Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp Stir-Fry: A Quick Weeknight Dinner

Keyword: garlic butter shrimp stir-fry

Garlic butter shrimp stir-fry is a dish that has been gaining popularity for its simplicity and delicious flavors. It’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights when you’re short on time but still want to serve up something tasty. The combination of tender, juicy shrimp and fresh vegetables tossed in a zesty garlic and butter sauce creates a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

The cooking time for this dish is approximately 20 minutes, which means it's ideal for those nights when you’re feeling rushed but still want a home-cooked meal. Serves four as a main course or six as an appetizer, depending on how much you enjoy your portion sizes!

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
• 1 small red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cups (packed) fresh broccoli florets
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Start by preparing all your ingredients. Peel and devein the shrimp, mince the garlic, slice the red bell peppers, dice the onion, and cut the broccoli into florets.

2. In a large skillet or wok over medium heat, melt the butter with olive oil until it is fully combined.

3. Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 1 minute. Ensure not to burn the garlic; once golden and fragrant, stir in the shrimp. Cook for another 2-3 minutes or until they turn pink and opaque.

4. Once the shrimp are done, remove them from the skillet and set aside on a plate. While the shrimp cook, add the sliced red bell peppers to the pan, followed by the diced onion.

5. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Next, toss in the broccoli florets along with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.

6. Stir everything together to combine well before adding back into the pan the previously cooked garlic butter shrimp. Allow them to heat through for another minute or two to ensure they remain juicy and tender without overcooking.

7. Serve hot garnished with fresh parsley if desired, but this step is entirely optional and depends on your personal preference!

Health Benefits

This garlic butter shrimp stir-fry offers a wealth of health benefits. Shrimp provide essential vitamins such as vitamin B12, niacin, and selenium, while the fresh vegetables contribute important antioxidants like vitamin C and carotenoids found in bell peppers. The use of olive oil adds heart-healthy fats that are beneficial for overall cardiovascular health.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor: Add a splash of soy sauce or lime juice to the stir-fry at the end for an added kick and freshness.
• Vegetarian option: Substitute shrimp with firm tofu, which soaks up the flavors beautifully. You can also add other vegetables like carrots or zucchini if you prefer different textures and colors in your dish.

In conclusion, garlic butter shrimp stir-fry is a versatile, quick, and satisfying meal that caters to busy lives while delivering outstanding taste experiences. Whether you’re preparing it for yourself on a weeknight or impressing guests at dinner parties, this recipe provides an easy yet impressive solution to your cooking dilemmas.