There's something magical about the combination of garlic butter shrimp and vegetables sizzling in a skillet. The aroma of buttery garlic mingling with the sweetness of plump shrimp and crisp-tender vegetables is enough to make anyone's mouth water.
I first discovered this dish when looking for a quick yet satisfying dinner option that didn't require hours in the kitchen. The result? A light yet flavorful meal that comes together in just 20 minutes and is perfect for busy weeknights or elegant enough for a date-night dinner.
Why You'll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp And Vegetables
Get ready to fall in love with this simple yet irresistible dish. Whether you're a seafood lover or just looking for a healthy and flavorful meal, this recipe checks all the boxes.
First, it’s incredibly quick and easy to prepare. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table with minimal effort, making it a great choice for those hectic evenings.
Not only is it healthy, but it’s also low-carb and packed with protein. Shrimp is an excellent lean protein source, and the medley of vibrant vegetables adds essential vitamins and fiber to your meal.
This dish is also versatile. You can switch up the vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have in your fridge. It’s a great way to use up leftover veggies while keeping things exciting.
Lastly, the flavor is out of this world. The combination of garlic, butter, and a touch of lemon enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp and vegetables, creating a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home.
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of this dish lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each element contributes to the overall taste and texture, ensuring a well-balanced and satisfying meal.
Shrimp is the star of the show. Opt for large, raw shrimp that have been peeled and deveined for convenience. Fresh shrimp work best, but frozen shrimp can be used—just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
Garlic is a key flavor booster. Freshly minced garlic is ideal for that robust, aromatic taste. If you’re a true garlic lover, feel free to add an extra clove or two.
Butter gives this dish its rich, velvety sauce. For the best results, use unsalted butter, allowing you to control the salt level to your liking.
Vegetables bring color, crunch, and nutrition. A mix of bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus works beautifully, but feel free to substitute with broccoli, green beans, or cherry tomatoes.
A splash of lemon juice at the end brightens up the dish and balances out the richness of the butter, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
How To Make This Garlic Butter Shrimp And Vegetables
Making this dish is a breeze, and the result is a vibrant, flavorful meal that looks as good as it tastes.
Start by prepping your ingredients. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them under cold running water, then pat them dry with paper towels. Chop your vegetables into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of olive oil and sauté the vegetables for about 4-5 minutes, until they are crisp-tender. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Let it cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—be careful not to burn it.
Add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become rubbery if left on the heat too long.
Return the vegetables to the pan and toss everything together. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish, give it a final stir, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Storage Options
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm the shrimp and vegetables gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or butter. Avoid microwaving, as shrimp can become tough when reheated this way.
If you want to meal prep, cook the vegetables separately and add the shrimp just before serving to keep them tender and juicy.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this dish is its flexibility! Here are some ways to make it your own:
- Switch up the protein – If shrimp isn’t your thing, try swapping it for chicken, salmon, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Experiment with vegetables – Use whatever you have on hand. Mushrooms, snap peas, or even spinach can be delicious additions.
- Make it spicy – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for an extra kick.
- Go dairy-free – Substitute the butter with ghee or olive oil for a lactose-free alternative.
- Serve it differently – Enjoy it over rice, pasta, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
No matter how you customize it, this garlic butter shrimp and vegetables recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen!
PrintGarlic Butter Shrimp And Vegetables Recipe
This garlic butter shrimp and vegetables recipe is a quick, flavorful meal made with succulent shrimp, fresh vegetables, and a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add zucchini, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 5-7 minutes until tender.
- Return shrimp to the pan, add lemon juice and red pepper flakes, and toss everything together.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Serve over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Use any vegetables of your choice, such as asparagus or broccoli.
- Adjust spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
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