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High Protein Garlic Butter Shrimp Meal Prep - Easy, Flavorful, and Ready for the Week

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Shrimp: 2 pounds large shrimp (21–25 count), peeled and deveined, tails optional
  • Butter: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (helps prevent the butter from burning)
  • Garlic: 6 cloves, finely minced
  • Lemon: Zest of 1 lemon + 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Parsley: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tablespoon dried)
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste
  • Salt and black pepper: To taste
  • Paprika: 1 teaspoon (smoked or sweet)
  • Chicken or vegetable broth: 1/4 cup to loosen the sauce (optional but helpful for meal prep)
  • Base: 4 cups cooked rice or quinoa (or 4 cups cauliflower rice for lower carbs)
  • Veggies: 3 cups broccoli florets or green beans, lightly steamed or roasted
  • Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup grated Parmesan for finishing; lemon wedges for serving

Method
 

  1. Cook your base: Prepare rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice according to package directions. Fluff and set aside. If using cauliflower rice, sauté with a little olive oil and salt for 5–7 minutes.
  2. Prep the veggies: Steam or roast the broccoli or green beans until crisp-tender. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Avoid overcooking so they reheat well.
  3. Pat the shrimp dry: Use paper towels to remove surface moisture. Dry shrimp sear better and stay juicy.
  4. Season the shrimp: Toss with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Keep it simple—most flavor comes from the garlic butter.
  5. Heat the pan: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter. When shimmering, add shrimp in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd; work in batches if needed.
  6. Sear quickly: Cook shrimp 1–2 minutes per side, just until pink and opaque. Transfer to a plate. They will finish briefly in the sauce.
  7. Build the garlic butter: Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter. When melted, add garlic and sauté 30–60 seconds until fragrant, not browned.
  8. Finish the sauce: Stir in red pepper flakes, lemon zest, lemon juice, and broth. Simmer 1 minute to emulsify and slightly thicken.
  9. Combine: Return shrimp with any juices to the pan. Toss 30–60 seconds to coat. Turn off heat. Stir in parsley. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and lemon.
  10. Assemble meal prep bowls: Divide the base across 4–5 containers. Top with shrimp and spoon over extra sauce. Add veggies on the side. If using Parmesan, sprinkle a little over the shrimp or veggies.
  11. Cool, then seal: Let bowls cool uncovered for 10–15 minutes before sealing to prevent condensation and soggy textures.