Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe

Imagine tender shrimp sizzling in a buttery garlic sauce, paired with vibrant, crisp broccoli florets that soak up every bit of flavor. This Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe is the perfect combination of protein-packed seafood and nutritious vegetables, creating a restaurant-quality dish right in your home kitchen. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s the ideal weeknight dinner that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for convenience. You’ll learn how to perfectly cook shrimp, create a mouthwatering garlic sauce, and bring it all together in one satisfying, wholesome meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe is bound to become a regular in your meal rotation for several compelling reasons. First, it strikes that perfect balance between healthy and indulgent – providing lean protein and vegetables while still feeling like a treat. The contrasting textures make each bite interesting – from the slight crunch of perfectly cooked broccoli to the tender, succulent shrimp.

Time is always precious, and this dish respects that by coming together in just 20-25 minutes from start to finish. The ingredients are straightforward and likely already in your pantry, saving you from special shopping trips.

What truly sets this recipe apart is the incredible garlic-butter sauce that coats each component, creating a harmonious blend that’s aromatic and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this versatile dish delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort – making you look like a culinary genius without breaking a sweat.

Ingredients

For this delicious Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe, you’ll need:

• 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, your preference)
• 4 cups (340g) broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
• 3 tablespoons butter, divided
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

The shrimp should be fresh or properly thawed if frozen. For the broccoli, fresh provides the best texture, but frozen will work in a pinch – just thaw and pat dry before cooking.

Pro Tips

Perfect Shrimp Cooking: The most common mistake with shrimp is overcooking. Shrimp cook incredibly quickly – they only need about 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them from heat immediately when they curl into a loose “C” shape. If they curl into a tight “O,” they’re overcooked and will become rubbery.

Broccoli Blanching Technique: For the ideal broccoli texture in your Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe, blanch the florets in salted water for just 2 minutes before adding them to the skillet. This pre-cooking ensures they’ll be tender-crisp in the final dish without requiring excessive sautéing time that could overcook your shrimp.

Garlic Infusion Method: For maximum flavor without burning, add garlic to the pan at the right moment. Never add minced garlic to a screaming hot pan – it will burn instantly and taste bitter. Instead, add it to medium heat and stir constantly for 30-60 seconds until fragrant. This creates the aromatic foundation that makes this dish so irresistible. For an even deeper garlic flavor, infuse your olive oil with a whole crushed garlic clove before cooking, then remove it and proceed with the recipe.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Begin by ensuring all your ingredients are prepped and ready to go. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels – this is crucial for achieving a nice sear instead of steaming them. Season shrimp with a pinch of salt and pepper. Have your broccoli cut into even, bite-sized florets so they cook uniformly.

Step 2: Blanch The Broccoli
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for exactly 2 minutes. Immediately drain and plunge into ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain thoroughly and set aside. This pre-cooking ensures your broccoli will be perfectly tender-crisp in the final dish.

Step 3: Sear The Shrimp
Heat 1 tablespoon each of butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the butter is melted and slightly bubbling, add the shrimp in a single layer (work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding). Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and just opaque. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Create The Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the remaining butter and olive oil. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir constantly for 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer and reduce slightly for about 2 minutes.

Step 5: Combine And Finish
Add the blanched broccoli to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through. Return the shrimp to the pan, gently tossing everything together to ensure even coating with the sauce. Cook just until everything is hot, about 1 minute more. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.

Step 6: Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve your Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe immediately while hot, either on its own for a low-carb meal or over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Variations

Spicy Cajun Version: Transform your Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli into a Cajun delight by adding 1-2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning to your shrimp before cooking. Include a diced bell pepper and replace the chicken broth with a splash of white wine and heavy cream for a richer, spicier sauce that perfectly complements the seafood and vegetables.

Asian-Inspired Twist: Create an entirely different flavor profile by adding 1 tablespoon of grated ginger along with the garlic. Replace the chicken broth with a mixture of 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions instead of parsley for a savory-sweet garlic shrimp stir-fry that’s perfect over steamed rice.

Vegetarian Alternative: For a plant-based version, substitute the shrimp with 14 oz of extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed, or 2 cups of chickpeas. The same garlic sauce works beautifully with these protein alternatives, and you can add additional vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms to create a hearty garlic vegetable medley with all the same aromatic flavors.

Storage and Serving

This Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe is best enjoyed immediately after cooking, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent the shrimp from becoming tough. Microwaving is not recommended as it can make the shrimp rubbery.

For serving, try this dish over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or brown rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice makes an excellent base. Alternatively, toss with angel hair pasta or zucchini noodles for a satisfying garlic shrimp pasta dinner.

For an elegant presentation, serve with lemon wedges on the side and a sprinkle of additional fresh herbs. A glass of chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc makes this simple dish feel like a special occasion meal, perfectly complementing the garlic and seafood flavors.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works perfectly! Thaw them completely by placing in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water for a few minutes. Pat them thoroughly dry before cooking to ensure proper searing.

What’s the best way to prevent rubbery shrimp?
The key is to not overcook them. Shrimp need only 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them from heat immediately when they form a loose “C” shape. If they curl into a tight “O,” they’re already overcooked.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
While fresh broccoli provides the best texture, frozen will work. Thaw it completely and pat dry before using. Skip the blanching step and add it directly to the skillet, allowing a bit more time for it to heat through.

Is this recipe keto/low-carb friendly?
Yes! The Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates and fits well into keto and low-carb eating plans. Just skip the optional Parmesan or check that it fits your macros.

How can I make the sauce creamier?
For a creamier variation, add 1/4 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk to the sauce after it has reduced slightly. Allow it to simmer for an additional minute until slightly thickened before adding back the shrimp and broccoli.

Conclusion

This Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe is comfort food at its finest — a perfect balance of protein-rich seafood and nutritious vegetables, all tied together with a mouthwatering garlic butter sauce that makes every bite memorable. It’s the kind of dish that proves healthy eating doesn’t have to be bland or boring, bringing restaurant-quality flavors to your dinner table in less than 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family meal or impressing dinner guests, this versatile recipe delivers delicious results that will have everyone asking for seconds.

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