1-First Step: Prep the ingredients

Rinse the broccoli and cut it into small, even florets. Peel and devein the shrimp if needed, then pat them dry with paper towels. Dry shrimp brown better and do not water down the skillet.

If you want to save time, use shrimp that is already peeled and deveined. You can also blanch the broccoli for 2 minutes in boiling water, then move it to ice water. That helps the broccoli cook even faster later.

2-Second Step: Sauté the broccoli

Place a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter. Once the butter melts, add the broccoli florets and season with a little salt and pepper.

Sauté the broccoli for 4 to 6 minutes until it turns crisp-tender. Stir often so it cooks evenly. You want the broccoli bright green with a little bite left in the center. Remove it from the pan and set it aside on a plate.

3-Third Step: Cook the shrimp

In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Once melted, add the shrimp in a single layer. Season the shrimp with salt and fresh cracked pepper. Let them cook for 1 to 2 minutes on the first side.

Then add the minced garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, and onion powder. Stir to coat the shrimp well, then flip them to the other side. Cook for about 1 minute more. The shrimp should start turning pink and opaque.

4-Fourth Step: Build the sauce

Add 1/4 cup vegetable stock and 1 tablespoon Sriracha or any hot sauce to the skillet. Stir gently and let the sauce reduce for about 1 minute. This quick simmer helps the sauce cling to the shrimp and broccoli instead of sitting thin in the pan.

If you like more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes now. For a milder dish, keep the spice light and let the garlic and lemon do most of the work.

5-Fifth Step: Add the broccoli back in

Push the shrimp to one side of the skillet and return the broccoli florets to the pan. Stir everything together so the broccoli gets coated in the sauce. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the top and let the whole dish reheat for 1 to 2 minutes.

This is the step where the dish really comes together. The lemon cuts the butter, the garlic gives depth, and the broccoli picks up all the flavor from the pan.

6-Final Step: Finish and serve

Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro, and add lemon slices if you like. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper also looks great and adds a little more kick.

Serve immediately while the shrimp are juicy and the broccoli still has texture. This healthy garlic butter shrimp and broccoli works well on its own, but it also pairs nicely with rice, cauliflower rice, or crusty bread if you want to stretch the meal.