Garlic butter shrimp is one of the most indulgent yet simple dishes you can prepare. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or an elegant special occasion meal, it combines succulent shrimp with a rich, savory sauce that’s bursting with garlic flavor. This dish takes less than 30 minutes to make and requires only a few ingredients, making it the ideal choice for anyone craving a quick, gourmet meal.
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Ingredients:
For this easy yet impressive garlic butter shrimp, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 5-6 garlic cloves (finely minced)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley (for garnish)
- Fresh lemon wedges (for serving)
- Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by preparing your shrimp. If you haven’t already, peel and devein them, removing the tails if you prefer. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step helps the shrimp sear nicely in the pan.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan—if necessary, cook the shrimp in batches. Sear the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp cook quickly. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic. Stir the garlic constantly to prevent it from burning. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes, or until it becomes fragrant and golden. If you want to add a bit of heat to the dish, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes at this point.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, along with any juices that have accumulated on the plate. Toss the shrimp in the garlic butter sauce until they’re evenly coated. Add salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste. Give everything a quick stir to combine the flavors.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the shrimp with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Optionally, you can also grate some Parmesan cheese over the shrimp for an added touch of richness. Serve the garlic butter shrimp immediately with lemon wedges on the side. This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or a simple salad.
Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp
Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp works best for this recipe. If using frozen shrimp, make sure they are completely thawed before cooking. The texture and flavor of fresh shrimp are superior to pre-cooked shrimp, so opt for raw shrimp whenever possible.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, and overcooking them can make them rubbery and tough. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, they’re done. Keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Customize the Flavor: If you want to elevate the flavor profile, consider adding a splash of white wine to the garlic butter sauce or a squeeze of lime juice instead of lemon. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary also complement the garlic butter beautifully.
Double the Sauce: If you love the garlic butter sauce, you can easily double the ingredients for the sauce and serve it alongside pasta or rice to soak up the extra deliciousness.
Serve with Side Dishes: Garlic butter shrimp is versatile and pairs well with many sides, including roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, sautéed spinach, or a simple green salad. For a decadent touch, serve it with a buttery pasta like fettuccine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this garlic butter shrimp recipe. Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking. To thaw frozen shrimp, place them in the refrigerator overnight or run cold water over them for a quicker thaw. Pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess water from diluting the butter sauce.
2. Can I make this dish without garlic?
While garlic is the star of this dish, you can skip it if you’re not a fan or have an allergy. You can substitute garlic with shallots or onions for a mild, sweet flavor. If you still want a savory, aromatic touch, you could add a bit of onion powder or garlic powder.
3. How can I make garlic butter shrimp spicier?
To add more heat to your garlic butter shrimp, increase the amount of red pepper flakes, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You could also include a diced fresh chili pepper (like jalapeño) to the sauce for an extra kick.
4. Can I use a different type of oil instead of olive oil?
While olive oil is the preferred oil for its flavor, you can substitute it with other oils like avocado oil, vegetable oil, or even coconut oil. However, each oil will bring its own subtle flavor to the dish, so choose one that complements your taste preferences.
5. How can I serve garlic butter shrimp as a complete meal?
Garlic butter shrimp is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides. You can serve it with pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine are great choices), or over a bed of rice. For a low-carb option, you can pair it with roasted vegetables, cauliflower rice, or a green salad.
6. Can I make the garlic butter shrimp in advance?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep some components ahead of time. For instance, you can peel and devein the shrimp in advance, and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. The garlic butter sauce can also be made ahead and reheated before adding the shrimp.
7. How long does garlic butter shrimp last in the fridge?
If you have any leftovers, store the garlic butter shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery.
Conclusion
Garlic butter shrimp is a show-stopping dish that’s simple to prepare yet bursting with flavor. With its tender shrimp and indulgent garlic butter sauce, it’s the perfect meal for almost any occasion. Whether you serve it on its own, over pasta, or with a side of crusty bread, you’ll be sure to impress your guests or satisfy your cravings. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you’ll be enjoying a delicious, restaurant-quality meal in no time!
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