Name: Garlic Butter Shrimp Broccoli: Quick, Delicious & Healthy Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth); 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil

Garlic Butter Shrimp Broccoli: Prepare to be amazed by this incredibly flavorful and surprisingly simple dish that will become a weeknight staple! Imagine succulent shrimp, perfectly cooked broccoli florets, all bathed in a rich, garlicky, buttery sauce that will have you craving more. This isn't just a meal; it's an experience.

While the exact origins of combining shrimp, broccoli, and garlic butter are somewhat modern, the individual components boast rich histories. Shrimp has been a culinary delight for centuries, enjoyed by cultures worldwide. Broccoli, a member of the cruciferous vegetable family, was cultivated in Italy as far back as the Roman Empire. And garlic butter? Well, that's a classic combination that transcends borders and generations, adding a touch of decadence to almost anything.

What makes garlic butter shrimp broccoli so irresistible? It's the symphony of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the shrimp complements the slightly bitter broccoli, while the garlic butter sauce ties everything together with its savory, aromatic goodness. Plus, it's incredibly quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a healthy and delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The tender shrimp, crisp-tender broccoli, and luscious sauce create a textural harmony that's simply divine. Get ready to discover your new favorite way to enjoy shrimp and broccoli!

Ingredients:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil

Preparing the Broccoli:

Wash and cut the broccoli. Start by thoroughly washing the broccoli head under cold water. Then, using a sharp knife, carefully cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Make sure the florets are roughly the same size so they cook evenly. If the broccoli stem is tender, you can peel it and chop it into small pieces as well.
Blanch the broccoli (optional, but recommended). Blanching the broccoli helps to retain its vibrant green color and gives it a slightly tender-crisp texture. To blanch, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they turn bright green. Immediately transfer the broccoli to an ice bath (a bowl filled with ice water) to stop the cooking process. Drain the broccoli well and set aside. This step can be skipped if you prefer your broccoli more crisp-tender, but I find it improves the overall texture and appearance.

Preparing the Shrimp:

Prepare the shrimp. Ensure your shrimp is fully thawed if using frozen shrimp. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear on the shrimp later. Excess moisture will steam the shrimp instead of allowing it to brown properly.
Season the shrimp. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil. Make sure the shrimp is evenly coated with the seasoning. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes at this stage if you like a little heat.

Cooking the Shrimp and Broccoli:

Sauté the garlic. In a large skillet or wok, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Cook the shrimp. Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will lower the temperature and steam the shrimp instead of searing it. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the broccoli. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the broccoli florets and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp and slightly browned. If you skipped the blanching step, you may need to add a tablespoon or two of water to the skillet and cover it for a few minutes to help the broccoli cook through.
Make the garlic butter sauce. Reduce the heat to low. Add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and let it melt. Stir in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until slightly thickened. If you added red pepper flakes earlier, you can add a pinch more now for extra heat.
Combine everything. Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet with the broccoli and garlic butter sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Cook for another minute or two, until heated through.

Serving:

Serve immediately. Transfer the garlic butter shrimp and broccoli to a serving dish.
Garnish (optional). Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese (if using) and fresh chopped parsley.
Enjoy! Serve hot and enjoy! This dish is delicious on its own or served over rice, pasta, or quinoa.

Conclusion:

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Broccoli recipe is truly a weeknight winner, and I wholeheartedly believe it deserves a permanent spot in your regular rotation. Why? Because it's the trifecta of deliciousness, speed, and health! You get succulent shrimp, tender-crisp broccoli, and that irresistible garlic butter sauce all in one pan. It's a complete meal that's ready faster than you can say "takeout." But beyond the convenience, it's the flavor that really seals the deal. The garlic butter sauce is rich and savory, perfectly complementing the sweetness of the shrimp and the earthy notes of the broccoli. It's a symphony of flavors that will have your taste buds singing! And let's be honest, who can resist anything bathed in garlic butter? Serving Suggestions and Variations: While this recipe is fantastic as is, there's always room for a little personalization! Here are a few ideas to get you started: * Serve it over rice or pasta: For a heartier meal, spoon the garlic butter shrimp broccoli over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or your favorite pasta. Linguine or fettuccine would be particularly delicious! * Add a squeeze of lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens up the flavors and adds a touch of acidity. * Spice it up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce. You could also use a dash of your favorite hot sauce. * Incorporate other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the mix! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini would all be great additions. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. * Make it creamy: For an even richer and more decadent dish, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end. * Use different protein: While shrimp is the star of this show, you could easily substitute it with chicken, scallops, or even tofu. * Make it keto-friendly: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. I've tried many variations of this dish, and each one has been a hit. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. It's a blank canvas that you can customize to your liking. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own! I truly hope you give this Garlic Butter Shrimp Broccoli recipe a try. I'm confident that you'll love it as much as I do. It's a simple, satisfying, and incredibly flavorful meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or any time you're craving something delicious. Once you've made it, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What did you serve it with? What did your family think? Please share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to create even better recipes for you in the future. Happy cooking!