic butter beautifully.

Asian-Inspired Garlic Ginger Shrimp: Create an Asian spin by adding 1 tablespoon grated ginger and 2 tablespoons soy sauce to the garlic butter. Replace the lemon juice with lime juice, and stir in 1 tablespoon of honey for a sweet-savory balance. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds instead of parsley. For the broccoli rice, add 1 teaspoon of sesame oil during cooking for an authentic Asian aroma.

Spicy Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp: For heat lovers, add 1-2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning to the shrimp before cooking, and incorporate a diced jalapeño with the garlic. Add a splash of white wine to the sauce and finish with a squeeze of fresh lime instead of lemon. This variation turns your garlic butter shrimp with broccoli rice into a bold, flavorful dish with a Southern kick.

Storage and Serving

Storage Instructions: Allow leftover garlic butter shrimp with broccoli rice to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The shrimp texture may change slightly upon reheating, but the flavor will remain delicious. For best results, store the shrimp and broccoli rice in separate containers to prevent the broccoli from becoming too soggy.

Reheating Method: Gently reheat the shrimp in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent drying out. The broccoli rice can be microwaved with a sprinkle of water for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Serving Suggestions: Serve this vibrant dish with a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a complete meal. For a more substantial dinner, add a slice of crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce. This garlic butter shrimp also pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the bright flavors. For an impressive presentation, serve in shallow bowls with lemon wedges and additional fresh herbs sprinkled on top.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works perfectly for garlic butter shrimp with broccoli rice. Thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water, then pat thoroughly dry before cooking to ensure proper browning.

How do I know when shrimp is fully cooked?
Properly cooked shrimp turns from gray and translucent to pink and opaque. They should form a loose “C” shape—if they curl into a tight “O,” they’re overcooked. This typically takes just 2-3 minutes per side.

Can I make broccoli rice without a food processor?
Absolutely! Use a box grater with large holes to grate the broccoli florets and stems. It takes more time but produces similar results for your garlic butter shrimp dish.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, garlic butter shrimp with broccoli rice is perfect for keto diets. The broccoli rice provides a low-carb alternative to traditional rice, while the butter and shrimp offer healthy fats and protein.

Can I prep any components ahead of time?
The broccoli rice can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also peel and devein the shrimp a day ahead, but for the best flavor and texture, the garlic butter sauce should be made fresh just before serving.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli Rice is comfort food at its finest — a perfect balance of indulgent buttery goodness and nutritious ingredients that satisfy both your cravings and your health goals. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into something special, bringing restaurant-quality flavors to your table in less than 30 minutes. Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or simply treat yourself to something delicious after a long day, this versatile recipe delivers every time with its perfect combination of succulent shrimp, aromatic garlic, and vibrant broccoli rice.

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