Name: Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tablespoons butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or chives (for garnish); 1 large head of broccoli (florets and stems); 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter; 1 clove garlic, minced (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

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Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli Rice is a flavorful, wholesome dish that comes together quickly with tender shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce and served over light, veggie-packed broccoli rice. It’s low-effort, high-reward, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels both satisfying and nourishing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fast, simple, and full of flavor without being heavy. The shrimp cooks in minutes, and the garlicky butter sauce gives it that rich, savory finish I crave. Pairing it with broccoli rice keeps things fresh and light, while still offering the comfort of a filling meal. It’s also great for meal prepping or adjusting to fit a low-carb or gluten-free lifestyle.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the garlic butter shrimp:

Raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
Butter
Garlic, minced
Lemon juice
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt
Black pepper
Fresh parsley or chives (for garnish)

For the broccoli rice:

Fresh broccoli (florets and stems)
Olive oil or butter
Garlic (optional, for extra flavor)
Salt and pepper
Lemon zest (optional)

directions

I start by making the broccoli rice: I chop the broccoli into small chunks and pulse it in a food processor until it resembles rice.
In a large skillet, I heat a bit of olive oil or butter over medium heat, add the broccoli rice, and cook for 4–5 minutes until bright green and tender. I season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest if using.
For the shrimp, I melt butter in a separate large skillet over medium heat, add the garlic, and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
I add the shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using), and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
I squeeze in fresh lemon juice and stir to coat the shrimp in the buttery sauce.
I serve the garlic butter shrimp over a bed of broccoli rice and garnish with fresh herbs.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 2–3 people. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 10–12 minutes to cook, making it ready in under 25 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add a splash of white wine to the garlic butter sauce for extra richness. I’ve also stirred in grated Parmesan to the broccoli rice for a cheesy touch. If I want more veggies, I add spinach or zucchini to the skillet with the shrimp. For a heartier meal, I mix in cooked quinoa or cauliflower rice.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I warm everything in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave in short intervals, being careful not to overcook the shrimp.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, I thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

Do I need a food processor for the broccoli rice?

It helps, but I’ve also finely chopped the broccoli by hand—it just takes a little longer.

Can I use cauliflower rice instead?

Absolutely. It works just as well and adds a slightly nuttier flavor.

Is this recipe low-carb?

Yes, especially if I skip the lemon zest or any added cheese. It’s naturally low in carbs and gluten-free.

Can I make it ahead of time?

I prefer to cook the shrimp fresh, but I prep the broccoli rice in advance and store it in the fridge until I’m ready to cook.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli Rice is a go-to recipe when I want something quick, tasty, and wholesome. It’s packed with flavor from the buttery garlic sauce, and the broccoli rice keeps things light and fresh. Whether I’m cooking for myself or serving a simple dinner for two, this dish always delivers.