Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli

A delicious and easy Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli recipe that’s ready in under 30 minutes, packed with flavor.

Yields: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs (680g) Large Shrimp: Peeled, deveined, tails on or off (your preference). Pat dry.
  • 1 large head Broccoli: Cut into florets (about 4-5 cups).
  • 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter: Divided.
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil: Or avocado oil.
  • 4-5 cloves Garlic: Minced.
  • 1/4 cup Chicken Broth: Or vegetable broth (low-sodium preferred).
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed.
  • 1/2 tsp Lemon Zest: (Optional, but brightens flavor).
  • 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes: (Optional, for heat).
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley: Chopped (plus extra for garnish).
  • Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.

Instructions

  1. Prep & Steam Broccoli:
    • Place broccoli florets in a microwave-safe bowl with 2 tablespoons of water. Cover loosely (a plate works) and microwave on high for 3-4 minutes, until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain thoroughly. Alternatively, steam on the stovetop for 5-6 minutes.
  2. Sauté Shrimp:
    • Heat a large skillet (like cast iron or stainless steel) over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter.
    • Add the shrimp in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Season lightly with salt and pepper.
    • Cook for 1.5 – 2 minutes per side, just until pink and opaque. Don’t overcook! Remove shrimp to a clean plate and set aside.
  3. Make Garlic Butter Sauce:
    • Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet.
    • Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant – don’t let it burn!
    • Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan (this adds flavor!). Let simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly reduced.
  4. Combine & Finish:
    • Add the steamed and drained broccoli florets to the skillet. Toss well to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the broccoli to absorb the flavors.
    • Return the cooked shrimp (and any accumulated juices) to the skillet. Add the lemon zest (if using) and chopped parsley.
    • Gently toss everything together until heated through (about 1 minute). Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  5. Serve:
    • Divide immediately among plates.
    • Garnish with extra fresh parsley and a lemon wedge if desired.
    • Spoon any remaining delicious garlic butter sauce from the pan over the top.

Keto Serving Suggestions

  • Cauliflower Rice: The classic pairing! Soaks up the amazing sauce.
  • Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): Sautéed briefly or served raw for a fresh crunch.
  • Shirataki Noodles: Rinse well and pan-fry dry before adding.
  • Simple Side Salad: With a high-fat dressing like ranch or olive oil & vinegar.

Key Keto Tips & Notes

  • Shrimp: Use fresh or frozen (thawed & patted very dry) large shrimp. Avoid pre-cooked shrimp as it can get rubbery.
  • Broccoli Amount: Stick to the recipe amount. While keto-friendly, broccoli does have carbs (~3-4g net per cup cooked). Florets have fewer carbs than stems.
  • Butter Quality: Use good quality real butter for the best flavor. Ghee also works well.
  • Don’t Overcook Shrimp: This is crucial! Shrimp cooks very quickly and becomes tough if overdone. Remove them as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
  • Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent shrimp from overcooking. Sauce may solidify when cold but will melt again when reheated.
  • Net Carbs: Calculation is approximate and depends on exact ingredients/brands. Broccoli is the main carb source here.

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