Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli Rice Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Shrimp: Large shrimp are perfect for this recipe because they cook quickly and have great flavor. If you can’t find shrimp, you could use scallops or even chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces.

Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is best for a crispy texture and vibrant color. If you’re in a pinch, you can use frozen broccoli florets; just make sure to thaw them and squeeze out excess moisture.

Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness in the dish. If you’re cooking for someone with lactose intolerance, use a dairy-free butter or olive oil instead, which also works well for sautéing.

Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the best punch of flavor, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch—just about 1/8 teaspoon per clove.

Onion: I like using yellow onion for its sweetness, but red or shallots can also work nicely. If you’re onion-free, try a shallot or leeks for a similar flavor.

How Do I Make Broccoli Rice Without a Food Processor?

If you don’t have a food processor, you can still make broccoli rice! Just follow these steps:

• Use a box grater and grate the broccoli florets to create rice-like pieces.
• Alternatively, chop the broccoli finely with a knife until it reaches a rice size.

Both methods will work, but be sure to avoid turning it into mush! The goal is to keep some texture for a wonderful bite in your dish.

What’s the Best Way to Cook Shrimp?

Cooking shrimp is quick and easy, but timing is key to keep them tender:

• Start with a hot skillet to sear the shrimp evenly.
• Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque—about 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so keep an eye on them!

Also, don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking. Enjoy your meal! 🦐

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli Rice

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Juice of half a lemon
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Broccoli Rice:

• 4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 medium head), chopped for rice
• 1 tbsp olive oil

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious dish takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook, totaling about 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet fancy enough for entertaining!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Broccoli Rice:

Start by washing the broccoli and cutting it into florets. In a food processor, pulse the broccoli until it’s finely chopped and resembles rice. Make sure not to over-process it into a puree! Set the chopped broccoli rice aside for later.

2. Cook the Broccoli Rice:

In a large skillet over medium heat, combine 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it turns translucent. Now, add your broccoli rice, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still bright green. Once done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

3. Cook the Shrimp:

In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt. Once melted and bubbling, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—be careful not to burn it! Toss in the shrimp along with the smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat), salt, and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are pink and opaque.

4. Combine Flavors:

Drizzle the juice of half a lemon over the shrimp and stir to coat them in that buttery sauce. Return the broccoli rice to the skillet and gently toss everything together for about a minute, ensuring everything is well-mixed and warm.

5. Serve:

Carefully plate the garlic butter shrimp over the broccoli rice. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and serve immediately. Enjoy your tasty, healthy meal!

Bon Appétit! 😊

FAQ for Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli Rice

Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?

Absolutely! If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can do this overnight in the fridge or quickly by placing them in a sealed bag and submerging in cold water for about 30 minutes.

Can I Substitute Broccoli with Another Vegetable?

Yes! While broccoli rice gives this dish a great flavor and texture, you can substitute it with cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or even asparagus for a different twist. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the vegetables remain tender-crisp.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. You may want to add a splash of butter or olive oil to freshen it up!

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the broccoli rice and clean the shrimp ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and cook just before serving for the best flavor and texture.