Quick & Easy Keto Shrimp and Broccoli Recipe That Will Blow Your Taste Buds Away!

For those seeking a healthy, delicious, and quick meal, look no further than keto shrimp and broccoli. This dish combines the succulent taste of shrimp with the nutritional benefits of broccoli, all while adhering to a low-carb, ketogenic diet. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's perfect for busy weeknights. The recipe is versatile, allowing for ingredient substitutions based on preference and availability.

Why This Recipe Works

This shrimp and broccoli recipe is a winner for several reasons:

Speed and Simplicity: It's ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep and cooking time, making it a family favorite for busy days.
One-Pan Meal: Cooked in one large skillet or wok, it ensures easy cleanup, saving time and effort.
Healthy and Diet-Friendly: Naturally gluten-free and low-carb, with approximately 6 net carbs per serving, it suits multiple diet types and can easily be made dairy-free.

Ingredients

Here's a breakdown of the key ingredients:

Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are preferable as they release less moisture, but frozen broccoli can also be used. Pre-cut broccoli can save time. Other non-starchy vegetables like cauliflower, zucchini, snow peas, or cabbage can be substituted.
Shrimp: Medium, large, or jumbo raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, can be used. Tails can be left on or removed, depending on preference.
Fat: Butter or olive oil (or avocado oil) can be used.
Aromatics: Shallots and garlic are key flavor components. Onions can be substituted for shallots.
Seasonings: A combination of salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and cayenne pepper adds depth and complexity to the dish.
Lemon: Both lemon juice and zest contribute brightness and acidity, complementing the seafood.
Liquid: White wine or broth (seafood or chicken) can be used to create a flavorful sauce. Shrimp shell stock can be made to enhance the flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's how to make this delectable dish:

Prep: Mince garlic and dice shallots. Zest and juice the lemon. Measure out all seasonings, salt, pepper, oil, butter, and wine or broth.
Season Shrimp: In a bowl, season the shrimp with salt, pepper, cayenne, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and lemon zest. Reserve some seasoning for later.
Sear Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter, then add the shrimp in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for about one minute per side (for jumbo shrimp) or until the internal temperature reaches 120°F. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Do not clean the pan.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add the remaining butter with the shallots and a pinch of salt. Cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes, then add in the garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Create Sauce: Pour in the broth or wine, along with the lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer to reduce the alcohol and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Cook Broccoli: Add the broccoli along with salt and remaining dry seasonings. Toss to coat with the buttery garlic shallot and lemon sauce, and cover to steam over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until the broccoli has softened.
Combine: Add the shrimp back to the skillet, toss again, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm the shrimp back up.
Serve: Adjust seasonings to taste, then garnish with optional parmesan cheese, parsley, and lemon wedges.

Tips and Variations

Shrimp Size: Use whatever size shrimp you prefer.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper to your liking.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli works best and releases the least amount of moisture.
Pre-cooked Shrimp: While not recommended, pre-cooked shrimp can be used. Add it to the skillet after the broccoli is cooked, cover, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Season the sauce and broccoli more heavily.
Vegetable Additions: Consider adding bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, cabbage, snap peas, or cauliflower.
Noodle Options: Serve with Miracle Noodles, zucchini noodles, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal. You can also serve with white rice, pasta, or a fresh side salad.
Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with olive oil or avocado oil.

Serving and Storage

Serve immediately and enjoy! This dish is best enjoyed on the day it's made, but it's also good for meal prep. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

Reheating Instructions:

Oven: Place in a 350°F oven for roughly 5-10 minutes to warm through.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat.
Microwave: Reduce the power to half power and heat in short increments of 15-20 seconds. The microwave will make your shrimp tough quickly, so keep a close eye on it.

Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto

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