Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Charred Broccoli and Lemon Butter Sauce
Succulent shrimp sautéed with garlic and served alongside charred broccoli, finished with a bright lemon butter sauce for a vibrant dinner. This seafood-inspired quick meals ready in about 25 minutes blends large shrimp, peeled and deveined, broccoli florets, unsalted butter into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 cups broccoli florets and cook for 6-7 minutes, turning occasionally until edges are charred and broccoli is tender-crisp. Remove broccoli and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp unsalted butter. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 12 oz large shrimp, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp lemon juice and the remaining 2 tbsp unsalted butter. Cook for 1 minute until the butter melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Return the charred broccoli to the pan and toss gently with the shrimp and sauce.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the dish. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Charred Broccoli and Lemon Butter Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Charred Broccoli and Lemon Butter Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Charred Broccoli and Lemon Butter Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Charred Broccoli and Lemon Butter Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Sautéed Garlic Shrimp with Charred Broccoli and Lemon Butter Sauce?
Seafood quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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