Garlic Butter Shrimp and Vegetables Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Vegetables is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the savory goodness of shrimp with the freshness of sautéed vegetables in a rich, buttery garlic sauce. This meal is the perfect balance of light and hearty, offering tender shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a mouthwatering garlic butter sauce that ties everything together. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or preparing a dish for a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress.

The dish comes together in just under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a fast yet satisfying meal. The garlic butter sauce is the star of the show, infusing the shrimp and vegetables with a rich flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you serve it over rice, pasta, or as a standalone dish, Garlic Butter Shrimp and Vegetables is versatile enough to suit any palate and occasion.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Shrimp and Vegetables

• Rich, Flavorful Sauce: The garlic butter sauce is everything in this dish—it’s rich, savory, and perfectly complements the shrimp and vegetables, creating an unforgettable flavor profile.
• Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cooking time of 15 minutes, this meal is a breeze to prepare. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.
• Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: The shrimp are perfectly sautéed to tender, juicy perfection. They absorb all the flavors from the garlic butter sauce, making each bite flavorful and satisfying.
• Colorful and Healthy Vegetables: The dish incorporates a variety of colorful vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, providing not only flavor but also nutrients, making it a well-rounded and healthy meal.
• Versatile Meal: This recipe can be served in multiple ways—on top of rice, with pasta, or even as a stand-alone low-carb dish. You can also swap out the vegetables for whatever you have on hand, making this dish incredibly versatile.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 300-350 calories per serving, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 300-350 kcal
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 10-12g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5-7g

Ingredients

For the Garlic Butter Shrimp and Vegetables:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
• Rice or pasta, for serving (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp and Vegetables

Start by preparing the shrimp. If they are not already peeled and deveined, peel the shrimp, remove the tails, and rinse them under cold water. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which will help them sear better when cooking.

Next, prepare the vegetables. Slice the zucchini into thin rounds or half-moons. Cut the bell peppers into thin strips, and halve the cherry tomatoes. You want the vegetables to be evenly sized so they cook evenly.

Set the shrimp and vegetables aside while you start cooking the garlic butter sauce.

2. Cook the Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender but still slightly crisp. You want the vegetables to retain some of their texture and not become mushy.

Once the vegetables are cooked to your liking, transfer them to a plate and set aside. This will allow you to use the same skillet for cooking the shrimp and infusing the garlic butter flavor into everything.

3. Cook the Shrimp

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Heat over medium-high heat until the butter has melted.

Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the shrimp in a single layer. Let them cook for 1-2 minutes on one side without moving them, allowing them to get a nice sear. Flip the shrimp over and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until they turn opaque and pink. The shrimp should be tender and juicy, so be sure not to overcook them.

While the shrimp is cooking, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter if overcooked.

4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Once the shrimp are cooked, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Allow the butter to melt, creating a rich garlic butter sauce. Add the dried oregano, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet, stirring to combine. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.

At this point, return the cooked vegetables to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat the shrimp and vegetables in the garlic butter sauce. Stir well so that the shrimp and vegetables are evenly coated in the sauce and heated through.

5. Serve and Garnish

Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and vegetables for a burst of brightness and added flavor. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve the Garlic Butter Shrimp and Vegetables over a bed of cooked rice, pasta, or enjoy it as-is for a low-carb meal. The rich garlic butter sauce will coat the rice or pasta, making every bite delicious.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp and Vegetables

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: The key to perfectly cooked shrimp is not to overcook them. Shrimp cook quickly, so as soon as they turn pink and opaque, they’re done. Overcooking them will result in tough, rubbery shrimp.
• Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Broccoli, asparagus, or snap peas would also work well in this dish. Just be sure to cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic provides the best flavor. Avoid using pre-minced garlic from a jar, as it doesn’t have the same depth of flavor as freshly minced garlic.
• Make it Spicy: If you love heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce for an extra kick.
• Use Unsalted Butter: Since you’re adding salt to the dish, it’s best to use unsalted butter to control the overall saltiness. This way, you can season to your taste.
• Searing the Shrimp: For a beautiful sear on the shrimp, make sure the skillet is hot before adding the shrimp. Let them cook undisturbed for 1-2 minutes on each side to develop that golden crust.

Variations of Garlic Butter Shrimp and Vegetables

• Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp and Vegetables: Add extra lemon zest and juice to the garlic butter sauce for a more citrus-forward flavor. This will brighten up the dish and add a fresh, tangy note that pairs beautifully with the shrimp and vegetables.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Vegetables: If you prefer a creamy sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the garlic butter sauce after cooking the shrimp. Stir until the sauce thickens, creating a rich, creamy coating for the shrimp and vegetables.
• Garlic Butter Shrimp and Veggie Skewers: For a fun, grilled version of this dish, thread the shrimp and vegetables onto skewers and brush them with garlic butter before grilling. This version adds a smoky flavor and is perfect for a summer barbecue.
• Garlic Butter Shrimp and Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb alternative, serve the garlic butter shrimp and vegetables over cauliflower rice. It’s a great way to enjoy the dish while keeping it light and healthy.
• Asian-Inspired Garlic Butter Shrimp and Vegetables: Swap the smoked paprika and oregano for soy sauce, sesame oil, and a splash of rice vinegar. This creates a slightly different flavor profile, giving the dish an Asian-inspired twist.

Storage and Shelf Life

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Vegetables is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers for later. Let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

When reheating, be sure to do so gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp. You can reheat it in a skillet over low heat, or microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally.

For longer storage, you can freeze the dish. Arrange the shrimp and vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen Garlic Butter Shrimp and Vegetables can last for up to 2 months. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight or reheat it directly from frozen in a skillet.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Garlic Butter Shrimp and Vegetables

Pair this flavorful dish with complementary sides to complete your meal:

• Steamed Rice: Rice is a classic pairing for this dish, as it absorbs the rich garlic butter sauce. Both white and brown rice work well.
• Pasta: Serve the garlic butter shrimp and vegetables over a bed of pasta for a satisfying meal. Linguine or spaghetti would be ideal for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
• Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread makes a great addition, allowing you to dip into the delicious garlic butter sauce.
• Simple Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, arugula, or spinach and a lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the shrimp and vegetables.
• Roasted Potatoes: If you’re craving something heartier, roasted potatoes make a great side dish. The crispy potatoes will complement the tender shrimp and vegetables perfectly.

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Conclusion

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Vegetables is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that combines juicy shrimp, colorful vegetables, and a rich garlic butter sauce. With its vibrant flavors and quick prep time, it’s the perfect meal for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special celebrations. Whether you serve it with rice, pasta, or enjoy it on its own, this dish is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the delicious combination of shrimp, vegetables, and garlic butter—your taste buds will thank you!