When you need a light, satisfying dinner in under 15 minutes, Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli is unbeatable. Plump, juicy shrimp and crisp-tender broccoli florets are pan-seared in rich garlic butter, infused with fresh lemon juice and red pepper flakes for a bright, savory finish.
The secret to juicy shrimp and perfectly cooked broccoli in a single pan is Cooking the Broccoli First with a Splash of Water to Steam-Sauté, then Searing the Seasoned Shrimp Separately on High Heat. Because shrimp cooks in just 3 to 4 minutes, cooking the broccoli first ensures the florets get tender-crisp without overcooking the delicate seafood into a rubbery texture.
Why You’ll Love This Skillet Dinner
- 15-Minute Meal: Rapid cooking techniques take this from fridge to table in less time than it takes to order takeout.
- Low-Carb & Keto Friendly: High in protein and healthy fats while naturally low in carbohydrates.
- Simple Pantry Staples: Relies on butter, garlic, lemon, red pepper flakes, and simple fresh or frozen seafood.
- One-Pan Cleanup: Everything cooks sequentially in a single skillet.
Key Ingredients Overview
- Shrimp: 1 lb raw large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and patted dry with paper towels.
- Broccoli: 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, cut into uniform bite-sized pieces.
- Garlic Butter Base: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, and 4 minced garlic cloves.
- Citrus & Heat: 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, ½ teaspoon lemon zest, and ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes.
- Seasonings & Garnishes: Salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and fresh chopped parsley.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1.Steam-Sauté the Broccoli:4 min.
Melt 1 tablespoon butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 cups broccoli florets, ¼ teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons water. Cover the pan with a lid for 3 minutes to steam until tender-crisp and bright green. Transfer broccoli to a plate.
2.Sear Garlic & Aromatics:1 min.
In the same hot skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Add 4 minced garlic cloves, ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, and ½ teaspoon lemon zest. Stir constantly for 1 minute until fragrant (be careful not to brown the garlic).
3.Sear the Shrimp:4 min.
Pat 1 lb peeled, deveined shrimp dry with paper towels and season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 2 minutes, then flip and cook 1 to 2 minutes more until opaque and pink.
4.Toss Together & Finish:1 min.
Return the steamed broccoli to the skillet. Pour in 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice and toss everything together for 1 minute until hot and coated in garlic butter sauce.
5.Garnish & Serve Warm:1 min.
Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, lemon slices, and extra red pepper flakes. Serve immediately!
Expert Tips for Success
- Pat Shrimp Completely Dry: Moisture on the surface of raw shrimp causes them to steam rather than sear. Drying them thoroughly with paper towels guarantees a nice caramelization on the exterior.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp are done the moment they turn opaque and form a loose “C” shape. If they curl into a tight “O”, they are overcooked!
- Fresh vs. Frozen Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets yield the best texture. If using frozen broccoli, thaw and pat completely dry before sautéing to prevent excess water from diluting the butter sauce.
The Recipe Card
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 4 Servings
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Large Raw Shrimp (peeled & deveined)
- 4 cups Fresh Broccoli Florets
- 3 tbsp Unsalted Butter (divided)
- 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 4 Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice & ½ tsp Zest
- ¼ tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- ¾ tsp Salt & ¼ tsp Black Pepper
- Fresh Parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Melt 1 tbsp butter and olive oil in a skillet. Add broccoli, ¼ tsp salt, and 2 tbsp water; cover and steam 3 minutes until tender-crisp. Transfer broccoli to a plate. Melt remaining 2 tbsp butter in pan; add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and lemon zest for 1 minute. Add seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook 2 minutes per side until pink. Return broccoli to pan, stir in lemon juice, toss 1 minute, and serve hot!
