There's a unique joy that comes from whipping up a meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome in a matter of minutes. Picture this: the tantalizing aroma of garlic sizzling in butter fills the kitchen, inviting everyone nearby to gather around. This Garlic Butter Shrimp Sausage and Broccoli recipe hits all the right notes—it's quick, family-friendly, and incredibly versatile, making it a perfect fit for any weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering.
When life gets busy, finding a satisfying meal that won't leave you chained to the stove is essential. With plump shrimp, flavorful sausage, and vibrant broccoli, each bite bursts with savory goodness. Whether you're adhering to a low-carb lifestyle or simply looking for a fresh take on a classic, this dish easily adapts to meet your taste. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that promises to elevate your dinners without demanding too much of your time!
Why love this Low Carb Shrimp And Broccoli Recipe?
Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor Explosion: The garlic butter sauce elevates the shrimp and sausage, creating a dish bursting with savory notes.
Healthy Twist: Packed with lean protein and vibrant broccoli, it's a guilt-free indulgence that keeps you satisfied.
Family-Friendly: Everyone will love the tasty combination, and it’s easily adaptable for picky eaters.
Versatile Ingredients: Swap the sausage for chicken or tofu to cater to your dietary preferences—this dish is your canvas!
Low Carb Shrimp And Broccoli Ingredients
• Get ready to elevate your dinner!
For the Shrimp & Sausage
- Shrimp: 1 lb (450g) peeled and deveined – Provides a wonderful seafood flavor and protein-rich boost.
- Sausage: 8 oz (225g) sliced – Adds a savory depth; feel free to choose Italian or smoked varieties for extra flavor.
For the Broccoli
- Broccoli: 2 cups florets – Introduces vibrant color and crunch; cut into uniform pieces for even cooking.
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
- Unsalted Butter: 3 tbsp – Creates the luscious garlic butter sauce, so melt gently to avoid burning.
- Garlic: 4 cloves minced – Infuses the dish with aromatic goodness and essential flavor.
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp – Perfect for sautéing, boosting flavor without overpowering.
For Seasoning
- Salt and Pepper: To taste – Essential for bringing out the natural flavors in this low carb shrimp and broccoli recipe.
For Garnish
- Optional Garnish: Fresh parsley and lemon wedges – Adds a touch of brightness and visual appeal to your dish.
How to Make Low Carb Shrimp And Broccoli
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Prep Ingredients: Start by peeling the shrimp, slicing the sausage, and cutting your broccoli into small florets. This ensures even cooking and saves time during the cooking process.
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Cook Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the sliced sausage for about 5-7 minutes until it turns golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
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Cook Broccoli: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the broccoli florets. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until they are tender-crisp, and season with salt and pepper. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
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Cook Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side. Look for that beautiful pink and opaque color to indicate they’re perfectly cooked. Set the shrimp aside once done.
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Make Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add in the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it's fragrant and begins to turn golden.
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Combine All: Return the sausage, broccoli, and shrimp back to the skillet. Pour the aromatic garlic butter sauce over everything, and gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.
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Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges if you'd like, then serve it up hot and enjoy the delightful flavors of your low carb shrimp and broccoli dish!
Optional: Serve with a squeeze of lemon for an extra zing.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Garlic Butter Shrimp Sausage and Broccoli are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can chop the broccoli, slice the sausage, and even peel the shrimp up to 24 hours in advance to streamline your cooking process. Store the prepped ingredients in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. When you're ready to cook, simply sauté the sausage and broccoli, then add the shrimp and garlic butter sauce as described in the final steps. This ensures that your meal retains its delicious flavors and textures while saving you valuable time during hectic weeknights! Enjoy delightful, homemade results with minimal effort!
Low Carb Shrimp And Broccoli Variations
Feel free to sprinkle your creativity onto this delightful dish, transforming it to suit your taste buds!
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free garlic flavor, preserving all the richness without the creaminess.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce during cooking to spice things up and enhance the heat levels!
- Zesty Upgrade: Incorporate lemon zest into the garlic butter sauce for a bright, citrusy enhancement that elevates the flavor profile beautifully.
- Veggie Boost: Toss in additional vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for more nutrition and vibrant color, making each bite a feast for the senses.
- Pasta Alternative: Serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb pasta twist, keeping the meal fresh and light.
- Nutty Touch: Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for extra crunch and a nutty richness that pairs well with the garlic butter sauce.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like basil or thyme towards the end of cooking for an aromatic layer that elevates the dish’s essence.
- Protein Variation: Swap shrimp for scallops or firm tofu to explore new textures while keeping the flavor anchored in delicious garlic buttery goodness.
How to Store and Freeze Low Carb Shrimp And Broccoli
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. This ensures your low carb shrimp and broccoli remains flavorful and safe to eat.
Freezer: You can freeze the dish for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring often to avoid overcooking the shrimp and broccoli.
Room Temperature: Enjoy your low carb shrimp and broccoli fresh, but if left at room temperature, consume within 2 hours to ensure food safety.
Expert Tips for Low Carb Shrimp And Broccoli
- Perfect Shrimp: Cook shrimp just until pink and opaque; overcooking can lead to toughness. A quick sauté is key for tenderness.
- Vibrant Broccoli: Avoid overcooking broccoli to keep its bright green color and crunchy texture. Aim for a tender-crisp finish.
- Sausage Selection: Choose high-quality sausage for enhanced flavor. Italian or smoked options amplify the dish's savory notes beautifully.
- Ingredient Prep: Cut ingredients into uniform sizes for even cooking, making it simple to achieve the perfect tenderness in your low carb shrimp and broccoli recipe.
- Garnish Wisely: Fresh parsley and lemon wedges brighten the dish, enhancing both nutrition and presentation for an enjoyable dining experience.
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Shrimp Sausage and Broccoli?
Elevate your dining experience with delightful sides that perfectly complement this savory star of the meal.
- Creamy Risotto: This rich and creamy dish adds a luxurious touch, balancing the dish's garlic butter flavors beautifully.
- Crispy Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up those luscious garlic butter juices, it’s a family-friendly favorite that makes mealtime special.
- Zesty Quinoa Salad: A vibrant, fresh salad packed with herbs and citrus will brighten the plate and add a nutritious crunch.
- Roasted Baby Potatoes: Crispy-skinned and seasoned, these golden bites offer a comforting contrast to the tender shrimp and sausage.
- Grilled Asparagus: Adding a pop of green, this slightly charred vegetable enhances the overall freshness of your meal.
- Chilled White Wine: A crisp, cold glass elevates the dish, with its acidity balancing the richness of the butter sauce.
- Lemon Sorbet: For dessert, a light and refreshing sorbet cleanses the palate, leaving a lingering zesty flavor after the rich meal.
- Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative, this can soak up the garlic butter while keeping it healthy and light.
- Mixed Green Salad: A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette brings a refreshing contrast and adds a healthy touch.
Low Carb Shrimp And Broccoli Recipe FAQs
How do I choose fresh shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! When selecting shrimp, look for those that are firm, have a mild ocean scent, and are translucent rather than dull or chalky. If you notice any dark spots, it’s best to avoid them as they indicate spoilage. Ideally, buy shrimp that’s been previously frozen if it's not served fresh to ensure the best flavor and texture.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Gently place leftover low carb shrimp and broccoli in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. This ensures that the flavors stay intact and the shrimp remains tender. Whenever I have leftovers, I like to enjoy them the next day; they’ve always been a hit!
Can I freeze my shrimp and broccoli dish?
Yes, you can! Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge. For reheating, gently warm it up in a skillet over low heat or microwave it in short intervals while stirring often.
What should I do if my shrimp turns out tough?
Very! If your shrimp comes out tough, it likely means they were cooked too long. To avoid this in future recipes, aim to cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, which typically takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Remember, shrimp cooks quickly, so keeping an eye on it is essential!
Is this dish pet-friendly?
While shrimp is safe for dogs in moderation, this low carb shrimp and broccoli recipe contains garlic, which can be toxic to pets. If you're considering sharing your meal with furry friends, it's always best to serve them a plain piece of fit shrimp without any seasonings first.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! To make a dairy-free version of this low carb shrimp and broccoli recipe, simply replace the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter or olive oil. This ensures you still get that delicious richness without sacrificing flavor or your dietary preferences.
Easy Low Carb Shrimp And Broccoli Recipe – A Delightful Dish
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by peeling the shrimp, slicing the sausage, and cutting your broccoli into small florets.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the sliced sausage for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy, then remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the broccoli florets. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until tender-crisp, then remove.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
- Return sausage, broccoli, and shrimp to the skillet, pour garlic butter sauce over everything, and toss to coat.
- Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges if desired, then serve hot.
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