Lemon Butter Shrimp Broccoli

Featured in: Savory Bites

This dish highlights succulent shrimp and crisp broccoli florets sautéed in a luscious lemon-garlic butter sauce that delivers vibrant flavors. The broccoli is blanched briefly to retain its bright green color and tender-crisp texture. Garlic infuses the butter and olive oil base, while lemon zest and juice add fresh, tangy brightness. Seasoned with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes, it cooks quickly and finishes with fresh parsley for a burst of color. Perfect served alone or over grains like rice or quinoa for a light yet satisfying meal.

Updated on Sat, 15 Nov 2025 12:48:00 GMT
Vibrant Lemon Butter Shrimp & Broccoli, sizzling in a pan with tender broccoli florets, ready to be enjoyed. Save
Vibrant Lemon Butter Shrimp & Broccoli, sizzling in a pan with tender broccoli florets, ready to be enjoyed. | cravebop.com

Succulent shrimp and crisp-tender broccoli are sautéed in a luscious lemon-garlic butter sauce for a vibrant quick and flavorful meal.

I first made this recipe when I needed something fast and fresh that could please both seafood lovers and veggie fans. It's now a favorite weeknight go-to that my family always requests for its zesty sauce and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

  • Large shrimp: 1 lb (450 g) peeled and deveined tails on or off
  • Broccoli florets: 4 cups (300 g)
  • Garlic: 2 cloves minced
  • Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp chopped (plus extra for garnish)
  • Unsalted butter: 4 tbsp (60 g)
  • Olive oil: 1 tbsp
  • Lemon zest: Zest of 1 lemon
  • Fresh lemon juice: 3 tbsp (about 1 large lemon)
  • Salt: 1/2 tsp
  • Black pepper: 1/4 tsp
  • Red pepper flakes (optional): Pinch
  • Lemon wedges: To serve

Instructions

Blanch Broccoli:
Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling salted water for 2 minutes until bright green and just tender. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Garlic:
In a large skillet over medium heat melt 2 tablespoons of butter with the olive oil. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant about 30 seconds.
Cook Shrimp:
Add the shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt black pepper and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 2 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
Add Broccoli and Sauce:
Add the blanched broccoli to the skillet. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons butter lemon zest and lemon juice. Toss to coat everything evenly and cook for 1–2 minutes until heated through.
Finish and Serve:
Remove from heat. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
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This dish has become our colorful Sunday dinner solution—my kids love squeezing fresh lemon over the hot shrimp and everyone gathers around the table for seconds.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over steamed rice quinoa or pasta for a complete meal. Add a crisp green salad or warm crusty bread on the side to soak up the lemony sauce.

Allergen Advice

This dish contains shellfish (shrimp) and dairy (butter). Substitute with a plant-based butter for dairy allergies and always double check your ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Each serving contains approximately 260 calories 16 g total fat 7 g carbohydrates and 23 g protein making it perfect for balanced eating.

Delicious, glistening Lemon Butter Shrimp & Broccoli bathed in a bright lemon-garlic sauce, perfect for a quick dinner. Save
Delicious, glistening Lemon Butter Shrimp & Broccoli bathed in a bright lemon-garlic sauce, perfect for a quick dinner. | cravebop.com

Enjoy this easy vibrant meal anytime you crave something fresh and satisfying. Don’t forget extra lemon wedges for serving.

Recipe Guide

How do you keep broccoli crisp-tender?

Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling salted water for about 2 minutes until bright green and just tender, then drain immediately to stop cooking.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this dish?

Yes, thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure even sautéing and proper texture.

What is the best way to balance lemon flavor?

Use both lemon zest and fresh lemon juice to provide a bright, well-rounded citrus note without overpowering the dish.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

Substitute the butter with additional olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative to maintain richness without dairy.

What wine pairs well with this meal?

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the lemony, buttery flavors and seafood notes perfectly.

Lemon Butter Shrimp Broccoli

Succulent shrimp and crisp broccoli tossed in a vibrant lemon-garlic butter sauce for a quick meal.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
15 min
Complete duration
25 min
Created by Lindsey Carter

Style Savory Bites

Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition labels No gluten, Carb-conscious

What you'll need

Seafood

01 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails optional

Vegetables

01 4 cups broccoli florets
02 2 cloves garlic, minced
03 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Sauce

01 4 tbsp unsalted butter
02 1 tbsp olive oil
03 zest of 1 lemon
04 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
05 1/2 tsp salt
06 1/4 tsp black pepper
07 pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

To Serve

01 lemon wedges

Method

Phase 01

Blanch Broccoli: Boil salted water and blanch broccoli florets for 2 minutes until bright green and tender; drain and set aside.

Phase 02

Sauté Garlic: Heat 2 tablespoons butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, approximately 30 seconds.

Phase 03

Cook Shrimp: Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the skillet; season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook 2 minutes per side until opaque and pink.

Phase 04

Combine Ingredients: Add blanched broccoli, remaining 2 tablespoons butter, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the skillet; toss to coat evenly and cook 1 to 2 minutes until heated through.

Phase 05

Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat; sprinkle chopped parsley on top and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Tools needed

  • large skillet
  • pot for blanching broccoli
  • colander
  • knife and cutting board
  • zester or grater

Allergy alerts

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical advice if uncertain.
  • Contains shellfish and dairy; substitute butter with plant-based alternatives for dairy allergies.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 260
  • Fats: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Proteins: 23 g