Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli

The garlic in this dish infuses the shrimp with such an irresistible fragrance, it’s impossible not to get a little excited as it sizzles in the pan. As the shrimp cooks, they take on a delicate, buttery flavor, perfectly complemented by the savory depth of garlic and a hint of heat from the red pepper flakes. It’s like a warm, comforting embrace for your taste buds. The broccoli adds the perfect crunch and freshness, balancing out the richness of the shrimp. And as the juices from the shrimp mingle with the garlic sauce, you’ll find yourself drizzling that flavorful goodness over the broccoli, every bite just getting better and better. The colors are vibrant, and the aroma filling the kitchen is enough to make you want to savor every moment. It’s one of those dishes that feels indulgent yet light, making it ideal for any time of the day, whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat. And the best part? It’s so easy to make, you’ll feel like a culinary pro without all the stress.

Key Ingredients in Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli

This dish comes together beautifully with just a few simple ingredients, each adding its own unique flavor and texture. From the succulent shrimp to the vibrant broccoli, every element plays a part in making this meal both delicious and satisfying. Let’s take a closer look at what’s going into this tasty recipe.

• Large Shrimp, peeled and deveined
  The star of the dish, shrimp bring a sweet, tender flavor with a delicate bite. When cooked, they soak up the savory garlic sauce and add a luxurious richness to every bite.
• Broccoli Florets
  Fresh, crisp, and slightly bitter, the broccoli provides the perfect contrast to the rich shrimp. It adds crunch and color, balancing out the dish’s texture and giving it a vibrant, wholesome feel.
• Garlic, minced
  Garlic is the backbone of this dish, infusing the shrimp and broccoli with a warm, aromatic flavor. The minced garlic cooks quickly, releasing its fragrant oils and transforming the dish into something mouthwatering.
• Olive Oil
  This healthy fat acts as the base for sautéing the garlic and shrimp. Olive oil adds a subtle fruity richness, allowing the other flavors to shine without overpowering them.
• Butter
  A small amount of butter adds a velvety smoothness and a rich, creamy texture to the garlic sauce. It helps to bring everything together, creating a luxurious, slightly decadent finish.
• Red Pepper Flakes
  A pinch of red pepper flakes brings a gentle heat to the dish, balancing out the richness of the shrimp and butter. It’s the perfect way to add a little kick without overwhelming the flavors.
• Salt
  Salt is essential in bringing out the natural flavors of the shrimp, broccoli, and garlic. It enhances the savory notes and makes the dish come alive.
• Black Pepper
  Black pepper adds a bit of warmth and subtle spiciness, rounding out the seasoning and complementing the other flavors without overshadowing them.
• Chicken Broth
  Chicken broth helps to create the base for the garlic sauce, adding depth and richness. It also keeps the dish moist, ensuring the shrimp stay tender and juicy.
• Lemon Juice
  A touch of fresh lemon juice brings a burst of brightness and acidity, cutting through the richness of the shrimp and butter. It adds a refreshing, zesty note that balances the dish beautifully.
• Fresh Parsley, chopped
  Fresh parsley is the perfect finishing touch, adding a pop of color and a burst of freshness. It also enhances the dish with a slight herbal flavor that contrasts nicely with the savory elements.

How to Make Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli

Serving Suggestions for Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli

1. Over a Bed of Rice
Serve this garlic shrimp and broccoli masterpiece over a fluffy bed of steamed rice. The rice soaks up all those flavorful garlic juices, making each bite even more satisfying. You can opt for white rice, brown rice, or even a fragrant jasmine rice for an extra touch of elegance. It’s the perfect way to round out the meal!

2. With a Side of Crusty Bread
If you’re anything like me, you’ll want something to dip into that rich garlic sauce. A slice of warm, crusty bread is the perfect companion for this dish. Use it to soak up every last drop of that buttery, garlic-infused goodness. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

3. As a Light Salad
For a lighter, fresh take, serve this garlic shrimp and broccoli on top of a simple salad. A handful of mixed greens, some ripe avocado slices, and a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice will balance the richness of the dish. Plus, the crispness of the salad adds a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory shrimp and broccoli.

The great thing about this dish is how versatile it is – you can pair it with nearly anything, and it’s always going to be a hit. Whether you’re in the mood for something hearty or light, these options will elevate your meal!

How to Store Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli

If you happen to have leftovers of this delicious garlic shrimp and broccoli, don’t worry – you can easily store it and enjoy it again later! To keep it fresh, simply transfer the dish into an airtight container. Make sure it’s cooled to room temperature before sealing it up, as this helps prevent condensation from forming inside the container, which could make the dish soggy.

For storing in the fridge, your garlic shrimp and broccoli will stay good for about 2-3 days. Just reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to help keep everything moist and juicy. It’s important to not overcook it when reheating, or the shrimp might get a bit rubbery.

If you want to extend the life of your meal even further, you can freeze it. Place the dish in a freezer-safe container or a resealable bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then reheat it. While freezing can slightly alter the texture of the broccoli, the flavor will still be spot-on, and you’ll have a quick, comforting meal ready to go!

Conclusion

And there you have it – a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish that’s sure to impress! Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli is one of those meals that feels like a special treat, even though it’s so easy to make. From the rich, buttery shrimp to the vibrant, crunchy broccoli, every bite is bursting with flavor. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick dinner or serving it for a cozy weekend treat, it’s a dish that never fails to hit the spot. Plus, with the option to store leftovers for later, you can enjoy the magic again and again!

I hope you give this recipe a try and find as much joy in making it as I do. I’d love to hear your thoughts – did you tweak anything, or maybe try it with a different side? Or if you had any questions while making it, I’m always here to help! Don’t be shy – share your experiences, feedback, or any tips you have!

Print Recipe

Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli

Author: Daniel Carter Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 25 mins

Calories: 350

Description

Tender shrimp sautéed in aromatic garlic butter, perfectly paired with crisp, vibrant broccoli. The rich, savory garlic sauce infuses every bite, creating a dish that's simple, yet bursting with flavor and irresistible freshness.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 2 cups broccoli florets

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon butter

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon red pepper flakes

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon black pepper

• ¹⁄₄ cup chicken broth

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the olive oil and butter to the skillet, allowing the butter to melt and the oil to heat up.
3. Once the oil and butter are hot, add the minced garlic to the skillet.
4. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning.
5. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer.
6. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
7. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
8. In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets.
9. Sauté the broccoli for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is slightly tender.
10. Add the red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the skillet with the broccoli.
11. Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine.
12. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the broccoli steam for 3-4 minutes until it is tender but still vibrant green.
13. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the broccoli.
14. Add the lemon juice and stir everything together gently to combine.
15. Continue to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through.
16. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp and broccoli mixture.
17. Give everything one final stir before serving.

Note

• For extra flavor, marinate the shrimp in olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice for 15-20 minutes before cooking.
• Use fresh or frozen broccoli, but ensure it's fully thawed if using frozen to avoid excess moisture.
• For a richer taste, substitute the chicken broth with white wine or vegetable broth.
• Adjust the level of heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of red pepper flakes.
• Serve with rice, quinoa, or pasta to make it a more substantial meal.

Keywords: garlic shrimp recipe, broccoli shrimp stir fry, healthy garlic shrimp dinner, shrimp and broccoli recipe, garlic shrimp and broccoli stir fry