If you’re craving a dish that is bursting with vibrant flavors, bright colors, and is incredibly satisfying to make, then the Lemon Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Skillet is exactly what you need. This one-pan wonder brings together succulent shrimp bathed in a luscious lemon butter sauce, paired perfectly with tender-crisp broccoli and a hint of garlic and spice. It’s a meal that feels both fresh and indulgent, ideal for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for guests. Trust me, once you try this Lemon Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Skillet, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to dinners.

Lemon Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple, fresh, and each plays a crucial role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors, textures, and even colors in your Lemon Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Skillet. You don’t need a pantry full of specialty items—just quality components that shine together.

Broccoli florets: Choosing a large head of broccoli means plenty of tender-crisp green goodness that adds healthy texture and color.
Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps give your broccoli a lovely toasted edge.
Kosher salt and pepper: Essential for enhancing every bite, bringing out the natural flavors of the shrimp and veggies.
Jumbo peeled and deveined shrimp: The star protein—sweet, juicy, and perfect for soaking up that luscious lemon butter sauce.
Unsalted butter: Creates the rich, velvety sauce that ties the dish together beautifully without overpowering it.
Garlic cloves: Minced finely to infuse the skillet with a warm, aromatic base.
Fresh lemon slices and juice: Provide a bright, zingy punch that elevates all the flavors and keeps the dish light and fresh.
Crushed red pepper flakes: A pinch adds just the right amount of subtle heat to balance the buttery and citrus notes.
Simply Nature Organic 90 Second Quinoa and Brown Rice: A wholesome and easy side that complements the shrimp and broccoli perfectly.

How to Make Lemon Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Skillet

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp and Broccoli

Start by patting the shrimp completely dry to get a lovely sear without steaming. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and toss in the broccoli florets. Cook them while stirring frequently until they look beautifully toasted on the edges and just softened, around five minutes. This step is key to marrying crispness with tenderness in the broccoli. Once ready, transfer the broccoli to a plate to keep warm.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp in Butter

Next, add two tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet. Season the shrimp with kosher salt and pepper to highlight their natural sweetness. Cook the shrimp in the melted butter until they’re opaque and just cooked through, roughly one to two minutes on each side. Adding the minced garlic at this point lets its fragrance bloom gently in the pan, infusing the shrimp with aromatic richness you’ll love.

Step 3: Build the Lemon Butter Sauce

Now, it’s time for the flavor magic. Add the remaining butter along with fresh lemon slices and lemon juice right into the pan. Allow this mixture to bubble for a minute or two so the butter melds with the acidity of the lemon, creating a silky, tangy sauce. Sprinkle in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to add a teasing warmth that counterbalances the buttery sauce beautifully.

Step 4: Combine and Toss

Return the toasted broccoli to the skillet and toss everything gently together, letting the sauce coat every bite of shrimp and broccoli. This final step brings all the vibrant ingredients together in one pan, making it not only visually appealing but bursting with layered flavors that invite you to eat every last bite right away.

How to Serve Lemon Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Skillet

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes are like the punctuation marks of this dish. Sprinkle chopped parsley or a zest of lemon on top just before serving for an extra pop of color and freshness. A light dusting of Parmesan can also add a savory twist if you like a touch of indulgence.

Side Dishes

This Lemon Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Skillet shines alongside simple sides like the Simply Nature Organic 90 Second Quinoa and Brown Rice included in the recipe, offering a nutty, satisfying base. Alternatively, serve over creamy mashed potatoes or a crisp green salad to keep things light and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation goes a long way with this dish. Try serving it straight from the skillet to the table so everyone can dig in family-style while the sauce stays luscious and warm. For a more refined look, plate the shrimp and broccoli atop a bed of rice or quinoa in individual bowls, garnished neatly with lemon zest and fresh herbs for that wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (though they might disappear fast), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The lemon butter sauce and shrimp hold up well for up to two days, but the broccoli is best enjoyed fresh as it can get a little soft after chilling.

Freezing

Freezing is not ideal for this dish because the shrimp and broccoli texture changes after thawing, and the buttery lemon sauce may separate. It’s best to enjoy this skillet fresh or within a couple of days refrigerated.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the leftovers in a skillet over low heat to preserve the delicate flavors and textures. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the shrimp from becoming rubbery and the sauce from breaking.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and pat them completely dry before cooking to achieve the best sear and texture in your Lemon Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Skillet.

What can I substitute for broccoli?

Green beans, asparagus, or even snap peas work wonderfully as alternatives, providing similar crunch and color while complementing the lemon butter sauce perfectly.

Is this dish spicy?

There’s just a gentle hint of heat from the pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, which can be adjusted according to your preference, or omitted entirely if you prefer no spice.

Can I make this vegan or vegetarian?

You can swap the shrimp for firm tofu or chickpeas and replace butter with a plant-based alternative to keep the creamy texture, though the flavor will shift slightly from the original Lemon Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Skillet.

How do I make sure my shrimp don’t get rubbery?

Cook shrimp quickly over medium heat and avoid overcooking. They should turn opaque and curl up slightly in about one to two minutes per side for tender, juicy bites.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Lemon Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Skillet that makes it a standout on any dinner table. It’s fresh, flavorful, and comes together surprisingly fast, which makes it perfect for weeknight meals or sharing with friends. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience how the bright lemon, rich butter, and perfectly cooked shrimp and broccoli create a dish you’ll want to revisit again and again.

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