Broccoli is steamed in the pan with a little broth and then tossed with garlic and lemon.
This is one of our weight loss recipes, and the total time is 15 minutes. To see why these foods help, read our guide to insulin resistance and obesity or the full overview of insulin resistance.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Broccoli
Skillet
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil, divided
- 1 lb (450 g) peeled, deveined shrimp, patted dry
- 4 cups (280 g) broccoli florets
- 5 garlic cloves, sliced
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) low-sodium broth or water
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes
- Salt, pepper and chopped parsley
Method
- Season the shrimp with salt, pepper and half the lemon zest.
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over high heat. Cook the shrimp 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink. Remove to a plate.
- Add the remaining oil and broccoli and cook 2 minutes. Add the broth, cover, and steam 3 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Uncover and add the garlic and chili flakes for 1 minute until the liquid has evaporated.
- Return the shrimp, add the lemon juice and zest and parsley, and toss.
Approximate per serving: 250 calories, 33 g protein, 3 g fiber. Values are estimates and vary with brands and portions.
Why this works for weight loss
- High protein for few calories. About 33 g protein in a 250-calorie serving.
- Fits a calorie deficit easily. A large plate of food without heavy sauces.
- No sugar or refined starch. Easy to repeat on weeknights.
The same principles are explained in detail in our insulin resistance and obesity guide. For more ways to add fiber to meals, see the fiber guide.
Make it your own
- Serve over 1/2 cup of cooked quinoa or cauliflower rice for more bulk.
- Do not cook shrimp longer than 3 minutes or they toughen.
- Use frozen shrimp, thawed under cold water for 10 minutes.
More weight loss recipes
- Smoky Eggplant Chickpea Stew (30 Minutes)
- Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry (15 Minutes)
- Creamy Cauliflower White Bean Soup (25 Minutes)
- Chicken Lettuce Cups with Peanut Lime Sauce (15 Minutes)
- One-Pan Lemon Chicken with Vegetables (30 Minutes)
Every recipe here avoids added sugar, refined flour and high-load fruit. Learn how glycemic index and glycemic load work.
Please note. This page is for education and is not medical advice. If you take insulin or medication that can cause low blood sugar, such as a sulfonylurea, talk to your care team before making large changes to what you eat. Read our medical disclaimer.