1-First Step: Prep the ingredients Start by rinsing and cutting the broccoli into even florets. If the pieces are too large, they will take longer to cook than the shrimp. Mince the garlic, measure the seasonings, and pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Dry shrimp sear better and pick up more flavor from the garlic butter sauce. If you are using frozen shrimp, thaw them first under cold running water or overnight in the fridge. Then dry them well. This helps prevent extra liquid in the skillet, which can water down the sauce.

2-Second Step: Heat the skillet and cook the broccoli Set a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter. Once the butter melts, add the broccoli. Stir often and cook until the broccoli is crisp-tender, about 4 to 5 minutes. It should be bright green and just starting to soften. Remove the broccoli from the pan and set it aside. If your broccoli is very thick, you can blanch it first in boiling water for 2 minutes, then cool it in ice water. That shortens the skillet time and helps the broccoli cook more evenly.

3-Third Step: Season and cook the shrimp Add the remaining olive oil and butter to the same pan if needed. Place the shrimp in a single layer and season with salt and fresh cracked pepper. Let them cook for about 1 to 2 minutes on the first side without moving them too much. This helps them develop better color and flavor. Cook the shrimp with tails on if you want extra flavor and a nicer look. Tails also make the dish feel a little more polished when serving. If you prefer, you can remove them before cooking.

4-Fourth Step: Add the garlic and seasonings Once the shrimp start turning pink, add the minced garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, and onion powder. Stir well so the garlic does not burn. Garlic cooks fast, so keep the heat at medium and watch it closely. Flip the shrimp after the seasonings go in. Cook the second side for another 1 to 2 minutes until the shrimp are opaque and just curled into a loose C shape. If they curl tightly into an O shape, they may be overcooked.

5-Fifth Step: Build the sauce Pour in the vegetable stock and Sriracha or hot sauce. Stir and let the liquid simmer for a minute or two. The goal is to reduce the sauce slightly so it coats the shrimp and broccoli, not pool at the bottom of the pan. If you like more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you want a milder dish, keep the hot sauce light and skip the flakes. Both versions still deliver strong garlic butter shrimp flavor.

6-Final Step: Bring everything together Return the broccoli to the pan and toss it with the shrimp and sauce. Add the lemon juice and stir again. Let everything reheat for a minute so the broccoli warms through and the flavors blend. Finish with chopped parsley or cilantro and a few lemon slices if you like. Serve the garlic butter shrimp and broccoli right away while it is hot and glossy. This dish pairs well with rice, cauliflower rice, noodles, or crusty bread, depending on your plan for the meal.