Low Carb Shrimp And Broccoli
A quick and healthy shrimp and broccoli skillet dish that's low in carbs and high in protein, ready in under 15 minutes.
I remember the first time I tossed shrimp and broccoli together in a hot skillet — the garlic sizzling, the broccoli snapping just right, and the shrimp turning glossy pink in minutes. It’s a recipe I reach for when I want something fast, healthy, and satisfying without fuss. If you want a straight-to-the-point low-carb dinner that’s ready while a salad chills, this is it. For another take and the original inspiration I adapted, I first read a similar version on the detailed recipe page that nudged me to simplify the steps even more.
Why you’ll love this dish
This shrimp-and-broccoli skillet is a weeknight hero: it’s low in carbs, high in protein, and cooks in under 15 minutes from start to finish. The bright lemon finish and garlic-forward pan flavors make it feel restaurant-worthy while staying budget-friendly and family-friendly. It’s also versatile — toss it over a salad, serve with cauliflower rice, or keep it plain for picky eaters.
Reasons to try it:
- Speed: Ready in about 15 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
- Nutrition: High protein, low carb, and loaded with vitamin C and fiber from the broccoli.
- Minimal cleanup: One skillet, one pan — less time washing dishes.
- Flexible: Easy to scale up or swap ingredients to suit diets or pantry limits.
Step-by-step overview
Before you cook, here’s the quick plan: warm olive oil, bloom garlic, wilt the broccoli until just tender, add shrimp and season, then finish with a bright squeeze of lemon. You’ll be using medium heat to develop flavor without overcooking the shrimp. Expect about 4–5 minutes for the broccoli and another 5–7 minutes for shrimp depending on size. This overview helps you multitask: start garlic, chop broccoli while it sizzles, then add shrimp.
What you’ll need
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined (medium or large)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (bite-sized)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder in a pinch)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Juice of half a lemon
Notes and substitutions:
- Shrimp: Use raw, thawed shrimp for best texture. Jumbo shrimp will cook slightly faster; adjust timing.
- Broccoli: Frozen florets work if fresh aren’t available — thaw and pat dry, or cook a little longer.
- Oil: Swap avocado oil for a higher smoke point if you plan to push the heat.
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the 3 cloves minced garlic and sauté about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.
- Add 2 cups broccoli florets. Cook, stirring occasionally, until bright green and tender-crisp, about 4–5 minutes.
- Add 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes if using.
- Cook the shrimp, stirring, until they turn pink and opaque, about 5–7 minutes depending on size. Don’t overcrowd the pan — work in batches if needed.
- Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the shrimp and broccoli. Toss and taste; adjust seasoning.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli Skillet
- Prep
- 10 MIN
- Cook
- 10 MIN
- Total
- 20 MIN
- Serves
- 4
01Ingredients
Main Ingredients
02Method
- Cooking
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0 OF 7 DONE03Recipe notes
- 01Best served over cauliflower rice or as is. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Gently reheat in a skillet.
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Best ways to enjoy it
Serve the skillet as is for a low-carb plate, or use these ideas to vary the presentation:
- Over cauliflower rice or shirataki rice for extra volume while keeping carbs low.
- Toss with a handful of chopped parsley and shaved parmesan for a brighter, slightly savory finish.
- For a heartier meal, serve with roasted sweet potatoes or a simple quinoa pilaf.
- If you want a richer side, try pairing it with the indulgent keto broccoli and cauliflower au gratin with sausage for a comforting contrast.
Plating tip: mound the broccoli and shrimp in the center of a warm plate and spoon any pan juices over the top. A lemon wedge on the side adds a fresh finish.
Storage and reheating tips
Refrigerate: Cool leftovers within two hours and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Gently warm in a skillet over low-medium heat with a splash of olive oil or a few drops of water to revive moisture. Avoid microwave reheating at high power, which can make shrimp rubbery.
Freeze: For best texture, freezing is not recommended for cooked shrimp and broccoli together, but you can freeze raw shrimp separately. If you must freeze cooked portions, use freezer-safe containers and consume within 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Food safety note: Shrimp should be cooked to an internal opaque color and discarded if left at room temperature longer than two hours.
Creative twists
- Spicy-Sesame: Add 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
- Creamy Lemon: Stir in 2 tablespoons cream cheese or mascarpone at the end for a silky sauce.
- Mediterranean: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and a sprinkle of oregano.
- Herb-forward: Toss with fresh basil, dill, or cilantro after cooking for herbaceous brightness.
- Keto-friendly noodle swap: Serve over spiralized zucchini tossed briefly in the pan before adding shrimp.
Your questions answered
How long does prep and cook take?
A: Prep (peeling, deveining if needed, chopping broccoli) is about 5–10 minutes. Cook time is roughly 10–12 minutes, so plan 15–20 minutes total.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes — thaw frozen shrimp in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water in a sealed bag. Pat dry thoroughly before cooking to ensure a good sear.
Is this dish keto-friendly?
A: Yes. With shrimp and broccoli as the core, it’s naturally low in carbs. Skip high-carb sides and pair with cauliflower rice for a strict keto meal.
My family doesn’t like spicy food. Should I add red pepper flakes?
A: Red pepper flakes are optional. Omit them entirely or sprinkle a tiny amount into a single serving for those who want heat.
Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Absolutely — the core recipe is already dairy-free. If you try the creamy variation, use dairy-free cream alternatives.
Conclusion
If you want a quick, low-carb dinner that still tastes like you spent time on it, this shrimp and broccoli skillet delivers in flavor, nutrition, and speed. For a slightly different take with similar keto-friendly goals, check out this Garlic Shrimp With Broccoli | Keto & Low Carb recipe that adds different seasoning angles. You might also like my Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta.
Crockpot & Slow Cooker
Crockpot & Slow Cooker
Crockpot & Slow Cooker
