Butter Herb Shrimp with Veggies

Introduction

Butter Herb Shrimp with Veggies is the perfect balance of juicy shrimp, sautéed vegetables, and rich buttery herb flavors. This dish brings together the freshness of shrimp, the nutritional goodness of vegetables, and the indulgence of garlic butter. It’s light yet satisfying, elegant enough for guests, and quick enough for a weeknight dinner.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this dish because it highlights shrimp in the simplest yet most flavorful way. The garlic butter sauce infused with herbs coats each shrimp and veggie perfectly, creating a vibrant, colorful, and nutrient-rich plate. It’s customizable, too—you can use any veggies you like, making it a great way to eat healthy without sacrificing taste.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Quick to prepare (ready in under 30 minutes).
• Nutrient-dense—packed with lean protein and fiber.
• A complete one-pan meal, less cleanup.
• Elegant presentation for family dinners or date nights.
• Customizable with different veggies or herbs.

Time & Servings

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: ~320 calories

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: American / Mediterranean-inspired
• Course: Main Course

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Butter Herb Sauce:

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice + lemon zest from ½ lemon
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (optional)
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning or thyme

For the Veggies:

• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 carrot, thinly sliced
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley
• Extra lemon wedges

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Sauté veggies until tender-crisp.
2. Cook shrimp until pink and lightly golden.
3. Prepare butter herb sauce with garlic and lemon.
4. Toss everything together in the skillet.
5. Garnish and serve hot.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prep Ingredients

• Wash and chop all vegetables.
• Pat shrimp dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Cook Veggies

• Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add broccoli, zucchini, carrots, and bell peppers. Cook 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp.
• Add cherry tomatoes last and cook for 1 more minute. Transfer veggies to a plate.

Step 3: Cook Shrimp

• In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil.
• Season shrimp with salt and pepper.
• Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from skillet.

Step 4: Make Butter Herb Sauce

• Lower heat to medium.
• Melt butter in the skillet. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
• Stir in lemon juice, zest, parsley, basil, and Italian seasoning.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

• Return shrimp and veggies to the skillet. Toss well to coat with butter herb sauce.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

How to Serve

• Over rice, quinoa, or couscous for a complete meal.
• With garlic bread or a baguette to soak up the sauce.
• On its own as a light, low-carb dinner.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcook shrimp—they cook very quickly.
• Use fresh herbs for maximum flavor.
• Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Deglaze pan with white wine before adding butter for extra depth.

Variations

• Keto/Low-Carb: Serve with cauliflower rice instead of grains.
• Creamy Version: Add ¼ cup heavy cream to the butter herb sauce.
• Spicy Cajun: Replace Italian seasoning with Cajun seasoning.
• Other Proteins: Swap shrimp for scallops or chicken strips.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as shrimp and veggies may lose texture.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat with a little butter.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Sharp knife and cutting board

FAQ

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Q2: Can I meal prep this?
Yes, cook and store in portioned containers with rice or quinoa for up to 3 days.

Q3: What veggies work best?
Broccoli, peppers, zucchini, asparagus, and green beans are great options.

Q4: Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, replace butter with vegan butter or olive oil.

Conclusion

Butter Herb Shrimp with Veggies is a light yet flavorful dish that’s quick, wholesome, and satisfying. With tender shrimp, colorful veggies, and a luscious garlic butter herb sauce, it’s a must-try for shrimp lovers. Perfect for busy weeknights or an elegant weekend dinner, this dish proves that healthy food can be indulgent too.