Garlic Butter Shrimp And Vegetables Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the irresistible aroma of garlic butter shrimp and vegetables sizzling in a hot pan. The combination of tender shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a rich, garlicky butter sauce makes this dish a weeknight favorite in my home. It’s one of those meals that feels indulgent but is actually incredibly simple to throw together.

this Recipe

I first made this dish on a night when I needed something quick but satisfying. With just a handful of ingredients and less than 30 minutes, dinner was on the table—no complicated steps, no fancy techniques, just pure deliciousness. Whether you’re looking for a light meal, a flavorful side, or an easy protein-packed dinner, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp And Vegetables

Get ready to fall in love with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and comes together in no time. This garlic butter shrimp and vegetables recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something nutritious but don’t have the energy for a complicated meal.

First, it’s incredibly quick and easy. From start to finish, you’ll have this dish ready in under 30 minutes. Shrimp cooks in just minutes, and the veggies retain their crispness with a quick sauté, making this a true time-saver.

It’s also packed with flavor. The combination of garlic and butter creates a rich, savory sauce that perfectly coats the shrimp and vegetables. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens up every bite.

This recipe is versatile and customizable. Use whatever vegetables you have on hand—bell peppers, zucchini, asparagus, or even mushrooms work beautifully. You can also swap shrimp for chicken or tofu if you prefer.

Not to mention, it’s healthy and light. Shrimp is a lean protein, and the dish is naturally low in carbs while being loaded with fiber-rich vegetables. If you’re watching your carb intake, serve it as is, or pair it with cauliflower rice.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or whipping up a quick dinner after a long day, this dish checks all the boxes for convenience, flavor, and nutrition.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this garlic butter shrimp and vegetables recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients. Each component enhances the dish with its own unique texture and flavor, creating a meal that feels both light and satisfying.

The shrimp is the star of this dish. I recommend using large or jumbo shrimp, as they stay plump and juicy after cooking. Be sure to buy them peeled and deveined to save time. If you’re using frozen shrimp, thaw them first by running them under cold water for a few minutes.

A generous amount of fresh garlic is what makes this dish truly shine. Minced garlic infuses the butter with deep, savory flavor, creating a rich sauce that coats the shrimp and veggies beautifully. If you love garlic, don’t be afraid to add an extra clove or two!

The vegetables add color, crunch, and nutrition. I love using a mix of bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, but feel free to use what you have in your fridge. Just be sure to cut them into evenly sized pieces for even cooking.

Butter and olive oil work together to create a flavorful base. The butter adds richness, while the olive oil helps prevent the butter from burning. Together, they create the perfect sauce for the shrimp and vegetables to soak up.

A final squeeze of fresh lemon juice ties everything together. The acidity cuts through the richness of the butter and brings a bright, refreshing contrast to the dish. For an extra kick, you can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.

You won’t need any fancy equipment for this recipe—just a large skillet or wok and a wooden spoon to toss everything together as it cooks.

How To Make This Garlic Butter Shrimp And Vegetables

This dish comes together in just a few easy steps, making it perfect for a stress-free meal. The key is to cook everything quickly over medium-high heat to keep the shrimp juicy and the vegetables crisp.

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil, and once it’s shimmering, toss in the shrimp. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the pan and set them aside so they don’t overcook.

In the same pan, add a little more olive oil along with the sliced bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Stir-fry the vegetables for 3-4 minutes until they’re just tender but still have a bit of crunch. You want them to keep their texture and vibrant color.

Next, lower the heat and add the butter to the pan. As it melts, toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter quickly.

Return the shrimp to the pan, tossing everything together to coat it in the garlic butter sauce. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Let it all cook for another minute, just to warm the shrimp back up.

In less than 20 minutes, you’ll have a beautifully vibrant dish ready to serve. Whether you enjoy it on its own, over rice, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce, it’s sure to be a hit.

Storage Options

This garlic butter shrimp and vegetables dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, they store well for a quick and easy meal the next day.

For refrigeration, store the shrimp and vegetables in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat rather than a microwave to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery. A splash of water or a little extra butter can help revive the sauce.

If you’d like to freeze leftovers, it’s best to freeze the shrimp separately from the vegetables to maintain texture. Shrimp can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months, while the veggies may become a bit soft after thawing.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your preferences or whatever you have on hand.

For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce. A splash of sriracha or hot sauce also works beautifully if you like extra heat.

To make it dairy-free, swap the butter for additional olive oil or use a plant-based butter alternative. The dish will still have plenty of flavor without the dairy.

If you’re low-carb or keto, keep it simple and serve it as is, or pair it with cauliflower rice. You can also add extra vegetables like mushrooms or asparagus for more volume.

For a heartier meal, serve this dish over cooked pasta, quinoa, or rice. The garlic butter sauce pairs wonderfully with grains and helps soak up all the delicious flavors.

Want to switch up the protein? Chicken, scallops, or tofu make great alternatives to shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they cook through properly.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with this recipe! It’s a great base that can be customized in so many ways to fit your taste and dietary needs.

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