Name: Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Rice: A Healthy and Hearty Meal
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 cups of broccoli florets; 1 cup of rice (white or brown); 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter; 4 cloves of garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon of salt; 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper; 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional); Fresh parsley for garnish

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Rice: A Healthy and Hearty Meal

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Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Rice: A Healthy and Hearty Meal

Home

Dinner

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Rice: A Healthy and Hearty Meal

July 20, 2025

Author : Megan C

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Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Rice: A Healthy and Hearty Meal 🍤🧄🥦🍚

1. Introduction: Discover the Delight of Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Rice

If you’re on the hunt for a truly satisfying and nutritious dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor and is incredibly easy to whip up, look no further than Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Rice! This hearty meal beautifully pairs succulent shrimp with vibrant, crisp-tender broccoli, all served over a fluffy and comforting rice base. The entire dish is lovingly coated in a luscious, rich garlic butter sauce that elevates every single bite. This shrimp and broccoli rice recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a healthy lunch, or even a special occasion where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s absolutely packed with protein from the shrimp, essential vitamins and fiber from the broccoli, and satisfying carbs from the rice. Let’s dive right into this fantastic and flavorful recipe – you’ll be amazed at how simple and delicious it is!

2. Ingredients: What You’ll Need for Your Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Rice

To prepare this delightful Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Rice, you’ll need to gather the following fresh and readily available ingredients:

1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined (for optimal flavor, use fresh shrimp, but frozen works too!)
2 cups of broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup of rice (white or brown – your preference! Brown rice adds extra fiber and a nutty flavor)
4 tablespoons of unsalted butter (provides the base for our flavorful garlic butter sauce)
4 cloves of garlic, minced (freshly minced garlic is key for that authentic garlic flavor)
1 teaspoon of salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper (freshly ground is best!)
1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
Fresh parsley for garnish (adds a pop of color and freshness)

Consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice at the end to brighten up the garlic butter shrimp. For another twist, you might enjoy zesty lemon ricotta and spinach pasta as a side dish.

3. Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter – The Foundation of Flavor

In a large skillet (preferably non-stick) over medium heat, melt the butter completely. Once melted, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful, as burnt garlic can taste bitter, so stir continuously to avoid burning. The aroma of the garlic butter will fill your kitchen, setting the stage for a delicious shrimp and broccoli rice bowl.

Sautéing garlic in butter for garlic butter shrimp and broccoli rice, showcasing a healthy meal preparation.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp to Perfection

Once the garlic is fragrant and golden, add the shrimp to the skillet with the garlic butter. Season the shrimp generously with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Ensure the shrimp is spread out in a single layer in the skillet for even cooking. Cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the shrimp turns pink and opaque, indicating that it’s fully cooked. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so watch it carefully! Think about trying this recipe for another take on this dish.

Adding shrimp to garlic butter in a skillet for a delicious shrimp and broccoli rice dish, highlighting fresh ingredients.

Step 3: Combine the Broccoli and Rice for a Hearty Dish

While the shrimp is cooking, make sure your rice is prepared according to the package instructions. Once the rice is cooked and fluffy, add the cooked rice and broccoli florets to the skillet with the shrimp and garlic butter. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring that the rice and broccoli are well-coated with the delicious garlic butter sauce. Allow the broccoli to steam slightly in the skillet, absorbing the flavors and becoming tender-crisp. Combining the ingredients at this stage allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a cohesive and delicious garlic butter shrimp and rice.

Mixing broccoli into rice for garlic butter shrimp and broccoli rice, emphasizing the nutritious blend of ingredients.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy Your Flavorful Creation!

Carefully plate the Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Rice, dividing it evenly among your serving plates or bowls. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley for an added pop of color and freshness. Serve the dish hot immediately and enjoy this healthy and hearty meal that’s guaranteed to please everyone at the table! Each bite is a burst of flavor, combining the savory garlic butter, succulent shrimp, tender broccoli, and fluffy rice. Looking for another quick seafood dish? You might enjoy the shrimp stir fry with noodles.

Plating garlic butter shrimp with broccoli rice, showcasing a colorful and hearty meal presentation.

4. Storage Tips: Keeping Your Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Rice Fresh

This delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Rice can be easily stored for enjoying later. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop. Adding a little extra butter or a splash of water during reheating can help revive its moisture and prevent it from drying out. Proper storage ensures that your leftover shrimp and broccoli rice remains flavorful and enjoyable.

5. Serving Suggestions: Perfect Pairings for Your Shrimp and Broccoli Rice Bowl

This versatile dish can be served in a variety of ways! Pair your Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Rice with a fresh green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette for a balanced and complete meal. Alternatively, serve it with a side of crusty whole-wheat bread or garlic bread for soaking up all that delicious garlic butter sauce. Squeezing a bit of fresh lemon juice over the dish just before serving can add a bright, zesty note that complements the rich flavors perfectly. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside other vegetable dishes. If you’re interested in another garlic-infused recipe, you might like creamy garlic parmesan chicken with cheesy twisted pasta. Or maybe try pairing this with salmon rice bowl. Are you trying to find dinner ideas? Browse here.

6. FAQs: Your Questions About Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Rice Answered

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can definitely use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking. The best way to thaw shrimp is to place them in a colander under cold running water for about 5-10 minutes, or until they are completely thawed. Pat them dry with paper towels before adding them to the skillet to ensure they brown nicely.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, this Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Rice is naturally gluten-free, as it does not contain any gluten ingredients. However, always double-check the labels of your ingredients, especially if you have a severe gluten allergy or sensitivity, to ensure that they are certified gluten-free.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is very adaptable, and you can easily add other vegetables to suit your taste. Some great additions include bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), snap peas, mushrooms, or even spinach. Simply add the additional vegetables to the skillet along with the broccoli and cook until they are tender-crisp. Want to continue your broccoli recipes? Check out Chinese beef and broccoli. Or maybe the easy beef and broccoli recipe.

7. Nutritional Information: A Healthy and Balanced Meal

This hearty meal is not only incredibly delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits, making it a great choice for a healthy and balanced diet. Shrimp is a fantastic source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues. Broccoli is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, contributing to overall health and well-being. The rice provides carbohydrates for energy, and the garlic butter adds healthy fats for satiety. Enjoy this shrimp and broccoli with rice knowing that you’re nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients.

8. Variations: Customize Your Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice

Want to mix things up? Consider swapping the white or brown rice for cauliflower rice to create a delicious low-carb version of this dish. Cauliflower rice provides a similar texture but with fewer carbohydrates. Alternatively, use quinoa instead of rice for a protein-packed alternative that’s also gluten-free. You can also try using chicken or tofu in place of shrimp for a different take on this recipe, catering to different dietary preferences. For another twist on shrimp, give seared scallops with garlic basil butter a look.
Looking for another recipe with shrimp? Try shrimp fried rice. If you enjoy chicken recipes, you can browse here.

9. Conclusion: Enjoy the Simplicity and Flavor of Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Rice

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli Rice is a fantastic, crowd-pleasing entrée that perfectly combines exceptional taste, nutritional benefits, and unmatched convenience. With its simple steps and quick preparation time, this recipe is destined to become a staple favorite in your household. Don’t hesitate – try it today and experience the delightful flavors of garlic butter, succulent shrimp, and tender broccoli in every single bite! This dish is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of simple, delicious ingredients coming together to create something truly special.