Garlic Butter Shrimp And Vegetables Recipe

The Zesty Garlic Butter Shrimp and Vegetables Recipe You’ll Love

My kitchen always comes alive when I whip up a quick garlic butter shrimp and vegetables dish that feels like a culinary adventure.

Aromatic herbs dance around succulent seafood, creating magic in just minutes.

A single skillet becomes your gateway to an incredible meal packed with flavor and nutrition.

Butter melts into golden pools, coating each shrimp with rich, savory goodness.

Crisp vegetables add vibrant colors and textures that make every bite exciting.

Minimal ingredients and simple techniques guarantee a restaurant-quality experience right at home.

Garlic Butter Shrimp And Vegetables: Healthy, Flavorful, And Fast

  • Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner: Whip up this delicious garlic butter shrimp and vegetables in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Nutrition-Packed One-Pan Wonder: Combines protein-rich shrimp with colorful vegetables, delivering a balanced and nutritious meal that packs flavor and health benefits in a single skillet.
  • Versatile Flavor Explosion: Elevate your dinner with a zesty blend of garlic, lemon, and red pepper flakes that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish anyone can make at home.
  • Minimal Cleanup Champion: Uses just one skillet for the entire cooking process, reducing washing time and making this recipe a dream for those who hate doing dishes after cooking.

Garlic Butter Shrimp & Veggie Ingredient Mix

Protein:
  • Shrimp: Sweet and tender seafood that forms the main protein of the dish, best when fresh and cleaned thoroughly.
Cooking Fats:
  • Butter, Olive Oil: Rich base for sautéing that adds depth of flavor and prevents sticking, use unsalted butter for better control of saltiness.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Garlic Cloves: Provides intense, sharp flavor that complements the shrimp, fresh garlic gives the best taste.
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Red Pepper Flakes: Classic seasoning blend that adds warmth, heat, and complexity to the dish, adjust to personal spice preference.
Vegetables:
  • Zucchini, Bell Pepper, Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh vegetables that add color, nutrition, and texture to the dish, choose ripe and firm produce for best results.
Finishing Touches:
  • Lemon Juice, Parsley: Bright, fresh elements that enhance the overall flavor profile, use fresh lemon and finely chopped parsley for maximum impact.

Garlic Butter Shrimp And Vegetables How-To

Step 1: Prepare Cooking Surface

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add olive oil and a generous pat of butter, allowing them to meld and create a golden cooking base.

Step 2: Cook Succulent Shrimp

Drop shrimp into the hot skillet and season with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Paprika

Sear shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful pink color.

Transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate.

Step 3: Create Aromatic Garlic Base

In the same skillet, melt remaining butter and add minced garlic.

Stir quickly for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes wonderfully fragrant and releases its intense flavor.

Step 4: Roast Vibrant Vegetables

Add fresh vegetables to the skillet:
  • Sliced zucchini
  • Chopped bell peppers
  • Halved cherry tomatoes

Sauté vegetables for 3-4 minutes until they become tender and slightly caramelized.

Step 5: Combine and Season

Return shrimp to the skillet.

Splash fresh lemon juice and sprinkle red pepper flakes.

Gently toss everything together, ensuring each ingredient is coated with the delicious garlic butter sauce.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Serve immediately while the dish is hot and bursting with flavor.

Garlic Shrimp and Vegetables With Stir-Fry Balance Tips

  • Cook shrimp just until pink to prevent rubbery texture, ensuring they remain tender and juicy.
  • Use the same skillet for shrimp and vegetables to capture and build delicious caramelized bits from previous cooking stages.
  • Chop vegetables uniformly and cook briefly to maintain a slight crunch, preserving nutrients and textural contrast.
  • Swap butter with olive oil for a dairy-free version or use gluten-free spices for those with specific dietary restrictions.
  • Add red pepper flakes and lemon juice gradually, tasting as you go to customize heat and brightness without overwhelming the delicate shrimp flavor.

Keep Garlic Shrimp Veggies Ready For Leftovers

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Separate shrimp and vegetables to maintain their texture.
  • Gently warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of olive oil. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
  • Skip microwaving to prevent rubbery shrimp and mushy vegetables. Skillet reheating preserves the original flavors and textures.
  • If the dish seems dry when reheating, add a small amount of butter or lemon juice to refresh the taste and moisture.

Great Go-Alongs with Garlic Butter Shrimp And Vegetables

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio that complements the garlic butter's richness and cuts through the shrimp's delicate flavor.
  • Serve with Crusty Bread: Choose a rustic sourdough or french baguette to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce, enhancing every bite with extra texture and flavor.
  • Match with Fresh Mediterranean Salad: Create a light side salad with mixed greens, cucumber, feta cheese, and a simple lemon vinaigrette to balance the warm, buttery shrimp dish.
  • Complement with Herbed Quinoa: Prepare a light quinoa side with fresh herbs like parsley and dill, providing a protein-packed and nutritious accompaniment that doesn't overpower the shrimp's delicate taste.

Garlic Butter Shrimp with Veggie Combos

  • Low-Carb Veggie Option: Replace shrimp with tofu or chicken, using cauliflower rice instead of traditional side dishes to reduce carbohydrate intake.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all spices are certified gluten-free and swap regular butter for clarified butter (ghee) to accommodate gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Mediterranean Style: Add kalamata olives, swap red pepper flakes for oregano, and include crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version of the dish.
  • Spicy Seafood Version: Use extra red pepper flakes, incorporate sriracha sauce, and add jalapeño slices for those who enjoy intense heat and bold flavors.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure crispy, golden edges and prevent excess moisture.

  • What if I don't have fresh garlic?

You can substitute with 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, though fresh garlic provides the best flavor and aroma.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your spices and seasonings are certified gluten-free if you have sensitivities.

  • How can I make this dish spicier?

Add extra red pepper flakes or include a dash of cayenne pepper to increase the heat level according to your preference.

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Garlic Butter Shrimp And Vegetables Recipe

Garlic Butter Shrimp And Vegetables Recipe


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4.8 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent Garlic Butter Shrimp and Vegetables dance with Mediterranean flavors, combining zesty seafood and colorful produce in one skillet. Crisp vegetables and perfectly seared shrimp promise a quick, delightful meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetables:

  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Warm a spacious cast-iron skillet, infusing olive oil and butter over robust medium-high temperature.
  2. Introduce succulent shrimp to the heated surface, generously coating with aromatic seasonings. Sear each side until translucent pink, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
  3. Transfer perfectly cooked shrimp onto a temporary plate, maintaining their optimal temperature and texture.
  4. Within the same skillet, melt remaining butter and introduce minced garlic, allowing fragrant aromatics to develop for half a minute.
  5. Incorporate crisp zucchini slices, vibrant bell pepper strips, and juicy cherry tomatoes into the buttery foundation. Gently sauté until vegetables reach a tender, slightly caramelized state.
  6. Reintroduce reserved shrimp to the vegetable medley, drizzling with bright, tangy lemon juice and sprinkling crushed red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
  7. Toss ingredients thoroughly, ensuring harmonious flavor distribution and complete temperature integration.
  8. Finish with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, creating a visually appealing and herbaceous garnish.
  9. Serve immediately, presenting a colorful, aromatic dish that celebrates seafood and seasonal vegetables.

Notes

  • Choose medium-sized shrimp for consistent cooking and balanced flavor profile.
  • Pat shrimp completely dry before cooking to achieve perfect golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming.
  • Keep vegetables crisp-tender by avoiding overcooking; they should retain slight crunchiness and vibrant colors.
  • Swap shrimp with chicken or tofu for flexible protein options catering to different dietary preferences.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 180mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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