Garlic butter shrimp is a dish that dances on your taste buds, with luscious shrimp enveloped in rich, garlicky goodness. Imagine the sizzling aroma wafting through your kitchen, teasing you with promises of a flavor explosion.
This recipe brings back memories of family gatherings where everyone fought over the last shrimp on the plate, and I secretly hoped no one would notice how many I had devoured. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or impressing friends at a casual get-together.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This garlic butter shrimp recipe is incredibly quick to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes from pan to plate
- The rich flavors will make your taste buds sing with joy
- It looks stunning on any dinner table, making it perfect for entertaining guests
- Versatile enough to pair with pasta, rice, or even crusty bread for dipping
I once made this dish for friends, and their delighted faces after the first bite were priceless; it was an instant crowd-pleaser.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Shrimp: Use fresh or frozen shrimp; just ensure they are peeled and deveined for ease of cooking.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves give the best flavor; avoid using pre-minced garlic as it lacks depth.
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Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness; feel free to add olive oil for extra richness.
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Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness; bottled juice just won’t cut it in this recipe.
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Parsley: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also a lovely herbal flavor that complements the shrimp beautifully.
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Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust the amount based on your spice preference; they add a nice kick without overwhelming.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter until melted and bubbling, then toss in the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque—about 3-4 minutes.
Add Garlic and Spices: Once the shrimp is cooked through, throw in minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté until fragrant—around 1 minute—being careful not to burn the garlic.
Add Lemon Juice and Parsley: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp while stirring in chopped parsley. Mix well to ensure every shrimp gets coated with that zesty goodness.
Serve Immediately : Transfer your garlic butter shrimp to a serving platter while hot. Garnish with more parsley if desired for an extra pop of color.
Pairing Suggestions : Serve these delightful morsels over pasta or alongside crusty bread to soak up all that delicious garlic butter sauce.
Now you have an easy yet impressive dish that brings everyone together! Enjoy your culinary triumph!
You Must Know
- Garlic butter shrimp is not just a dish; it’s an experience
- The aroma alone can make anyone forget their troubles
- Paired with fresh crusty bread, it’s perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in
- The buttery sauce makes every bite a delight
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by heating the garlic in butter to release its flavor, then add shrimp for a quick sauté. This method ensures the shrimp cook evenly and soak up all that delightful garlic goodness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out shrimp for scallops or even vegetables like zucchini. Adding a splash of white wine elevates the dish, bringing out the flavors beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover garlic butter shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently on low heat to prevent overcooking the shrimp and losing that luscious sauce.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfectly cooked shrimp, look for a vibrant pink color and firm texture
- Avoid overcrowding the pan; this helps them cook evenly and develop a nice sear
- Fresh garlic enhances flavor dramatically compared to pre-minced options
Sharing this recipe brings back memories of my friend’s birthday dinner where everyone went back for seconds. The joy on their faces was priceless, making me realize food truly brings people together.
FAQ
What type of shrimp should I use for garlic butter shrimp?
Use large or jumbo shrimp for best results; they hold up well during cooking.
Can I make garlic butter shrimp ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best enjoyed fresh to retain optimal texture and flavor.
How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?
Shrimp turn pink and opaque when cooked through, usually taking about 3-5 minutes.
Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Garlic butter shrimp is a quick and delectable dish that transforms fresh shrimp into a savory delight. With a rich buttery-garlic sauce, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. In just 30 minutes, you can create a meal that impresses guests and satisfies cravings. Serve it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up every bit of the flavorful sauce. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also brings everyone together around the dinner table.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter until bubbling.
- Add shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes or until pink and opaque.
- Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in lemon juice and mix in chopped parsley until well combined.
- Serve immediately on a platter, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sauteing
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
