If you’re on the lookout for a healthy yet indulgent meal, Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli Rice is exactly what you need. This dish is packed with flavor, offering succulent shrimp cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, paired with nutritious, low-carb broccoli rice. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare and comes together in just 30 minutes!

In this article, we will walk you through the entire process of making this delightful meal, with detailed instructions, tips, and variations that will make your cooking experience as enjoyable as eating the dish itself. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!

Why You Should Try Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli Rice

When you’re looking for a quick and healthy meal, Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli Rice is a perfect choice. The shrimp are seared in a delicious garlic butter sauce, which gives them a rich and savory flavor. Paired with broccoli rice—an excellent, low-carb alternative to traditional rice—this dish is both nutritious and satisfying.

Health Benefits of Broccoli Rice

Broccoli rice is an excellent way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing flavor. It’s high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals like Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and folate. This low-carb option is perfect for anyone looking to cut back on carbs or for those following a keto or paleo diet.

Why Shrimp?

Shrimp is not only delicious but also an excellent source of lean protein. They’re low in calories and fat, making them ideal for those who are trying to eat healthier. Plus, shrimp cook quickly, making them an ideal choice for a fast meal.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli Rice

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need for this delightful dish.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Shrimp:

1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for a fresh zing)

Ingredients for Broccoli Rice:

4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra richness)

Instructions for Making Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This will help release the aromatic flavors of garlic into the oil.

Next, add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be sure not to overcook the shrimp; they cook quickly, and you want them to remain tender and juicy.

Once the shrimp is cooked, stir in the 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter and let it melt into the shrimp. Add red pepper flakes (if using) for a subtle heat, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue cooking for another minute to allow all the flavors to combine.

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh parsley and lemon juice (if desired). Set the shrimp aside while you prepare the broccoli rice.

Step 2: Make the Broccoli Rice

To make the broccoli rice, start by steaming the broccoli florets. If you’re using fresh broccoli, steam it for 5-7 minutes until tender. If you’re using frozen broccoli, follow the instructions on the package for steaming.

Once the broccoli is tender, use a food processor to pulse it until it resembles rice grains. Be sure not to over-process it; the texture should be similar to that of cooked rice.

Step 3: Sauté the Broccoli Rice

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then, add the broccoli rice and sauté it for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to heat through and absorb all the garlic flavor.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like, you can also add grated Parmesan cheese at this stage for extra creaminess and flavor. Keep stirring the rice so it cooks evenly, and ensure it’s well-seasoned.

Step 4: Serve

Once the broccoli rice is cooked to your liking, plate it on a serving dish. Top the broccoli rice with the garlic butter shrimp and drizzle the butter sauce over the top. You can also sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

And there you have it—your Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli Rice is ready to be enjoyed!

Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli Rice

Customize the Heat: If you like your dishes spicy, feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase the heat.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, and overcooking them can make them tough. Keep an eye on them, and cook just until they turn pink and opaque.
Add More Veggies: If you want to increase the vegetable content of this dish, you can add other vegetables to the broccoli rice, such as cauliflower, spinach, or bell peppers. These additions will not only make the dish more colorful but also boost its nutritional value.
Make It Keto-Friendly: The combination of shrimp and broccoli rice makes this dish perfect for a keto diet. To keep it keto-friendly, be sure to skip the Parmesan cheese or use a low-carb cheese alternative.
Make It a Full Meal: To make this dish more filling, consider pairing it with a side salad or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with a low-carb bread option if you want to add some texture to the meal.

Nutritional Information for Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli Rice

This dish is not only low in carbs but also packed with protein and healthy fats. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional values per serving (based on 4 servings):

Calories: 350
Protein: 35g
Carbs: 8g (mostly from the broccoli)
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: 600mg

It’s a perfect meal for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet, or anyone looking for a balanced, nutrient-dense meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you enjoyed this recipe for Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli Rice, you might also like these other dishes that feature similar ingredients or cooking techniques:

Creamy Garlic Shrimp – Another shrimp-based dish, this one combines a rich, creamy sauce with tender shrimp for a luxurious meal.
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice – A comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. It’s a creamy and flavorful take on chicken and rice.
Hoisin Beef Noodle – A delicious Asian-inspired dish that combines savory hoisin sauce with tender beef and noodles.

FAQs About Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli Rice

Is shrimp cooked in butter healthy?
Shrimp cooked in butter can be part of a healthy diet when enjoyed in moderation. Shrimp is low in calories and high in protein, while butter adds flavor and healthy fats. To make it even healthier, consider using a small amount of butter or opting for alternatives like olive oil to reduce saturated fat intake.

What brings out the flavor of shrimp?
Garlic, lemon, and a bit of heat (like red pepper flakes) are excellent for enhancing the natural sweetness of shrimp. Butter also adds richness, while fresh herbs like parsley brighten the dish and complement the shrimp’s delicate flavor.

Are shrimp and broccoli good for weight loss?
Yes, both shrimp and broccoli are great choices for weight loss. Shrimp is a lean source of protein, and broccoli is low in calories and high in fiber, making it filling. Combined, they offer a nutritious, low-calorie, and satisfying meal that can help manage weight.

What goes well with garlic butter shrimp?
Garlic butter shrimp pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Some great options include steamed or sautéed vegetables, zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or a light salad. You can also serve it over pasta or quinoa for a more filling meal.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli Rice is a fantastic, low-carb dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and loaded with nutrients. Whether you’re following a keto diet or just looking to enjoy a healthier meal, this recipe is a must-try. With its tender shrimp, rich garlic butter sauce, and nutritious broccoli rice, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Now, grab your ingredients and start cooking this delicious meal today!

Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli Rice: A Healthy Delight

Author: MixMealMagic
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli Rice recipe is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp with a low-carb, high-fiber broccoli rice. Sautéed in butter with garlic, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon, it’s perfect for a light, satisfying meal. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Garlic Butter Shrimp:

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

For the Broccoli Rice:

4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

Prepare Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Cook Shrimp: Add shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Stir in butter, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute.
Garnish: Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley and lemon juice (if using). Set aside.
Make Broccoli Rice: Steam broccoli florets until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Pulse in a food processor until it resembles rice.
Sauté Broccoli Rice: Heat olive oil in a pan. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Add broccoli rice and sauté for another 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve: Plate the broccoli rice and top with the garlic butter shrimp. Sprinkle with Parmesan if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

Low-Carb Version: This dish is naturally low-carb, making it ideal for keto or low-carb diets.
Meal Prep: You can store the cooked shrimp and broccoli rice separately in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.
Vegan Option: For a vegan alternative, substitute shrimp with a plant-based protein and use vegan butter.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sauté, Steam
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate (shrimp with broccoli rice)
Calories: 290 kcal
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 540mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 220mg

Keywords: Garlic Butter Shrimp, Broccoli Rice, Low-Carb Shrimp, Shrimp Recipe, Healthy Shrimp Dinner, Keto Shrimp, Shrimp with Broccoli, Easy Shrimp Dinner, Quick Shrimp Recipe