You know those nights? The ones where your day felt like a marathon and the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen? Yeah, I live for those nights. And this Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli (Skillet) is my absolute lifesaver! My whole journey with quick, satisfying meals really kicked off because of dishes just like this. I remember one evening, after a super long day testing out a million sweet recipes, I was craving something savory, something fast, and something good for me. I literally just grabbed shrimp, butter, garlic, and some broccoli florets, threw them all into my go-to cast iron skillet, and BAM! Within minutes, my kitchen was smelling like a gourmet restaurant. It was one of those moments that proved the simplest ingredients can create the most amazing magic. This skillet meal has become my trusty sidekick for when I want dinner to feel totally special but without all the fuss. Trust me, as someone who lives and breathes making keto cooking easy and delicious, this recipe is a game-changer!
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli (Skillet)
Seriously, this Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli (Skillet) is a weeknight warrior. You’re going to be obsessed with how easy and delicious it is:
- Crazy Fast: We’re talking a full meal in under 20 minutes. Perfect for those nights when time is TIGHT!
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is always a win, right? Everything cooks in one skillet, making your life so much easier.
- Flavor Explosion: That garlic butter sauce with tender shrimp and perfectly crisp-tender broccoli? It’s pure magic. You’d swear it came from a fancy restaurant!
- Healthy & Low-Carb: It’s packed with protein and veggies and fits perfectly into a low-carb or keto lifestyle. A healthy seafood dinner that actually tastes amazing!
- Super Versatile: This is the ultimate 20 Minute Dinner that you can dress up or down. It’s proof that healthy eating can be absolutely delicious and totally convenient.
Gather Your Ingredients for Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli (Skillet)
Alright, let’s get our ingredients lined up for this amazing skillet meal. Having everything prepped makes the cooking process so smooth – seriously, it’s half the battle won! This list is all about bringing that fantastic flavor without a fuss. For starters, you’ll need about a pound of nice, fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces. For roasting them up, just a tablespoon of regular vegetable oil is all you need to get them perfectly tender-crisp.
Now, for the star of the show – the shrimp and that incredible sauce! We’re going to use one pound of medium shrimp, make sure they’re peeled and deveined. The flavor comes from 3 tablespoons of tamari or soy sauce – I love tamari for its gluten-free goodness. Then, we’ll add 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, grated or minced super fine for all that zing. A tablespoon of sambal or your favorite Asian chili-garlic sauce gives it a little kick. Don’t forget 2 teaspoons of toasted sesame oil for that nutty aroma! A dash of salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste, will make everything sing.
And for serving? I always suggest having some cooked white or brown rice ready, or if you’re keeping it super low-carb, cauliflower rice is fantastic. Finally, a sprinkle of about 1/4 cup of thinly sliced scallions adds a pop of color and fresh oniony bite right at the end. A quick peek at essential keto pantry items can really help stock you up!
Equipment Needed for Your Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli (Skillet)
To whip up this super speedy Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli (Skillet), you don’t need a fancy kitchen arsenal. Just a few trusty items will do the trick:
- A rimmed baking sheet for roasting everything up nicely.
- A small bowl for whisking together all those yummy sauce ingredients.
- And of course, your favorite cast iron skillet (or any large oven-safe skillet) for that perfect sear and easy cleanup.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli (Skillet)
Alright, let’s get this amazing Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli (Skillet) on your table in no time! It really is as simple as following a few quick steps. My kitchen is usually pretty chaotic, but this recipe always makes sense. Need more tips? This beginner’s guide to quick keto dinners is a lifesaver! And for more inspiration on similar dishes, check out this great guide on sheet pan shrimp and broccoli – it’s got tons of great ideas!
Preheat and Prepare the Broccoli
First things first, let’s get that oven nice and hot! Pop it up to 400°F (200°C). Make sure a rack is in the middle, ready to go. Dump your chopped broccoli florets onto your baking sheet, give ’em a good drizzle of that vegetable oil, and toss them around until they’re all nicely coated. Spread ’em out into a single layer so they roast instead of steam. 10 minutes in the oven, that’s all they need to start getting tender.
Mix the Flavorful Sauce and Season Shrimp
While the broccoli is doing its thing in the oven, let’s whip up that sauce. Grab a small bowl and whisk together your tamari (or soy sauce), that fresh ginger, the chili-garlic sauce, and the toasty sesame oil. Give it a good mix until it’s all combined. Now, grab your shrimp, give them a quick sprinkle of salt and pepper – don’t go crazy, the sauce has plenty of flavor already! Having everything ready to go when the broccoli comes out saves so much time.
Combine and Roast for Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli
Okay, time to bring it all together! Take that baking sheet with the slightly roasted broccoli out of the oven. Now, add your seasoned shrimp right there on top, and pour over that amazing sauce mixture you just made. Give everything a good toss right on the baking sheet – make sure those shrimp get coated and mingle with the broccoli. Spread it all back into an even layer. Pop it back into the oven for another 6 to 8 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the shrimp turn that beautiful pink, opaque color and are cooked through. Keep an eye on it; shrimp cook super fast!
Serve Your Delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli
And that’s it! You’ve got yourself a spectacular Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli (Skillet). Serve it right away over your hot rice or cauliflower rice. A final sprinkle of those pretty sliced scallions on top makes it look like you fussed all day. Enjoy this quick, healthy, and absolutely delicious meal!
Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli
Okay, you’ve got the recipe, but let’s chat about a few little tricks I’ve learned along the way to make this Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli (Skillet) absolutely perfect every single time. It’s all about those little details that really elevate the whole dish into something special!
First off, fresh is best when it comes to ingredients. Make sure your broccoli is nice and vibrant green and your shrimp are good quality. If you can get them fresh, even better! Also, don’t overcook your shrimp – that’s the quickest way to end up with rubbery little guys instead of sweet, tender gems. They cook super fast, so keep a close eye on them during that last roasting step. When it comes to the sauce, tasting and adjusting is key. If you like it spicier, toss in a little extra chili-garlic sauce! For a truly healthy seafood dinner, serving it over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice will really keep those carbs in check.
And hey, if you love a good broccoli and shrimp combo, you might want to check out my recipe for Keto Chicken Broccoli Casserole too – it’s another winner for easy weeknight meals!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Let’s chat about some of the ingredients in this Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli (Skillet) and what you can do if you don’t have something on hand. It’s all about making this recipe work for *you*!
First up, tamari versus soy sauce. If you’re going gluten-free or keto, tamari is usually the way to go. It’s a bit richer and less salty than regular soy sauce. But honestly, if soy sauce is what you’ve got, it works just fine! For the chili-garlic sauce, I love sambal because it has a nice heat and a bit of texture. If you can’t find it, sriracha works, or even just a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a little warmth without the sauce. And for serving, that rice is just a suggestion – cauliflower rice is a fantastic low-carb swap, or you could even skip the base and just enjoy the shrimp and broccoli on its own!
Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli
This Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli (Skillet) is fantastic all on its own, but serving it over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice really makes it a complete meal. It’s just chef’s kiss perfect! If you’re keeping things low-carb, skip the rice and go straight for some cauliflower rice – it’s my secret weapon for a healthy seafood dinner that’s just as satisfying. Honestly, you could even serve this as a hearty appetizer with some toothpicks for easy grabbing! For more cozy and low-carb ideas, you should totally peek at these low-carb winter meals; they’re perfect for days when you want that home-cooked feel without the carb load.
Frequently Asked Questions about Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli
Got questions about whipping up this speedy Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli (Skillet)? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common things folks ask:
Can I make this Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you *can* prep some components ahead. You can chop your broccoli and whisk your sauce ingredients together a day in advance and store them separately in the fridge. However, the shrimp themselves are best cooked right before serving for that perfect texture. This is truly a fantastic 20 Minute Dinner, so I usually just make it fresh!
What if I don’t have tamari or soy sauce for this shrimp and broccoli recipe?
No worries! If you’re out of tamari or soy sauce, you can use coconut aminos. It has a similar flavor profile, though often a bit milder, and it’s fantastic for a keto diet. You might want to add just a *tiny* pinch more salt to balance it out. It’s a great gluten-free and low-carb option for this one-pan meal.
Is this Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli recipe truly low-carb?
Yes, absolutely! This recipe is designed to be low-carb friendly. By serving it with cauliflower rice or skipping the rice altogether, it’s a wonderfully healthy seafood dinner. The main ingredients like shrimp, broccoli, and the sauce components (minus any added sugar in the chili-garlic sauce, so check your labels!) are all very low in carbs. It’s one of my favorite mainstays from our Keto Comfort Kitchen recipes!
Can I use frozen shrimp for this skillet meal?
You sure can! Just make sure to thaw them completely before using and pat them really dry with paper towels. This helps them sear up nicely and prevents excess water from steaming the shrimp. It makes this recipe even easier for a quick stir-fry night!
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
This Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli (Skillet) is a nutritional powerhouse, especially if you’re watching your carbs! A serving will typically run you about 350-400 calories, with around 35-40g of protein and 15-20g of healthy fats. The net carbs are usually a low 8-10g per serving, especially if you’re serving it over cauliflower rice. It’s a fantastic way to get a delicious, satisfying meal that fits perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle. For more low-carb goodness, check out my cheesy keto cauliflower casserole!
Share Your Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli Creations!
I always love hearing from you all! If you made this amazing quick Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli (Skillet), please drop a comment below and let me know how it turned out. Did you add anything special? I’d adore seeing your photos too, so feel free to tag me on social media! Or if you have any burning questions, you can always reach out through my contact page. Happy cooking!
Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli (Skillet)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven.
- Place the broccoli florets on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with vegetable oil and toss to coat evenly. Spread the broccoli in a single layer and roast for 10 minutes.
- While the broccoli roasts, whisk together the tamari or soy sauce, ginger, chili-garlic paste, and toasted sesame oil in a small bowl. Set aside. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper.
- Add the seasoned shrimp and the prepared sauce mixture to the baking sheet with the broccoli. Toss everything together and spread back into an even layer. Roast for another 6 to 8 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the shrimp are just opaque and the broccoli is tender.
- Serve the garlic butter shrimp and broccoli over cooked rice. Sprinkle with sliced scallions before serving.
