This lemon pepper shrimp and broccoli recipe is an easy and healthy one-pan meal idea that’s ready in just minutes and packed with flavor. When you need a quick and delicious weeknight meal idea, you’ll want to make this shrimp recipe for dinner!
When the weather warms up, I like to eat lighter meals but don’t want to sacrifice flavor. Heavy meals just don’t sit well with me when I’m hot! That’s why I enjoy meals like lemon and broccoli pasta with shrimp or today’s lemon pepper shrimp with broccoli.
Juicy, plump shrimp is a light and delicious protein that leaves you feeling very satisfied but never leaves you feeling weighed down. Plus, it’s a nice change-up from chicken and super fast to whip up.
In my book, that’s a win-win!
Broccoli is another warm-weather favorite of mine because it’s so versatile. You can eat it warm or cold, cooked or raw, and seasoned or plain.
Today's recipe for lemon pepper shrimp takes less than 15 minutes to make from start to finish and is surprisingly delicious for how simple it is. I used a light citrusy lemon pepper seasoning that pairs exceptionally well with both the shrimp and broccoli. Lemon juice, shrimp, parsley, and lemon pepper spice are sautéed quickly in a single pan and served for a delicious dinner.
When you want an easy, zesty shrimp recipe that checks all the boxes for a weeknight dinner that’s a breeze to make, this is the perfect recipe for you!
I love simple dishes that come together in minutes without hardly any work. Doesn't everybody?
Key Ingredients For Lemon Pepper Shrimp
This recipe uses just a handful of simple ingredients that come together to provide a big flavor. Here's the ingredients list:
- Lemon Juice: I prefer to use the juice from a fresh lemon because I think it has a better flavor. But, if you don’t have a fresh lemon, jarred lemon juice will work.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil contains heart-healthy fats and antioxidant properties. Use the oil to sauté the shrimp and broccoli. You could also replace the oil with butter for a deliciously rich and indulgent touch to a healthy meal!
- Shrimp: Shrimp is a low-calorie protein full of iron, zinc, iodine, and omega-3 fatty acids. Make sure to peel and devein it before adding it to the pan for this recipe.
- Salt & Pepper: A little goes a long way! Season the shrimp to taste, but keep in mind that the lemon juice adds a lot of flavor, so you will likely need more pepper than salt.
- Broccoli Florets: Broccoli is a fantastic source of vitamins and minerals, including fiber, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C. Fresh broccoli florets will have a firmer, crispier texture, but in a pinch, you can use frozen broccoli florets in this recipe!
- Parsley: Using dried parsley for this recipe just won’t deliver the fresh, light texture that chopped up fresh leaves provides.
Note: For a complete list of ingredients and detailed instructions on how to make this lemon pepper shrimp and broccoli, take a look at the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post!
What To Serve With This Shrimp And Broccoli Recipe
This lemon pepper shrimp recipe is a terrific all-in-one meal idea! If you want to make this meal just a little more hearty, serve it over some:
- Couscous
- Angel hair pasta
- Brown rice
- Cauliflower rice
- Or, even with a nice green salad.
This dish tastes just as incredible as heated-up leftovers, so add it to your meal prep plan to enjoy throughout the week.
Recipe Tips And Ideas
Follow these tips to make sure this shrimp and broccoli recipe turns out perfectly every single time!
- Make sure to not overcook the shrimp. When you overcook shrimp, it develops a rubbery and tough texture. Shrimp cooks quickly (about 3-4 minutes on each side), and you can tell it’s done when it turns pink and starts to curl into a C. If it looks like a G, it's been cooked too much!
- If you want to change things up from shrimp and broccoli, you can substitute chicken breasts in place of the shrimp.
- Broccoli also cooks very quickly. Just cook it until it turns bright green (3-4 minutes). Overcooking it will result in mushy or burned broccoli.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Pepper Shrimp
Here are some questions I often get asked about by some readers…
How long does this shrimp recipe last?
Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish will stay fresh for up to 5 days!
How can I make shrimp and broccoli spicy?
If you want to add a little kick to your meal, toss in a few red pepper flakes as you prepare it.
What vegetables can I use instead of broccoli?
If broccoli is not your thing (or you haven’t made it to the grocery store), feel free to swap it out for any of these other great-tasting veggies:
- Asparagus
- Zucchini
- Cauliflower
- Eggplant
- Green beans
More Delicious Shrimp Recipes You'll Love:
- Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles
- Chipotle Shrimp Tacos
- Honey Lime Shrimp
- Shrimp Boil Foil Packets
- One Pan Shrimp Fajitas
- Shrimp Tostadas with Mango Salsa