Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe

Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli is the kind of recipe that checks all the boxes: quick, healthy, flavor-packed, and oh-so-satisfying. We’re talking tender shrimp, sautéed to perfection in a rich garlic butter sauce, paired with crisp-tender broccoli that still has a little bite. It’s all made in one pan, and it takes less time than ordering takeout—seriously.

This is the ultimate weeknight win for anyone juggling work, family, or just life. It’s low-carb, gluten-free, and totally Halal-friendly with no alcohol or off-limits ingredients. Bonus: it fits beautifully into meal prep plans and reheats like a champ.

Whether you’re a busy parent, a hungry student, or just someone who loves a solid skillet dinner, this dish delivers. No fancy tools. No weird ingredients. Just fresh garlic, juicy shrimp, and a buttery lemon kick that brings it all home.

Let’s get cooking—you’re 25 minutes away from dinner glory.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli

There are a million reasons to fall for this Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli recipe—but let’s keep it real and focus on the big ones:

⏱️ It’s Ready in 25 Minutes

We’re talking full-on flavor with zero fuss. This is the kind of quick shrimp dinner that makes you feel like a pro chef without the sweat. No oven. No complicated steps. Just one skillet and a little kitchen swagger.

🧄 Garlicky, Buttery, Lemony Goodness

The garlic butter sauce is where the magic happens. It’s rich, savory, and perfectly balanced with a splash of lemon juice and a sprinkle of oregano. Trust me, you’ll want to spoon it over everything.

💪 Light, Clean, and Protein-Packed

With lean shrimp and cooked broccoli, this is a healthy shrimp dinner that hits those high-protein, low-carb goals. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, keto-friendly, and Whole30-approved (just swap the butter for ghee or plant-based).

🧩 Totally Customizable

Got tofu? Go vegan. Craving extra veggies? Toss in bell peppers or spinach. This recipe flexes with your mood and fridge contents.

✅ Halal-Friendly and Family-Approved

No alcohol, no questionable ingredients—just wholesome food that everyone around the table can enjoy.

Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe: Time, Servings & Nutrition Info

Here’s the beauty of this Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli dish—it’s lightning-fast and totally weeknight-friendly. You can go from hungry to happy in under half an hour.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
    • Prep: 10 minutes
    • Cook: 15 minutes
  • 🍽 Servings: 4 generous portions

Nutrition (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 250
  • Protein: 30g
  • Carbs: 10g
  • Fat: 12g

This one-pan meal is ideal for those following a low-carb, gluten-free, paleo, or clean eating plan. It’s a lean, mean, garlicky protein machine.

Ingredients for Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli

Here’s everything you need to whip up this flavorful Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli skillet. Nothing fancy. Nothing complicated. Just real, solid ingredients that bring big flavor in no time.

🦐 For the Shrimp:

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
    (Frozen is fine—just thaw and pat dry)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
    (This helps create that golden sear)
  • 1 tsp paprika
    (Adds a little smoky depth)
  • Salt & freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Juice of 1 lemon
    (Brightens up everything)

🥦 For the Broccoli:

  • 2 cups broccoli florets
    (Chop into bite-sized pieces for even cooking)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • Salt & pepper, to taste

🧄 For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp butter
    (Use plant-based if going dairy-free)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
    (Yes, more garlic. Trust the process.)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
    (Adds that zippy punch)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Optional: Red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat

Pro tip: Don’t skimp on the lemon zest—it’s subtle, but it totally lifts the dish.

And that’s it. Simple stuff, but when you put it all together? Serious skillet magic.

How to Make Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli – Step-by-Step

Let’s walk through this Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli masterpiece. No fancy moves, no stress—just skillet love and garlic dreams. You’ve got this.

🔪 Step 1: Prep Your Shrimp

First things first—make sure your shrimp are peeled, deveined, and thawed if frozen. Pat them dry with a paper towel (this helps them get that perfect golden sear).

In a bowl, toss the shrimp with:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Juice of 1 lemon

Let them sit while you move on to the broccoli. That lemon-paprika combo? Trust me—it’s gonna hit hard in the best way.

🥦 Step 2: Sauté the Broccoli

Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic (3 cloves) and stir for about 30 seconds—don’t let it brown, just let it get fragrant.

Toss in the broccoli florets. Sauté for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is bright green and slightly tender but still crisp. You want that little crunch.

Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

🍤 Step 3: Sear the Shrimp

In that same skillet (no need to clean it—hello, one-pan life), toss in the seasoned shrimp.

Let them cook for 2–3 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and curl up slightly. Don’t overcook—rubbery shrimp is not the move.

Once they’re cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside with the broccoli.

🧄 Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. Add 2 tbsp butter and 2 tbsp olive oil to the pan. Let it melt together into a glorious buttery pool.

Add in:

  • 4 cloves minced garlic
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat

Let it bubble for about 1 minute until the garlic is lightly golden and everything smells like garlic heaven. Stir constantly so nothing burns.

🥘 Final Step: Bring It All Together

Now the fun part. Return the shrimp and broccoli to the skillet. Toss everything gently to coat in that garlicky, lemony butter sauce.

Let it all simmer for another 1–2 minutes so the flavors really soak in.

Take a moment to appreciate what you’ve done here. This isn’t just dinner—it’s a skillet full of joy.

And that’s it! You just made a healthy 30-minute recipe that’s bursting with flavor and seriously impressive. Next up? Let’s talk Serving Suggestions—because this garlic shrimp deserves a delicious partner.

How to Serve Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli for Any Meal

This Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli skillet is a total team player. You can dress it up, dress it down, or eat it straight out of the pan (we won’t judge).

🍚 Serve it over rice

Jasmine rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice if you’re going low-carb—it all works. The buttery garlic sauce soaks right in. Chef’s kiss.

🍝 Pasta night, anyone?

Toss this with spaghetti, linguine, or penne for an instant shrimp scampi vibe. Add a little reserved pasta water and boom—saucy perfection.

🥗 Keep it light with a salad

Pile your shrimp and broccoli over mixed greens or baby spinach. Add a squeeze of lemon and some shaved Parmesan for a quick high-protein salad bowl.

🍲 Quinoa or couscous? Go for it

Both soak up flavor like champs and give you an earthy, nutty base.

🥡 Meal prep win

Divide into containers with your grain of choice and you’ve got shrimp and veggie bowls for days. Lasts up to 3 days in the fridge and reheats beautifully.

And hey, if you’re feeling bold, double the garlic butter sauce. You’ll find something to drizzle it on—I promise.

Tips for Cooking the Perfect Sautéed Shrimp with Broccoli

Here’s where we fine-tune your Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli game. These little tricks make a big difference:

🔥 Spice it up—or don’t

If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the garlic butter sauce. Want it milder? Skip it. This dish plays nice with all spice levels.

🧊 Using frozen shrimp?

No problem. Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking. Moisture = soggy shrimp, and we want them juicy with a golden sear.

🌱 Make it vegan

Swap the shrimp for tofu (pressed and cubed), and use a plant-based butter. Same steps, same garlicky joy.

🧄 Fresh garlic > jarred

Trust me, the flavor difference is real. And if you’ve got a garlic press, now’s the time to break it out.

🍤 Shrimp size matters

Larger shrimp hold up better in the skillet and stay tender. Go for 21/25 count if you can.

🥦 Add extra veggies

Feeling creative? Toss in bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach during the broccoli step. The more color, the better.

This recipe is meant to flex with whatever you’ve got. Don’t be afraid to riff—you might just invent your own house special.

Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli Variations: Protein & Veggie Swaps

One of the best things about Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli? It’s basically a blank (but very garlicky) canvas. Let’s remix it.

🥕 Add More Veggies

Broccoli’s the star, but supporting actors are welcome:

  • Sliced bell peppers (for sweetness and crunch)
  • Mushrooms (meaty and absorb that garlic sauce like a sponge)
  • Snap peas or zucchini (for some fresh green bite)
  • Spinach (toss in at the end, let it wilt)

🧄 Try Different Herbs

Switch up the seasoning if oregano’s not your thing:

  • Parsley: Classic and fresh
  • Basil: Adds a sweet, peppery note
  • Thyme: Earthy and warm

🐔 Swap the Protein

No shrimp? No problem. This garlic butter base works like a charm with:

  • Chicken breast or thighs (thinly sliced)
  • Tofu (pressed, cubed, and pan-fried)
  • Scallops (seared quickly, like shrimp)

🌶 Crank the Heat

Add chili oil, Sriracha, or even a little chopped jalapeño for a spicy shrimp and broccoli twist.

Craving a sweeter vibe? Try our sweet and savory honey garlic seafood bites—they One-pan garlic shrimp dinner?bring that sticky, saucy energy.

Storing and Reheating Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli

This Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli recipe isn’t just a quick weeknight win—it’s also a meal prep hero.

🧊 In the Fridge

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if you want to avoid soggy shrimp, especially for meal prep bowls.

❄️ In the Freezer

Yep, you can freeze it—but fair warning: the broccoli might lose some of its crunch. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

🔥 Reheating Tips

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to keep the shrimp juicy. A splash of water or broth can help loosen up the sauce. Microwave also works—just don’t blast it or the shrimp might get rubbery.

Pro tip: Double the batch and prep a few shrimp and veggie bowls with cauliflower rice or quinoa for the week. You’ll thank yourself later.

Kitchen Tools for Cooking Shrimp and Broccoli Skillet Dinners

Good news: you don’t need any fancy gadgets to make this Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli recipe shine. Just a few kitchen basics and you’re golden.

🔧 Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Large skillet (Non-stick or cast iron both work great)
  • Tongs or a spatula (For flipping shrimp and tossing everything together)
  • Cutting board + knife (To prep your garlic and broccoli)
  • Optional: Garlic press
    (Not essential, but it makes mincing a breeze)

That’s it. If you’ve got a pan and a heat source, dinner’s basically done.

Print
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Close-up of sautéed shrimp and broccoli with garlic herb sauce on a white plate

Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe


  • Author: Jake
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 generous portions
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A one-pan wonder featuring juicy shrimp, crisp-tender broccoli, and a rich garlic butter sauce — ready in just 25 minutes. This low-carb, gluten-free, and Halal-friendly skillet dinner is fast, flexible, and full of flavor.


Ingredients

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt & freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Optional: Red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat

Instructions

  1. Pat the shrimp dry and toss with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Set aside.
  2. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté 3 cloves minced garlic for 30 seconds.
  3. Add broccoli florets and cook 5–6 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from skillet.
  4. Add shrimp to the same skillet and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and curled. Remove and set aside.
  5. Lower heat to medium. Add 2 tbsp butter and 2 tbsp olive oil. Once melted, stir in 4 cloves minced garlic, lemon zest, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute.
  6. Return shrimp and broccoli to skillet. Toss to coat everything in the garlic butter sauce. Simmer for 1–2 minutes and serve hot.

Notes

Use fresh garlic for best flavor and go for large shrimp (21/25 count) to keep them juicy. For a vegan version, sub tofu and plant-based butter.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: One Pan
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 180mg

Keywords: garlic shrimp, shrimp and broccoli, healthy skillet, quick dinner, gluten-free, low carb

Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli – FAQ & Cooking Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Totally. Just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. Extra moisture = soggy shrimp, and we want that golden sear.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Cook everything, cool it down, and store it in airtight containers. It holds up well in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’re meal prepping, keep the sauce separate for best texture.

What if I don’t have broccoli?

No stress—swap it out for other veggies like:
Green beans
Asparagus
Spinach (just toss it in at the end)
Bell peppers
Whatever’s in your fridge will probably work.

Is this gluten-free?

Yep! No gluten here—as long as all your spices and broth (if used) are certified gluten-free, you’re good to go.

Final Thoughts on Your New Favorite Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe

There you have it—Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli, your new go-to skillet dinner that brings serious flavor with zero fuss. It’s quick enough for a busy Tuesday, fancy enough for a cozy date night, and healthy enough to fit into pretty much any eating plan you’ve got going.

From the buttery garlic sauce to the crisp-tender broccoli and juicy shrimp, every bite is loaded with comfort and freshness. Plus, it’s flexible—swap in your favorite veggies, go spicy, go vegan… this recipe adapts to you.

So whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or meal prepping for the week, this dish has you covered. Minimal dishes, max flavor, and guaranteed leftovers you’ll actually look forward to.

If you try it, tag us @VirileRecipes—we’d love to see your version of this garlic dream dinner.

Now go grab that skillet and make some magic. You earned it.

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