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- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 2 cups broccoli florets - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes The core of this dish shines with fresh, large shrimp and bright broccoli. The shrimp brings a sweet flavor while the broccoli adds a nice crunch. Unsalted butter serves as the base for the sauce, lending richness. Minced garlic fills the air with its warm aroma. Red pepper flakes give a hint of heat that elevates the dish. - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice (optional, for serving) Adding fresh lemon juice brightens the entire dish. A pinch of salt and black pepper enhances flavors. Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. If you want a hearty meal, serve it over quinoa or rice. You can find the full recipe to guide you through these steps effortlessly. To start, you need to blanch the broccoli. Fill a pot with water and add a big pinch of salt. This salt makes the broccoli taste great. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once it boils, add the broccoli florets. Blanch them for about 2-3 minutes. They should turn bright green and feel a little tender. After that, drain the broccoli and set it aside. Next, we sauté the shrimp. Grab a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. As the butter starts to melt, you will smell the garlic. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute. Be careful not to let the garlic brown. Now, it's time for the shrimp. Carefully place them in the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Flip them once until they turn pink and opaque. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Now comes the fun part! Gently stir in the blanched broccoli with the shrimp. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Pour in the fresh lemon juice. Toss everything together until the butter melts and coats all the ingredients. This step brings all the flavors together. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions above! To make a great garlic butter sauce, you can adjust spice levels with red pepper flakes. Start with one teaspoon for a mild kick. If you love heat, add more to taste. Remember, you can always increase spice later, but you can't take it out once added. Preventing shrimp from overcooking is key. Cook the shrimp for just 2-3 minutes on each side. Watch closely as they turn pink and opaque. If you leave them too long, they will become rubbery. Using fresh parsley brings color and bright flavor to your dish. Chop it finely and sprinkle it over the shrimp and broccoli before serving. For serving suggestions, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. This adds a tart note that balances the rich garlic butter. You can serve the dish over cooked quinoa or rice for a hearty meal. This not only fills you up but also makes the plate look beautiful. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. {{image_4}} You can switch shrimp for chicken or tofu. Both options bring new flavors. - Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. Cook them for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. - Tofu: Use firm or extra-firm tofu. Press it to remove water, then cut into cubes. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden. Cooking times will vary based on the protein you choose. Always check that meat is cooked through. Feel free to mix in other veggies for more color and taste. Bell peppers and snap peas work great. - Bell Peppers: Slice them thin and add them with the garlic. They need about 2-3 minutes to cook. - Snap Peas: Add them during the last minute of cooking. They cook quickly and stay crisp. Adjust blanching time based on the vegetable you use. For tougher veggies, like carrots, blanch longer. This keeps all your veggies bright and tasty. To keep your garlic butter shrimp and broccoli fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure you let the dish cool before sealing it. This helps prevent moisture build-up. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the shrimp may lose flavor and texture. For the best results, reheat the dish on the stovetop. Use a non-stick skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp. If you use a microwave, cover the dish with a damp paper towel. This helps retain moisture as it heats up. To refresh the flavors, squeeze a little lemon juice on top before serving. This will brighten up the dish and make it taste fresh again. Enjoy your delicious garlic butter shrimp and broccoli! For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. Cooking Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli is quick and easy. You can get it done in about 20 minutes. Here’s the breakdown: - Prep time: 10 minutes - Cook time: 10 minutes This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner! Yes, you can prepare Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli ahead of time. Here are some tips for meal prep and storage: - Cook the shrimp and broccoli: You can cook them and store them in the fridge for up to two days. - Use airtight containers: This keeps the shrimp fresh and tasty. - Reheat gently: Warm it up on low heat to keep the shrimp tender. This way, you can enjoy a quick meal any day! Choosing the right wine can enhance your meal. Here are my top picks for pairing wine with shrimp and broccoli: - Sauvignon Blanc: Its crispness matches well with the garlic and butter. - Chardonnay: A light, unoaked version complements the dish nicely. - Pinot Grigio: This wine adds a nice balance to the meal's flavors. These options will elevate your dining experience! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. This blog post covered how to make delicious garlic butter shrimp and broccoli. We explored key ingredients and optional additions that enhance flavor. I shared step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and variations to suit your taste. Remember, you can switch proteins or veggies as desired. Storing leftovers properly helps maintain great taste. I hope this guide inspires you to try this dish. It's simple, tasty, and sure to impress! Now, go enjoy your cooking adventure!

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli

Indulge in a delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli dish that’s quick and easy to make! This flavorful recipe combines succulent shrimp with vibrant broccoli, all tossed in rich garlic butter and finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests, this meal is not only tasty but also healthy. Click through for step-by-step instructions and enjoy a delightful dinner in just 20 minutes!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 cups broccoli florets

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

1 cup cooked quinoa or rice (optional, for serving)

Instructions
 

Blanch the Broccoli: Fill a pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the broccoli florets and blanch them for about 2-3 minutes, until they turn bright green and slightly tender. Drain the broccoli and set it aside.

    Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. As the butter begins to melt, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for approximately 1 minute or until the garlic becomes fragrant but not brown.

      Cook the Shrimp: Carefully add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, flipping once, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Season them with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.

        Combine Ingredients: Gently stir in the blanched broccoli along with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Pour in the fresh lemon juice, and toss all the ingredients together until the butter is melted and everything is evenly coated.

          Serve: If you choose, serve the shrimp and broccoli mixture over a bed of cooked quinoa or rice for a heartier meal. Finish by garnishing with chopped fresh parsley for an added burst of freshness and color.

            Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4