Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary with this irresistible Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli recipe. Imagine succulent, perfectly seared shrimp bathed in a rich, zesty butter sauce, accompanied by vibrant, tender-crisp broccoli that will make your taste buds dance with joy. This quick and easy dish is not just a meal – it's a flavor explosion that will have your family begging for seconds, and the best part? You'll have it on the table faster than you can order takeout!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. This will help them sear better in the pan.
- Wash the broccoli florets thoroughly under cold water. Cut them into bite-sized pieces if they are too large. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink and opaque. Flip the shrimp over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the broccoli florets. Sauté the broccoli for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
- Once the broccoli is cooked, return the shrimp to the skillet. Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the shrimp and broccoli, and toss everything together to combine. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary. Serve the Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli immediately, garnished with lemon wedges if desired.
- This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
Tips
- Shrimp Searing Secrets: Pat your shrimp completely dry before cooking to ensure a beautiful golden sear. Moisture is the enemy of a perfect crisp exterior!
- Garlic Management: Watch your garlic like a hawk! It can burn quickly and turn bitter. Remove from heat the moment it becomes fragrant and golden.
- Don't Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook incredibly fast. The moment they turn pink and opaque, they're done. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and tough.
- Broccoli Texture Matters: For the perfect tender-crisp broccoli, cook just until it's bright green and you can easily pierce it with a fork, but it still has a slight crunch.
- Sauce Maximization: Use a good quality butter and fresh lemon juice to elevate the entire dish. The sauce is where the magic happens!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 220mg
