This Shrimp and Rice with Broccoli is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal, perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy shrimp, tender broccoli, and fluffy rice are cooked together with aromatic seasonings to create a balanced and satisfying dish. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious meal prep option or a comforting dinner, this recipe is packed with protein, fiber, and delicious flavors.
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Why You’ll Love This Shrimp and Rice with Broccoli
This Shrimp and Rice with Broccoli is the ultimate one-pan meal, combining convenience, nutrition, and bold flavors in a dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or preparing a wholesome dinner for your family, this recipe has everything you need in one skillet—tender shrimp, perfectly cooked rice, and vibrant broccoli all infused with a delicious blend of seasonings.
One-Pan Simplicity for Easy Cooking & Cleanup
One of the best things about this Shrimp and Rice with Broccoli recipe is that it’s cooked entirely in a single pan. This means:
- Minimal prep and cooking time – No need for multiple pots and pans.
- Less cleanup – One pan means fewer dishes to wash.
- Effortless cooking – Everything comes together in stages, allowing flavors to blend beautifully without extra effort.
Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced home cook, this recipe ensures a hassle-free cooking experience while delivering restaurant-quality results.
Perfect for Family Meals
This Shrimp and Rice with Broccoli recipe is designed with families in mind. It’s:
- Kid-friendly – Mild yet flavorful, making it appealing to children and adults alike.
- Well-balanced – Provides lean protein from shrimp, fiber-rich broccoli, and satisfying rice in one dish.
- Customizable – Easily adjust the spice level, add extra vegetables, or swap ingredients based on dietary needs.
Since it’s a complete meal on its own, you don’t need to prepare side dishes, making it a stress-free dinner option for busy families.
Nutritious and Wholesome
Not only is this dish incredibly easy to make, but it’s also packed with essential nutrients:
- Shrimp – A lean, protein-rich seafood packed with omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.
- Broccoli – A nutrient powerhouse loaded with fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants.
- Rice – A great source of energy, making the dish hearty and satisfying.
With this well-rounded mix of protein, carbs, and vegetables, Shrimp and Rice with Broccoli is an ideal meal for anyone looking for a healthy yet comforting dish.
Great for Meal Prep & Leftovers
This dish not only tastes amazing fresh but also stores well for leftovers, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping:
- Stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days – Reheats well without losing texture or flavor.
- Freezer-friendly – Store portions in airtight containers for a quick meal on busy days.
- Versatile for multiple meals – Enjoy it as-is, or repurpose leftovers into wraps, burrito bowls, or stir-fries.
Ingredients Needed For This Shrimp and Rice with Broccoli Recipe
Shrimp
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Rice & Broccoli
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice, rinsed
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups broccoli florets
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
The Garnish
- Fresh lemon wedges
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions For This Shrimp and Rice with Broccoli Recipe
1: Cook the Shrimp
- In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and minced garlic.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
2: Cook the Rice
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onions for 2 minutes until softened.
- Add the rinsed rice and toast for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth, season with salt, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.
3: Add the Broccoli & Finish Cooking
- After 10 minutes, scatter the broccoli over the rice without stirring.
- Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the rice is tender and the broccoli is steamed.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, gently folding them into the rice mixture.
- Cover and let rest for 5 minutes.
4: Serve & Garnish
- Fluff the rice with a fork and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Variations & Dietary Adaptations
This dish is highly versatile and can be adjusted to suit various dietary preferences. Below are detailed modifications with exact ingredient substitutions and step-by-step instructions for making gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and low-carb versions.
Gluten-Free Version
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but be mindful of ingredient labels to ensure safety.
Ingredients Needed
- Use gluten-free chicken broth – Some broths contain additives with gluten. Ensure you use a certified gluten-free brand.
- Soy Sauce Alternative (If Using) – If adding soy sauce for extra umami, swap regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.
Method
- Follow the original recipe, ensuring that all labeled ingredients are gluten-free.
- If adding soy sauce for extra depth of flavor, use tamari or coconut aminos.
- Cook as directed and enjoy a fully gluten-free meal.
Dairy-Free Version
To make this recipe completely dairy-free, swap out butter and Parmesan for plant-based alternatives.
Dairy-Free Ingredients Needed
- Butter Alternative – Use 1 tablespoon olive oil instead of butter.
- Cheese Substitute (Optional) – Swap Parmesan with nutritional yeast or dairy-free Parmesan.
Method
- Follow the original steps but use olive oil instead of butter when sautéing the onions.
- If using a cheese topping, sprinkle nutritional yeast or dairy-free Parmesan over the dish before serving.
Vegan Version
To create a completely plant-based version, replace the shrimp with protein-rich substitutes.
Ingredients Needed
- Shrimp Substitute – Use 2 cups cubed extra-firm tofu, 1 cup cooked chickpeas, or 1 ½ cups king oyster mushrooms (sliced into strips).
- Vegetable Broth – Swap chicken broth for 2 cups vegetable broth.
- Butter Alternative – Use 1 tablespoon olive oil.
Method
- If using tofu, press and cube it, then pan-fry with olive oil, salt, and paprika until crispy.
- If using mushrooms, sauté them until browned and slightly crisp.
- Follow the rest of the recipe as directed, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Low-Carb & Keto Adaptation
For a low-carb version, replace the rice with cauliflower rice and adjust the seasonings accordingly.
Ingredients Needed
- Rice Substitute – Use 2 cups cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
- Butter Alternative (Optional) – Use 1 tablespoon ghee for added richness.
- Broth Adjustment – Reduce broth to ½ cup since cauliflower rice doesn’t absorb liquid like regular rice.
Method
- Instead of cooking rice, sauté the cauliflower rice with onions in butter or olive oil for 3-4 minutes.
- Add the seasonings and ½ cup broth, then stir in the broccoli. Cover and steam for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the shrimp and let sit for a few minutes before serving.
This Shrimp and Rice with Broccoli recipe is a flavorful and nutritious dish that can be adapted for gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and low-carb diets. With simple ingredient swaps, you can customize it to fit your dietary needs while still enjoying the delicious balance of shrimp, rice, and tender broccoli. Perfect for meal prep or a quick dinner, this one-pan recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
