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- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cups broccoli florets - 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided) - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish When making the low-carb shrimp and broccoli skillet, the flavor is key. You need fresh and bold tastes. The main stars are the shrimp and broccoli, but the added flavors bring this dish to life. First, the garlic and red pepper flakes add a warm kick. The garlic releases a rich aroma when sautéed. It only takes about 30 seconds to make it fragrant and golden. The red pepper flakes can be adjusted to your taste. If you like heat, add more! Next, the lemon juice brightens the dish. It balances the rich shrimp and the earthy broccoli. A splash of lemon lifts the flavors and makes them pop. Finally, if you want extra richness, sprinkle on Parmesan. It melts nicely and adds a creamy touch. Fresh parsley gives a burst of color and a fresh taste. All these ingredients work together to create a dish that is not only low in carbs but also full of flavor. Enjoy the blend of tastes and the health benefits it brings! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Heating the Skillet and Sautéing Garlic Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Wait until the oil is shimmering. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds. Stir constantly until the garlic smells great and is lightly golden. - Cooking Broccoli to Tender-Crisp Now, add 4 cups of broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes. You want the broccoli to be bright green and tender-crisp. This keeps a nice crunch in your dish. - Adding Shrimp to the Skillet Push the cooked broccoli to one side of the skillet. In the clear space, add 1 pound of large shrimp. Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the shrimp. - Seasoning and Cooking the Shrimp Season the shrimp with sea salt and black pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque when done. - Incorporating Lemon Juice and Cheese After cooking the shrimp, drizzle 2 tablespoons of lemon juice over the whole skillet. Gently toss all the ingredients together. This helps all the flavors mix well. - Final Toss and Garnishing If you want extra richness, sprinkle 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese over the dish. Stir well until the cheese melts into the mix. Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. For even cooking, heat your skillet well. Start with medium heat and add oil. This way, the shrimp and broccoli cook perfectly. When you add the garlic and red pepper flakes, stir often. This keeps the garlic from burning and adds great flavor. If you want more heat, add more red pepper flakes. Just remember, start small. You can always add more! Serve your shrimp and broccoli in a big bowl or on a nice platter. This makes it look inviting. To make it pop, add extra Parmesan on top. A lemon wedge on the side adds color and taste. Fresh parsley sprinkled on top makes your dish look fresh and bright. You can swap out the shrimp for chicken or tofu for a change. If you want fewer carbs, use zucchini noodles instead of pasta. For cheese, try low-fat options like mozzarella or cottage cheese. These swaps keep your dish healthy while still being tasty! Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Make sure to cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking can make them rubbery. Broccoli Crunch: To ensure your broccoli stays vibrant and crunchy, avoid overcooking. It should be tender but still have a bite. Flavor Boost: For an extra kick, consider adding a splash of white wine or chicken broth after sautéing the garlic. Serving Suggestion: Pair this dish with cauliflower rice or a simple green salad for a complete low-carb meal. {{image_4}} You can switch shrimp for chicken or tofu. Both options work well in this dish. - Substituting Chicken or Tofu: Use 1 lb of diced chicken breast. Cook it as you would the shrimp. For tofu, use firm tofu. Press it to remove water and cube it before adding it to the skillet. - Incorporating Other Seafood: Try scallops or salmon. Both seafood types pair nicely with broccoli. Adjust cooking times as needed. Scallops take about 3-4 minutes. Salmon will need about 5-6 minutes to cook through. Feel free to add more low-carb veggies. This keeps your meal interesting and nutritious. - Adding Other Low-Carb Vegetables: Consider zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus. These veggies add color and taste. Chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them to the skillet with broccoli. - Seasonal Veggie Ideas: Use seasonal options like spinach or kale in the winter. Fresh green beans or snap peas work well in spring. They all enhance flavor and texture. Let’s explore ways to boost flavor in your dish. You can easily make it unique and tasty. - Experimenting with Different Herbs and Spices: Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro add freshness. You can also try smoked paprika or cumin for a twist. - Making it Creamy with Low-Carb Sauces: Incorporate a low-carb Alfredo sauce. This adds creaminess without extra carbs. You can make your own sauce or buy a ready-made option. Just stir it in before serving. To keep your Low-Carb Shrimp & Broccoli Skillet fresh, follow these tips: - Storing Leftovers in the Refrigerator Place the dish in an airtight container. It keeps well for up to three days. Make sure to cool it down before sealing. This prevents moisture build-up. - Freezing Tips for Long-Term Storage For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container. It lasts up to three months. To maintain taste, avoid freezing with cheese. Add it fresh when reheating. To enjoy your dish again, reheating is key: - Best Methods to Reheat Without Compromising Texture Use a skillet over medium heat for best results. This helps keep the shrimp tender and broccoli crisp. You can also use the microwave but be careful not to overheat. - Recommended Cooking Times for Reheating Reheat on the stove for about 5 to 7 minutes. In the microwave, start with 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check for warmth before serving. Knowing how long to keep food is important: - How Long to Keep in the Fridge This dish stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the quality may drop. - Signs of Spoilage to Watch For Look for a change in color or smell. If it smells off or looks slimy, it’s time to discard it. Safety first! Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. This ensures they cook evenly. How do I adjust cooking time for different shrimp sizes? Larger shrimp take a bit longer to cook. If using jumbo shrimp, add an extra minute or two. Keep an eye on them. They should turn pink and opaque when done. What are the carb counts for this dish? This dish is low in carbs. Shrimp and broccoli have minimal carbs. A serving has about 5-7 grams of carbs. Perfect for low-carb diets! Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. Store it in airtight containers in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days. How can I make this dish spicier? Add more red pepper flakes to the skillet. You can also toss in some sliced jalapeños. Just remember, start small and taste as you go! Can I prepare this recipe in advance? Yes, you can prep some ingredients ahead. Chop the broccoli and mince the garlic. Keep them in the fridge until you're ready to cook. This saves time! This dish blends simple ingredients to create a healthy meal. You learned how to cook shrimp with broccoli, garlic, and spices. I shared tips to enhance flavor and presentation. You also have options for protein and veggies to fit your taste. Storing and reheating leftovers are made easy for your busy days. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe, and make it your own. Happy cooking!

Low-Carb Shrimp & Broccoli Skillet

A quick and healthy dish featuring shrimp and broccoli, perfect for a low-carb meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 cups broccoli florets
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • to taste sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, optional
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  • Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden.
  • Next, add the broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir-fry for approximately 4-5 minutes until they are vibrant green and tender-crisp, ensuring they retain a little crunch.
  • Once the broccoli is cooked, push it to one side of the skillet. In the cleared area, add the shrimp and drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over them.
  • Season the shrimp with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they turn pink and opaque.
  • After the shrimp are cooked, drizzle the lemon juice over the entire skillet. Gently toss all the ingredients together to ensure the flavors meld beautifully.
  • If you’re using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the shrimp and broccoli mixture. Stir well until the cheese melts and integrates into the dish.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley just before serving.

Notes

Serve in a decorative bowl or platter, garnished with extra Parmesan and lemon wedges.
Keyword broccoli, low carb, shrimp, skillet