Introduction
If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that’s both satisfying and packed with flavor, then look no further than this Quick Skillet Garlic Butter Shrimp with Veggies recipe! Perfect for those busy weeknights or when you want to impress unexpected guests, this dish brings together succulent shrimp, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, buttery garlic sauce, all cooked in one skillet.
This recipe is not only easy to make but also versatile. You can customize it with your favorite seasonal vegetables or even serve it over a bed of rice, quinoa, or zucchini noodles for a complete meal. With minimal prep time and a cook time of just 10-15 minutes, you can go from kitchen to table in no time. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. So, let’s dive into some shrimp-tastic goodness!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, cleaned and deveined
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (any color)
- 1 cup zucchini, cut into slices
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half
- 1 teaspoon Italian herb mix
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice from 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
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- In a sizable skillet, heat the butter over medium heat until melted.
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- Add the finely chopped garlic to the skillet and sauté for around 1 minute, until it becomes aromatic.
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- Introduce the shrimp into the skillet, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian herb mix. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp becomes pink and opaque.
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- Incorporate the diced bell peppers, zucchini, and halved cherry tomatoes into the skillet. Mix everything and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but retain a bit of crunch.
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- Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the shrimp and vegetables, stirring well to meld all the flavors together.
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- Take off the heat and sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color.
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- Serve immediately, and relish your delicious meal!
- Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 20 min | Servings: 4
Key Ingredients
- Shrimp: 1 pound of large, peeled, and deveined shrimp (fresh or frozen)
- Butter: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter for that rich, flavorful base
- Garlic: 4 cloves minced garlic for aromatic depth
- Bell Peppers: 1 cup, diced (use a mix of colors for a vibrant dish)
- Zucchini: 1 medium zucchini, sliced or diced for added texture
- Spinach: 2 cups fresh spinach or kale for a nutrient boost
- Lemon Juice: Juice of 1 lemon to brighten the flavors
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon for sautéing the veggies
- Salt and Pepper: To taste for seasoning
- Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, for a hint of spice if desired
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish and added freshness
Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or substitute the shrimp with your preferred protein!
Baking Process
While “Quick Skillet Garlic Butter Shrimp with Veggies” is primarily a stovetop recipe, enhancing the dish with a baking step can add depth to the flavors and give your shrimp a delightful finish.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your dish will cook evenly and that the shrimp will develop a nice crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp and Veggies
Follow the skillet cooking steps initially for your garlic butter shrimp and vegetables. Sauté the shrimp in a skillet with garlic and butter until they are just pink and almost cooked through. This quick cooking should take about 2-3 minutes per side, depending on the size of the shrimp.
When the shrimp is nearly done, add your choice of vegetables (like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes) to the skillet. Sauté for another 2 minutes until the veggies are slightly tender but still vibrant.
Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish
Once your shrimp and veggies are almost finished cooking in the skillet, transfer the entire mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread the shrimp and vegetables evenly in the dish.
Step 4: Add Cheese or Breadcrumb Topping (Optional)
If you’re feeling indulgent, sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese (such as mozzarella or parmesan) or fresh breadcrumbs mixed with herbs on top of the shrimp and veggies. This will create a delicious, crispy topping that adds texture to your dish.
Step 5: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until the shrimp are thoroughly cooked and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Keep an eye on it to ensure nothing overcooks.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a minute. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor. Serve hot, either as a standalone dish or over a bed of rice or pasta to soak up any remaining garlic butter sauce.
Final Note
While additional baking will enhance this dish, remember that it’s perfectly delicious as a quick skillet meal. Enjoy your culinary creation!
Serving Suggestions
This Quick Skillet Garlic Butter Shrimp with Veggies is a versatile and delicious dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal:
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Over Rice or Quinoa: Spoon the shrimp and veggies over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice or a hearty quinoa base. This will soak up the wonderful garlic butter sauce and add a satisfying element to the meal.
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With Pasta: Toss the garlic butter shrimp with your favorite pasta. Linguine or spaghetti pairs nicely, and the addition of a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can bring the dish to another level.
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In Tacos: Make shrimp tacos by using warm corn or flour tortillas. Top with fresh avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a fresh and vibrant meal.
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With Crusty Bread: Serve the dish with crusty bread or garlic bread on the side to scoop up the savory garlic butter sauce. This is perfect for soaking up every last bit!
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Over a Salad: For a lighter option, serve the shrimp and veggies over a fresh green salad with a squeeze of lemon or a light vinaigrette. The dish adds protein and flavor, making your salad heartier.
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As an Appetizer: Prepare smaller portions and serve them as an appetizer at your next gathering. Skewering the shrimp can also make for a fun presentation!
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With a Side of Asparagus or Green Beans: Complement the shrimp and veggies with a side of sautéed asparagus or green beans for an additional burst of color and nutrition.
Feel free to get creative with your presentation and mix and match these suggestions to suit your taste and occasion! Enjoy!
Conclusion
In just a matter of minutes, you can whip up this Quick Skillet Garlic Butter Shrimp with Veggies for a delicious and satisfying meal. The combination of succulent shrimp and vibrant vegetables, all coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, creates a dish that’s not only bursting with flavor but also beautiful to serve. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a leisurely weekend dinner, this recipe is versatile and can be easily adapted to feature your favorite vegetables or seasonings.
Best of all, it’s a one-pan wonder, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your culinary masterpiece. Pair it with a side of rice, crusty bread, or a fresh salad to complete your meal. So next time you’re in need of a quick yet impressive dish, remember this garlic butter shrimp recipe—it’s sure to become a new staple in your kitchen! Happy cooking!
