Life gets crazy, right? That’s exactly why I adore this Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli. Seriously, it’s my go-to when time is ticking and the kids have soccer practice, ballet, *and* that school play rehearsal. I remember one particularly wild weeknight; the kitchen counter was loaded with fresh shrimp and broccoli, and I just threw this together with some garlic and lemon. The smell alone drew the kids in, and soon they were helping at the stove! It became an instant hit and proof that you can make something truly delicious and healthy even when you’re rushing. As a Gluten-Free Nutritionist & Family Meal Planning Expert, trust me, this recipe is a lifesaver!
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli
Seriously, this Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli is a weeknight warrior. Here’s why it’ll become your new favorite:
- Super Speedy: Ready in less than 30 minutes, perfect for those crazy busy nights!
- Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with lean protein from the shrimp and vitamins from the broccoli. It’s just good for you!
- Bursting with Flavor: The garlic, lemon, and hint of spice create a delicious Mediterranean vibe.
- Kid-Approved: Even picky eaters tend to love this simple, tasty dish.
- Naturally Gluten-Free: A fantastic option that satisfies everyone at the table.
- Easy Cleanup: Most of the magic happens in just one skillet!
Gather Your Ingredients for Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli
Okay, let’s get our yummy ingredients ready for this fantastic Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli! It’s really straightforward, and having everything prepped makes cooking way faster.
For the Shrimp Marinade:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium shallot, finely chopped (I love shallots here, they’re a bit milder than onions!)
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped (don’t skimp on the garlic, it’s in the name!)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1/4 teaspoon Aleppo pepper or crushed red pepper flakes (optional, but it adds a nice little warmth!)
- 1 1/4 pounds extra large shrimp (aim for about 21 to 25 per pound if you can), peeled and deveined, thawed if frozen, rinsed, and patted super dry. Patting really is key here!
For the Broccoli and Shrimp:
- 3 packed cups broccoli florets (use fresh, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Ladolemono Sauce, for serving (This is that yummy lemon-oil sauce, whisk it up before you use it!)
Essential Equipment for Making Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli
You really don’t need much to make this amazing Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli, which is another win for busy nights! All you’ll need are a couple of basics:
- A medium bowl for letting those shrimp soak up all that garlicky goodness.
- A large skillet – this is where all the magic happens! Make sure it’s big enough to hold everything comfortably so it all cooks evenly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli
Alright, let’s get cooking! Making this Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli is easier than you think. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a gorgeous, healthy dinner on the table in no time.
Marinating the Shrimp for Flavor
First things first, let’s get these shrimp soaking up all that amazing flavor! In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, finely chopped shallot, and plenty of garlic. Toss in the salt, pepper, and that optional pinch of Aleppo pepper or red pepper flakes if you like a little zing. Now, add your lovely shrimp and give them a good toss so they’re all coated. Cover the bowl and let them hang out at room temperature for about 20 to 30 minutes. This is where all those amazing aromas that drew my kids into the kitchen start to happen!
Cooking the Broccoli to Perfection
While the shrimp are marinating, let’s tackle the broccoli. Grab your large skillet and set it over medium-high heat. Add your broccoli florets and just about a quarter cup of water. You want to cook it for about 5 minutes, turning it often. The goal is for it to be fork-tender but still bright green and have a nice little crispness to it. Once it’s perfect, scoop it out onto a plate – don’t worry about making it perfect, just get it out of the pan! Then, empty that skillet.
Searing the Shrimp for a Golden Crust
Now, back to that skillet! Put it back on the stove over medium-high heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil starts to shimmer. Carefully add your marinated shrimp and all that delicious marinade to the hot pan. Cook for about 2 minutes per side. Give the pan a little shake every now and then to make sure the shallots and garlic cook evenly and don’t burn – that’s super important! You’ll see the shrimp turn bright pink and start to curl up when they’re just about done. For more ideas on cooking shrimp with broccoli, check out this similar recipe for inspiration.
Bringing the Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli Together
Okay, almost there! Return that beautifully cooked broccoli back into the skillet with the shrimp. Give it all a gentle toss, maybe a little extra salt and pepper if you think it needs it. Let everything cook together for just another minute, super gently, so the broccoli warms up nicely and all those flavors can mingle.
Finishing Touches and Serving
Time for the grand finale! Grab your Ladolemono sauce, give it a quick whisk to bring it all back together (the oil and lemon juice like to separate, so a whisk is a must!), and pour about half of it over the shrimp and broccoli in the skillet. Toss it all around one last time, very gently. Taste it – does it need anything? Adjust the seasoning if needed. Then, serve it up immediately with that extra Ladolemono sauce on the side for anyone who wants a little more zing!
Tips for Success with Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli
You’re going to nail this Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli, trust me! Here are a few little secrets from my kitchen to yours to make sure it turns out perfectly every time:
- Quality Counts: Start with good quality shrimp. Freshly peeled and deveined is ideal, but if using frozen, make sure they’re completely thawed and *really* patted dry. Nobody likes watery shrimp!
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When you cook the shrimp, make sure your skillet is hot and give them space. If you cram too many in, they’ll steam instead of sear, and you won’t get that lovely golden color or delicious flavor. Cook in batches if you have to!
- Watch That Garlic: Garlic and shallots are fantastic for flavor, but they can burn super fast. Keep an eye on them and shake the pan often to keep them moving. Burnt garlic is a no-go!
- Broccoli First!: Cooking the broccoli separately until it’s just tender is key – it ensures it doesn’t get mushy when you toss it with the shrimp at the end.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli
Let’s chat about some of the ingredients in this Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli – a few little tweaks can make it even more perfect for you!
Shallots vs. Onions: I really do love shallots here; their flavor is a bit milder and sweeter than regular onions, and they chop up so nicely. But if you can’t find shallots or just prefer them, a small yellow onion, finely minced, will work just fine. Just make sure to chop it really small so it cooks evenly!
Spice Level: That Aleppo pepper or crushed red pepper flakes? It adds just a whisper of heat. If you love things spicy, feel free to add a little more, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper. For those who prefer zero heat, absolutely leave it out – the garlic and lemon flavor will still be amazing!
Shrimp Size: While I call for extra-large shrimp, you can totally use medium or large shrimp too. Just adjust the cooking time – smaller shrimp cook super fast, so watch them closely to avoid overcooking and getting rubbery bits!
Nutritional Information for Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli
You’re going to love how good this Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli is for you! It’s packed with flavor and good stuff. Just a heads-up, these numbers are an estimate and don’t include that yummy Ladolemono Sauce we add at the end.
Per serving (approximate, without Ladolemono Sauce):
- Calories: 284
- Protein: 29g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
Frequently Asked Questions about Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli
Got questions about this speedy and delicious Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli? I’ve got you covered!
Can I make Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli ahead of time?
You can definitely prep some parts ahead! Chop your veggies and make the marinade earlier in the day. It’s best to cook the shrimp and broccoli just before serving to keep them fresh and perfectly textured, but the prepped ingredients make throwing it all together lightning fast!
What are good side dishes for Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli?
This Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli is pretty complete on its own, but it’s also fantastic served with some fluffy quinoa, brown rice, or even a simple side salad. For a truly healthy dinner, some crusty gluten-free bread to sop up any extra sauce is divine!
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Oh, you like it hot? Easy peasy! You can simply add more Aleppo pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade. For a serious kick, you could even add a minced fresh jalapeño to the skillet when cooking the shrimp and shallots. Delicious heat!
Share Your Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli Creations!
I absolutely love hearing from you all! Did you whip up this amazing Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli? Did your kids get involved and love it too? Please, tell me all about it in the comments below! If you snap a pic, tag me on social media – I’d be thrilled to see your kitchen creations!
Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Marinate the shrimp. In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, shallot, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and Aleppo pepper or red pepper flakes, if using. Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss well to coat. Cover the bowl and set aside to marinate at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Cook the broccoli. Meanwhile, in a large skillet set over medium high heat, add the broccoli and about a 1/4 cup of water. Cook for 5 minutes, turning the broccoli frequently. It is ready when it is fork tender, but still crisp and bright green. Transfer the broccoli to a plate, and empty the skillet.
- Cook the shrimp. Return the skillet to the stove and set over medium high heat. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil begins to shimmer, add the shrimp to the skillet along with all of the marinade. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side, turning the shrimp over halfway through, and shaking the pan every now and then to make sure that the shallots and the garlic cook evenly and do not burn. The shrimp are ready when they turn pink and start to curl.
- Bring everything together. Return the broccoli to the skillet, season with salt and pepper and toss gently to coat. Cook everything together for another minute or so, just to warm the broccoli. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Sauce and serve. Whisk the ladolemono sauce to recombine and pour some over the shrimp and broccoli. Toss gently, taste and adjust the seasoning. Serve immediately with the remaining ladolemono sauce on the side.
Nutrition
Notes
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Gluten-Free Nutritionist & Family Meal Planning Expert
Working as a pediatric dietitian at Children’s Hospital of Denver, I kept meeting families overwhelmed by managing their children’s celiac disease. Parents stressed, kids frustrated, everyone eating bland boxed “gluten-free” products.
That’s when I realized my calling: creating practical, balanced gluten-free solutions for real families with busy schedules. I’ve developed 375+ family-friendly recipes focusing on lunch boxes, after-school snacks, and make-ahead dinners that actually work.
My meal planning system was featured in Parents Magazine, and I presented research at the Rocky Mountain Pediatric Nutrition Conference. My evidence-based approach ensures recipes meet both taste and health standards—families need solutions that work in the real world, not just perfect test kitchens.