Garlic butter shrimp and broccoli skillet is a quick, flavorful meal made with tender shrimp, crisp-tender broccoli, and a rich garlic butter sauce. Everything cooks in one skillet, making it a practical option for busy days.
The shrimp turn juicy and lightly golden, while the broccoli absorbs the buttery sauce and adds a fresh, slightly crisp texture. Garlic, butter, and a touch of lemon bring the ingredients together without making the dish feel too heavy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: The ingredients cook in one skillet, helping you get dinner on the table with minimal cleanup.
- Full of Flavor: Garlic butter adds a savory richness, while lemon brings a fresh, bright finish.
- Balanced Ingredients: Juicy shrimp and tender broccoli make a satisfying combination of protein and vegetables.
- Easy to Customize: Adjust the seasonings, add a little heat, or include your favorite vegetables.
- Perfect for Busy Nights: This recipe uses simple ingredients and requires little preparation, making it ideal for a quick homemade meal.
Ingredient Substitutions

- Shrimp: Use fresh or frozen peeled and deveined shrimp. If using frozen shrimp, thaw and pat them dry before cooking.
- Broccoli: Replace broccoli with asparagus, green beans, or zucchini. Adjust the cooking time according to the vegetable.
- Butter: Use olive oil or a combination of olive oil and butter for a lighter flavor.
- Fresh Garlic: Substitute garlic powder if needed, using a smaller amount to avoid overpowering the dish.
- Lemon Juice: Use fresh lime juice for a similar citrusy finish.

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Skillet Recipe
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Large non-stick skillet
- Lemon squeezer
- Lemon squeezer
- Knife
Ingredients
- Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro, for garnish
- 1½ lbs broccoli rinsed and cut into florets
- 1½ lbs medium raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Crushed chili pepper flakes, optional
- ½ Lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbs butter
- ¼ cup vegetable stock
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 5 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Sriracha
- Salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter.

- Add the broccoli, season to taste, and sauté for 4-6 minutes until crisp-tender.

- Remove the broccoli from the skillet and set aside.

- In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and add the shrimp, seasoning with salt and pepper.

- Sauté for 1-2 minutes on one side.
- Add minced garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, and onion powder to the shrimp, stirring to combine.

- Flip the shrimp to cook on the other side for 1 minute, then pour in 1/4 cup vegetable stock and Sriracha, letting the sauce reduce for 1 minute.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp.
- Move the shrimp to the side and return the broccoli to the pan, stirring to coat it in the sauce.

- Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the shrimp and broccoli, then heat for 1-2 minutes.

- Remove from heat, garnish with parsley, lemon slices, and red crushed chili pepper if desired.

Notes
- Use fresh or frozen shrimp for this dish, but be sure to thaw the shrimp thoroughly before cooking.
- For extra spice, increase the amount of Sriracha or add red pepper flakes.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 331.7kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 21.7g |
| Fibre | 5.9g |
| Fat | 15.5g |
| Protein | 29.6g |
| Cholesterol | 236.8g |
Delicious Variations You Should Try
- Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat that complements the buttery sauce.
- Lemon Parmesan Shrimp and Broccoli: Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the skillet and add extra lemon juice for a bright, savory finish.
- Creamy Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli: Stir in a splash of heavy cream toward the end of cooking for a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Honey Garlic Shrimp: Add a small drizzle of honey to the garlic butter sauce for a sweet and savory flavor combination.
- Cajun Shrimp and Broccoli: Season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning before cooking for a smoky, mildly spicy variation.
Try Some More Delicious Recipes!
- Karaage Chicken Recipe
- Easy Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe
- Vegan Green Olive Pasta Sauce Recipe
- Marry Me Salmon Recipe
- Potato Chowder Soup Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. - What size shrimp works best?
Medium or large shrimp are ideal because they stay juicy and cook evenly. - Can I use other vegetables besides broccoli?
Yes, asparagus, zucchini, green beans, bell peppers, or snap peas work well. - How do I know when shrimp are fully cooked?
They should turn pink, opaque, and curl into a loose “C” shape. - Can I make this recipe less spicy?
Simply reduce or omit the Sriracha and red pepper flakes. - What should I serve with garlic butter shrimp and broccoli?
Rice, pasta, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread are excellent choices. - Can I prepare this meal ahead for meal prep?
Yes, it stores well for a few days and makes a great lunch or dinner option.



