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Best Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious and quick meal that packs a punch of flavour, you can’t go wrong with garlic butter shrimp and broccoli. This dish is a perfect blend of succulent shrimp, vibrant broccoli, and a rich garlic butter sauce that’ll tantalise your taste buds. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it’s also a healthy option that can be enjoyed any day of the week. Let’s dive into this excellent recipe that will surely impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• 450g (1 lb) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 350g (12 oz) broccoli florets
• 100g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 lemon, juiced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by preparing your ingredients. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. This will help the shrimp sear nicely. Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets, making sure they are similar in size for even cooking.

Step 2: Blanch the Broccoli

In a pot of boiling salted water, blanch the broccoli florets for about 2-3 minutes until they are tender but still crisp. Drain them and immediately plunge them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This helps maintain their bright green colour and crunch.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

In a large frying pan or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp can become rubbery when cooked too long. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.

Step 5: Combine Shrimp and Broccoli

Return the shrimp to the pan along with the blanched broccoli. Pour in the lemon juice and toss everything together, allowing the flavours to meld for another 2 minutes. Check for seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if necessary.

Step 6: Serve

Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove from the heat. Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top for a fresh finish. Serve immediately, perhaps with some crusty bread to mop up that delicious garlic butter sauce or over a bed of rice or quinoa for a filling meal.

Tips for Success

• Choose Fresh Shrimp: Opt for the freshest shrimp you can find. If possible, buy them from a reputable fishmonger.
• Don’t Overcook: Keep a close eye on the shrimp as they cook quickly. Remove them from the heat just as they turn pink and opaque.
• Experiment with Flavours: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or asparagus for added texture and taste. You can also experiment with herbs such as thyme or basil.

Conclusion

This garlic butter shrimp and broccoli recipe is a simple yet stunning dish that delivers on flavour and nutrition. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, it’s sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Serve it up with your favourite sides, and enjoy a delightful culinary experience that’s ready in just minutes. Bon appétit!