Garlic Butter Shrimp with Brussels Sprouts

Introduction

Garlic Butter Shrimp with Brussels Sprouts is a mouthwatering dish that perfectly balances rich, garlicky flavors with the natural sweetness of shrimp and the nutty, roasted notes of caramelized Brussels sprouts. The buttery garlic sauce ties everything together, creating a dish that’s both comforting and elegant.

This meal captures the essence of simple gourmet cooking — minimal ingredients, quick preparation, and maximum flavor. It’s a wholesome, high-protein, low-carb dish that tastes like something you’d order at a fine restaurant but can be prepared effortlessly at home in under 30 minutes.

❤️ Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the perfect combination of healthy and indulgent. The shrimp is tender, juicy, and soaked in luscious garlic butter, while the Brussels sprouts are crispy on the outside and soft inside — beautifully roasted to perfection.

The magic lies in how the garlic butter sauce coats every bite, giving the dish a luxurious richness without feeling heavy. It’s easy enough for a weeknight meal yet impressive enough to serve to guests.

Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen — garlicky, buttery, and toasty — is simply irresistible!

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This recipe is a must-try because:

• It’s quick and easy — ready in 25 minutes.
• Garlic butter perfection — rich, aromatic, and deeply satisfying.
• Balanced and wholesome — packed with lean protein, fiber, and nutrients.
• Customizable — can be spicy, lemony, or even creamy.
• One-pan meal — minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

Whether you’re eating clean or craving comfort, this dish hits all the right notes.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings and Nutrition Info

• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~390 kcal per serving

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: American / Mediterranean Fusion
• Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Brussels Sprouts:

• 1 lb (450 g) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
• Juice of ½ lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Roast or sauté Brussels sprouts until golden.
2. Cook shrimp in olive oil until pink and slightly crispy.
3. Make a quick garlic butter sauce in the same pan.
4. Toss shrimp and Brussels sprouts together in the sauce.
5. Serve hot with lemon and parsley.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Toss halved Brussels sprouts with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Spread on a baking sheet, cut side down.
• Roast for 15–18 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and crisp on the edges.
  (Alternatively, sauté them in a skillet until caramelized.)

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

• While Brussels sprouts cook, season shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika.
• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add shrimp and cook 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
• Remove shrimp and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

• In the same skillet, lower heat to medium.
• Add butter and let it melt.
• Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
• Squeeze in lemon juice and add lemon zest. Stir well.

Step 4: Combine Everything

• Add the roasted Brussels sprouts and cooked shrimp back into the pan.
• Toss everything to coat evenly in the garlic butter sauce.
• Sprinkle with chopped parsley (and Parmesan, if using).

Step 5: Serve

• Serve hot immediately, with extra lemon wedges on the side for brightness.
• Enjoy with crusty bread, rice, or over pasta for a complete meal.

How to Serve

Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp with Brussels Sprouts as a standalone meal or pair it with:

• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Brown rice or quinoa
• Buttered noodles
• Crusty garlic bread

It’s also perfect for meal prep — light yet satisfying!

Additional Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcook shrimp: They become rubbery fast — cook just until pink.
• Get crispy Brussels sprouts: Make sure they’re spread out in a single layer while roasting.
• Add wine: Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine for extra depth.
• Use fresh garlic: It’s the star flavor here — don’t substitute with garlic powder.
• Finish with lemon: It balances the richness of the butter beautifully.

Variations

1. Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp: Add ¼ cup heavy cream to the sauce for a rich, creamy twist.
2. Spicy Cajun Style: Toss shrimp in Cajun seasoning instead of paprika.
3. Asian-Inspired: Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of honey to the garlic butter.
4. Add Veggies: Include mushrooms, asparagus, or zucchini for extra nutrients.
5. Low-Carb Option: Serve as-is or over cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly meal.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Gently warm in a skillet with a splash of water or butter until heated through.
• Freezing: You can freeze the shrimp and sauce (without the Brussels sprouts) for up to 2 months. Freshly roast sprouts when reheating for best texture.

Special Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet (for roasting Brussels sprouts)
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Mixing tongs or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Lemon zester (optional but handy)

FAQ

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess water.

Q2: What if I don’t like Brussels sprouts?
You can substitute with broccoli, asparagus, or green beans — all work beautifully.

Q3: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter gives the best flavor, but olive oil or a butter substitute works for a lighter version.

Q4: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, replace butter with plant-based vegan butter or extra virgin olive oil.

Q5: What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs wonderfully with garlic butter shrimp.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Shrimp with Brussels Sprouts is a flavorful, elegant, and nutritious dish that brings out the best of simple ingredients. The shrimp are tender and buttery, the Brussels sprouts perfectly caramelized, and the garlic sauce ties it all together with irresistible aroma and taste.

It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel good — rich enough to indulge in, yet light and wholesome. Whether you’re cooking a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is a guaranteed winner that will have everyone asking for seconds.