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One-pan garlic butter shrimp with broccoli

Craving a delicious and healthy meal that’s ready in minutes? Look no further than one-pan garlic butter shrimp with broccoli! This incredibly easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, delivering a burst of flavor without the fuss. We’re talking tender, juicy shrimp, perfectly cooked broccoli, and a mouthwatering garlic butter sauce that will have you coming back for seconds.

The Magic of One-Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli

This recipe is a game-changer for anyone who wants a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The beauty of the one-pan method is that everything cooks together, maximizing flavor and minimizing cleanup. Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit your taste preferences. Want it spicier? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Prefer a different vegetable? Swap out the broccoli for asparagus or zucchini. The possibilities are endless!

A beautifully plated photo of one-pan garlic butter shrimp and broccoli, showcasing the vibrant colors and textures.

Why This Recipe Works So Well

The secret to this recipe’s success lies in a few key elements:

  • High Heat: Cooking the shrimp and broccoli at a higher temperature ensures they cook quickly and evenly, preventing the broccoli from becoming soggy and the shrimp from becoming rubbery.
  • Garlic Butter: Need we say more? The garlic butter sauce is the star of the show, infusing the shrimp and broccoli with a rich, savory flavor.
  • Simple Seasoning: A little salt, pepper, and maybe a pinch of paprika are all you need to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.

A close-up shot of the garlic butter sauce sizzling in the pan, highlighting its rich color and texture.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

Using fresh, high-quality ingredients is crucial for the best flavor. Here’s what to look for:

  • Shrimp: Opt for large or jumbo shrimp that are peeled and deveined. Frozen shrimp is perfectly fine; just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
  • Broccoli: Choose fresh broccoli florets that are bright green and firm. Avoid broccoli that is yellowing or has a strong odor.
  • Butter: Use unsalted butter so you can control the amount of salt in the dish.
  • Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is always best for maximum flavor.

A photo showcasing the key ingredients: fresh shrimp, broccoli florets, butter, and garlic.

Making Your One-Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli

Now for the fun part! Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this delicious dish:

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prep the Broccoli: Cut the broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Melt the Butter: In a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron works great!), melt the butter over medium-high heat.
  3. Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
  4. Add the Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is slightly tender.
  5. Add the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and arrange them in a single layer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) and serve immediately.

A series of photos showcasing each step of the cooking process, from prepping the broccoli to adding the shrimp.

Tips for Perfect Shrimp and Broccoli

  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re cooking for a crowd, cook the shrimp and broccoli in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can lower the temperature of the pan and result in steamed instead of sautéed ingredients.
  • Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the ingredients to a baking sheet after sautéing the garlic and broccoli.
  • Customize Your Seasoning: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to suit your taste. Red pepper flakes, lemon juice, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can all add extra flavor.

A close-up of perfectly cooked shrimp with a golden-brown sear.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

One-pan garlic butter shrimp and broccoli is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides.

What to Serve with Your Shrimp and Broccoli

  • Rice: Serve over white rice, brown rice, or quinoa.
  • Pasta: Toss with your favorite pasta for a complete meal.
  • Garlic Bread: Soak up that delicious garlic butter sauce with a slice of crusty garlic bread.

A photo showcasing one-pan garlic butter shrimp and broccoli served over a bed of rice, with a side of garlic bread.

Delicious Variations

  • Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the garlic butter sauce for a bright, citrusy flavor.
  • Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
  • Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus: Substitute the broccoli with asparagus for a different flavor and texture.

A collage showcasing different variations of the dish, such as lemon garlic shrimp and broccoli and spicy garlic shrimp and broccoli.

Conclusion

One-pan garlic butter shrimp and broccoli is a simple, delicious, and healthy meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its easy preparation and customizable flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, ditch the takeout and whip up this flavorful dish tonight – you won’t regret it! Be sure to share your creations and any variations you try!

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