Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Skillet

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A quick, easy, and delicious meal, Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Skillet is the perfect dish for busy weeknights when you crave something flavorful, yet simple to prepare. The combination of succulent shrimp, crisp-tender broccoli, and a rich, garlicky butter sauce is a match made in heaven. Not only is it packed with bold flavors, but it’s also an incredibly versatile dish that can be served as a light main course or as a side to accompany a variety of meals. Whether you are cooking for one or preparing a family dinner, this dish is sure to impress. Plus, the fact that it all comes together in a single skillet means minimal cleanup, which is always a win in any kitchen.

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Why This Recipe is Perfect

The Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Skillet is loved for its simplicity, speed, and the way it elevates classic ingredients into something extraordinary. Shrimp cooks quickly, making it the perfect protein for those last-minute meals, while broccoli provides a fresh, crunchy contrast to the tender shrimp. The garlic butter sauce, enriched with spices and the savory goodness of vegetable stock, brings everything together in a heavenly way. For those who love a touch of heat, a drizzle of Sriracha adds a spicy kick, though you can always adjust the heat level to your preference.

It’s also a dish that offers lots of flexibility. You can make this recipe your own by adding different seasonings, swapping out ingredients, or experimenting with various vegetables. The flavors meld together so well that you can’t go wrong! And best of all, it takes only about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or meal prep.

Ingredients Breakdown

To make this dish, you’ll need a handful of ingredients. Let’s break down what goes into this vibrant, flavorful skillet:

• 1 1/2 lbs (700g) medium raw shrimp, peeled and deveined: Shrimp are the star of the show in this dish, providing a juicy and tender texture. Look for medium-sized shrimp that are fresh or frozen—just be sure to peel and devein them before cooking to make them easy to eat.
• 1 1/2 lbs (700g) broccoli, rinsed and cut into florets: Broccoli is a fantastic vegetable that pairs wonderfully with shrimp. It adds both flavor and a satisfying crunch to the dish. The florets cook quickly and soak up the garlic butter sauce, making every bite a treat.
• 3 tablespoons butter: Butter is a key ingredient that helps create the rich, silky sauce that coats both the shrimp and broccoli. It adds a luxurious texture and amplifies the garlic flavor.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to sauté the broccoli and start the cooking process, olive oil adds a subtle depth of flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
• 5 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is the backbone of this recipe, infusing the butter sauce with its unmistakable aroma and flavor. Mince the garlic finely so that it blends into the sauce seamlessly, giving you that wonderful garlicky goodness in every bite.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Paprika provides a mild smokiness that complements the shrimp beautifully. It also enhances the color of the dish, making it even more visually appealing.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: This versatile seasoning blend includes herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme, giving the dish a familiar, Mediterranean flavor that pairs perfectly with the shrimp and broccoli.
• 2 teaspoons onion powder: Onion powder adds a savory, slightly sweet flavor that brings depth to the garlic butter sauce. It works wonderfully alongside the garlic to create a rich, balanced flavor profile.
• Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste: Seasoning is key! Be sure to adjust the salt and pepper to your liking so that the flavors are well balanced.
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable stock: Vegetable stock adds moisture to the sauce and helps deglaze the skillet, allowing all the flavorful bits to come together in a harmonious sauce.
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha (or any hot sauce you like): For a touch of heat, a tablespoon of Sriracha does the trick. If you prefer a milder dish, feel free to skip it or use a less spicy hot sauce. The Sriracha adds a depth of flavor with its combination of heat and tang.
• Crushed chili pepper flakes, optional: If you like your dishes spicy, sprinkle some chili flakes on top for an extra kick.
• Juice of 1/2 lemon: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the entire dish, cutting through the richness of the butter and adding a refreshing burst of flavor.
• Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro, for garnish: A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish, enhancing both the flavor and presentation.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a gorgeous garlic butter shrimp and broccoli skillet ready to enjoy in no time:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by prepping your ingredients. Peel and devein the shrimp, rinse the broccoli, and cut it into florets. Mince the garlic, and have the spices and other seasonings ready. This will make the cooking process smooth and efficient.
2. Cook the Broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the butter melts and the oil is hot, add the broccoli florets to the pan. Season them with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste. Sauté the broccoli for about 4-6 minutes until it becomes crisp-tender and bright green. Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set it aside. You want to leave the skillet empty but coated with the delicious butter and oil left behind.
3. Cook the Shrimp: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt before adding the shrimp in a single layer. Season the shrimp with a pinch of salt and pepper, then sauté for about 1-2 minutes on one side until they start to turn pink. Flip the shrimp over and cook for another minute on the opposite side.
4. Add Garlic and Seasonings: Add the minced garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, and onion powder to the shrimp. Stir everything together, making sure the shrimp are well-coated in the fragrant garlic and spices. Allow the garlic to cook for about 1 minute, making sure it doesn’t burn.
5. Create the Sauce: Pour in the vegetable stock and Sriracha, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for another minute, allowing it to reduce slightly and thicken up. This step infuses the shrimp with all the savory flavors of the garlic butter sauce, while the vegetable stock adds richness.
6. Reintroduce the Broccoli: Push the shrimp to one side of the skillet and add the cooked broccoli back into the pan. Stir the broccoli so it gets coated with the sauce, letting it reheat for 1-2 minutes. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the top to add brightness and cut through the richness of the butter.
7. Finish and Serve: Once everything is heated through and well-coated in the garlic butter sauce, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. For an extra touch of heat, sprinkle some crushed chili pepper flakes over the top. Serve your garlic butter shrimp and broccoli immediately, and enjoy!

Flavor and Texture

The Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Skillet is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The shrimp are tender and juicy, with a slightly crisped exterior from the quick sauté. The garlic butter sauce envelops the shrimp, infusing them with a rich, savory flavor that’s both comforting and indulgent. The broccoli retains its crisp-tender texture, offering a refreshing contrast to the succulent shrimp. The addition of Sriracha gives the dish a touch of heat, while the fresh lemon juice adds a burst of brightness, making every bite feel light and refreshing despite the richness of the butter.

Tips for Success

• Choosing Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp can be used for this recipe. If using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
• Broccoli Substitution: If you’re not a fan of broccoli, you can easily swap it for other vegetables such as asparagus, green beans, or zucchini. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure everything cooks evenly.
• Spice Level: Adjust the heat level to your taste by adding more or less Sriracha or chili flakes. If you want a milder version, you can skip the hot sauce altogether.
• Butter Variations: If you want to make the dish a bit lighter, you can substitute some of the butter with olive oil or even a plant-based butter. However, the butter is key to achieving that rich and velvety sauce.
• Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or pasta for a more filling meal. You could also serve it with a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Variations and Customizations

While this garlic butter shrimp and broccoli skillet is already perfect as is, there are plenty of ways to customize the recipe to suit your tastes:

• Add More Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables to the skillet, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach, to increase the nutritional value and add variety to the dish.
• Cheese Lover’s Option: If you’re a fan of cheese, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or mozzarella on top before serving for an extra creamy touch.
• Make it Creamy: For a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk to the pan along with the vegetable stock.

Final Thoughts

The Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Skillet is the epitome of simple, flavorful cooking. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a dish that is both delicious and satisfying. The combination of shrimp, broccoli, and garlic butter is a classic that never fails to please, and it’s easy to see why this recipe has become a go-to for busy weeknights and casual family dinners. Give it a try, and you’ll be enjoying a flavorful, one-pan meal in no time!