This Garlic Butter Shrimp paired with Easy Broccoli Rice is a quick and tasty meal. Juicy shrimp cooked in rich garlic butter over a bed of colorful broccoli rice makes dinner feel special!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are best for this recipe, but you can use medium-sized shrimp if that’s what you have. Frozen shrimp work well too; just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking!
Butter: Unsalted butter gives you more control over the seasoning. However, you can use salted butter and just adjust the salt later. For a dairy-free option, try olive oil or a vegan butter substitute!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is ideal for flavor, but if you don’t have any, garlic powder can be a quick substitute—just use about 1/8 tsp per clove. Keep in mind that fresh has the best flavor!
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is easy to find, but you can also use frozen broccoli florets. Just make sure to thaw and drain them to avoid extra moisture in your dish.
Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish! If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch.
How Can I Make Perfect Broccoli Rice?
Making broccoli rice is simple and adds a nutritious base to your meal. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by washing and drying the broccoli. This keeps your rice from being soggy.
- Chop off the florets and stems, then use a food processor to pulse them until rice-sized. Take your time to avoid mushiness!
- When cooking, sauté with garlic in olive oil for flavor, and keep an eye on it; about 5-7 minutes will make it tender yet crisp.
Always taste as you go to ensure the seasoning is just right! Trust me, this fluffy broccoli rice is the perfect canvas for your garlic butter shrimp to shine!
Garlic Butter Shrimp with Easy Broccoli Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Garlic Butter Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Easy Broccoli Rice:
- 1 medium head of broccoli (about 4 cups florets)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe is quick and easy! You’ll need about 10 minutes for preparation and 15 minutes for cooking. In total, you’re looking at about 25 minutes from start to delicious finish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Broccoli Rice:
Start by washing and drying the broccoli. Cut it into florets and small stem pieces. Use a food processor to pulse the broccoli until it looks like rice-sized grains. Be careful not to over-process; you want to keep a bit of texture!
2. Cook the Broccoli Rice:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until you can smell its wonderful aroma. Then, add the broccoli rice to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally until the broccoli is tender but still has a nice crunch. Once done, remove it from the heat and set it aside to stay warm.
3. Prepare the Shrimp:
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season them with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes if you’d like a little kick.
4. Cook the Shrimp:
In a different large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn! Now, add the shrimp in a single layer. Let them cook for about 2 minutes on one side until they are pink and slightly golden. Then, flip the shrimp and cook for another 1-2 minutes until they are fully opaque and cooked through.
5. Finish and Serve:
Stir in the fresh lemon juice to give it a bright flavor and then remove the skillet from the heat. To serve, take a generous scoop of broccoli rice and plate it, then top it with the garlic butter shrimp. For a finishing touch, garnish with chopped parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon juice if you like it zesty!
6. Enjoy Your Meal:
Serve your Garlic Butter Shrimp with Easy Broccoli Rice immediately and enjoy this hearty and tasty dish!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp before cooking. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or place them in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for a quicker option. Pat them dry before seasoning for the best results!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat to preserve the shrimp’s texture. You can add a splash of water or broth if it seems dry!
What Can I Substitute for Broccoli Rice?
If you don’t have broccoli, you can use cauliflower rice as a great low-carb substitute! Alternatively, cooked brown rice or quinoa would also work well if you want a more filling grain base.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you like more heat, consider adding extra crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when cooking the shrimp. You can also serve it with a spicy garlic or chili sauce on the side for added flavor!
