Easy Shrimp and Broccoli
on Jan 27, 2026
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So simple, it's almost not a recipe, this easy shrimp and broccoli recipe is a fast, garlicky skillet dinner made with simple ingredients and big flavor. Ready in about 20 minutes, it’s a reliable weeknight meal everyone can get behind.
Sometimes you just want dinner in 15 minutes that feels like you didn’t grab takeout. Enter simple sautéed shrimp and broccoli: tender, garlicky shrimp paired with crisp-tender broccoli, all finished with a squeeze of lemon.
It’s easy, healthy, and comes together fast — perfect for weeknights, lunch, or a last-minute dinner for guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under 20 minutes
- Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor
- Gluten-free and naturally low-carb
- Perfect for meal prep or a fast dinner
- Flexible: swap veggies or seasonings based on what’s in your fridge
If you are a very confident cook, keep moving, don’t even look at this recipe. I know, it’s not much of a recipe. But it was so good, and I know — for sure — that there are plenty of people out there who are aching for a little help in the kitchen, or maybe just a smidge of inspiration to get a weeknight dinner on the table that doesn’t feel like a marathon, or just too boring to speak of.
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What's In This Post?
Ingredients
- Shrimp – Peeled and deveined, fresh or thawed from frozen.
- Broccoli – Cut into florets.
- Minced garlic
- Olive oil – Or use a neutral oil like avocado or grapeseed.
- Lemon
- Optional flavor boosters: red pepper flakes, soy sauce, sesame oil
How to Make Simple Sautéed Shrimp and Broccoli
- Prep the broccoli: Steam or blanch the broccoli briefly if you want extra-crisp florets, or sauté directly in the pan.
- Sauté the shrimp: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and season with salt and pepper. Cook 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and just cooked through. Remove from the pan.
- Sauté the broccoli: Add a little more oil to the same skillet, then toss in the broccoli and garlic. Cook 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender.
- Combine and finish: Return the shrimp to the pan, toss with the broccoli, and add any finishing touches — a squeeze of lemon, a drizzle of soy sauce, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Serve immediately.
Tips for Success
Don’t let the broccoli cook too much — it’s really nice in this recipe when it’s just tender (but not crunchy!). Remember that it will continue to cook a bit after it is removed from the heat.
Don’t overcook the shrimp — they go from perfectly tender to rubbery fast.
High heat is your friend — it keeps broccoli bright, and shrimp caramelized.
Make it a one-pan meal — add thinly sliced carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas.
Seasoning Ideas
- Lemon + garlic + olive oil (classic)
- Soy sauce + sesame oil + ginger (Asian-inspired)
- Paprika + chili flakes + butter (spicy-sweet twist)
- Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil for a bright finish
FAQs
Yes — just thaw the shrimp first, and pat dry for the best sear.
Yes, but it will probably be softer than fresh broccoli when you cook it through.
What to Serve with Shrimp and Broccoli
This would be good over hot cooked rice, quinoa, or some pasta tossed with a little olive oil.
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Easy Shrimp and Broccoli
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Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic (divided)
- 1 pound peeled and deveined extra large or jumbo shrimp
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons fresh Meyer lemon juice (or use regular lemon, or a combo or lemon and orange juices)
- Red pepper flakes (to finish; optional)
Instructions
- In a medium skillet with a lid, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over medium high heat, then add 1 teaspoon of the the garlic and swish it around for about 30 seconds until you can smell it. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and sauté just until the shrimp are pink and cooked through, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a serving bowl.
- Return the pan to the heat, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the remaining teaspoon of garlic, and swish it around for another 30 seconds. Add the broccoli and stir to coat with the oil. Add 1/4 cup of water, cover the pan, and steam until the water evaporates and the broccoli is tender.
- Sprinkle the broccoli with the lemon juice, transfer it to the bowl with the shrimp, and toss to combine. Sprinkle with the red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot.
