Lemon Butter Shrimp Broccoli

Featured in: Bold Marinades & Sauces

This dish combines tender shrimp with crisp broccoli florets, both blended in a rich lemon-garlic butter sauce. The broccoli is briefly blanched to maintain its bright color and perfect texture, while the shrimp are sautéed with garlic and spices for a savory finish. Finished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges, it creates a balanced meal packed with fresh flavors and simple preparation, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner.

Optional touches like red pepper flakes add a subtle heat, and suggestions include serving over rice or pasta or adding cherry tomatoes for extra vibrancy. The buttery sauce enriched with fresh lemon juice offers a zesty and creamy coating without heaviness.

Updated on Sat, 15 Nov 2025 13:22:00 GMT
Golden-brown Lemon Butter Shrimp & Broccoli, a vibrant dish with garlic, and broccoli florets. Save
Golden-brown Lemon Butter Shrimp & Broccoli, a vibrant dish with garlic, and broccoli florets. | bitegrill.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 for a weeknight dinner when I needed something fast but impressive. The zesty lemon and buttery sauce made it an instant favorite at our table.

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: Pinch (optional)
  • Lemon wedges: To serve

Instructions

Blanch Broccoli:
Place 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 butter with olive oil. Add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cook Shrimp:
Add shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
Add Broccoli & Sauce:
Stir in blanched broccoli. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Toss thoroughly and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until heated through.
Finish & Serve:
Remove from heat. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Tender shrimp in a buttery lemon sauce with broccoli, a quick Lemon Butter Shrimp & Broccoli recipe. Save
Tender shrimp in a buttery lemon sauce with broccoli, a quick Lemon Butter Shrimp & Broccoli recipe. | bitegrill.com

Making this with my kids taught them how easy seafood can be to cook. Passing down simple, healthy recipes is one of my favorite family activities.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy this shrimp and broccoli over steamed rice, quinoa, or pasta for a heartier plate.

Allergen Information

Contains shellfish (shrimp) and dairy (butter). Substitute the butter with plant-based alternatives if needed. Double-check ingredient packaging for hidden allergens.

Nutrition Per Serving

Each serving includes about 260 calories, 16 g total fat, 7 g carbohydrates, and 23 g protein.

Sizzling Lemon Butter Shrimp & Broccoli with a bright lemon-garlic sauce over healthy broccoli. Save
Sizzling Lemon Butter Shrimp & Broccoli with a bright lemon-garlic sauce over healthy broccoli. | bitegrill.com

This colorful dish comes together in under 30 minutes and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Enjoy the burst of citrus and the satisfying crunch of broccoli.

Recipe FAQ

How do you keep broccoli crisp and vibrant?

Blanching broccoli in boiling salted water for 2 minutes preserves its bright color and crisp-tender texture before sautéing.

Can I substitute the butter in this dish?

Yes, olive oil can replace butter for a dairy-free option, maintaining flavor while reducing richness.

What is the best way to cook shrimp evenly?

Cook shrimp in a single layer over medium heat for about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque for even cooking.

How does the lemon juice affect the sauce?

Fresh lemon juice brightens the sauce with acidity, balancing the butter’s richness and enhancing overall flavor.

What dishes pair well with this shrimp and broccoli preparation?

Serving over steamed rice, quinoa, or pasta complements the dish, and a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio enhances the flavors.

How can I add extra flavor without overwhelming the dish?

A pinch of red pepper flakes adds subtle heat without overpowering the delicate lemon-butter notes.

Lemon Butter Shrimp Broccoli

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

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
15 min
Complete duration
25 min
Created by Ethan Walker


Skill Level Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Dietary considerations No Gluten, Reduced-Carb

Components

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: Melt 2 tablespoons butter with olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Phase 03

Cook shrimp: Place shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Cook for 2 minutes per side until shrimp are pink and opaque.

Phase 04

Combine broccoli and sauce: Add blanched broccoli to the skillet. Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons butter, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Toss to coat evenly and heat through for 1 to 2 minutes.

Phase 05

Finish and garnish: Remove skillet from heat, sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish, and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Tools needed

  • Large skillet
  • Pot for blanching broccoli
  • Colander
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Zester or grater

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult with healthcare providers if you're uncertain about sensitivities.
  • Contains shellfish and dairy.
  • Substitute butter with plant-based alternatives for dairy allergies.
  • Verify ingredient labels for additional allergen information.

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 260
  • Fats: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Proteins: 23 g