Full Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Directions:
- Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help them cook evenly and get a nice sear.
- Cook the Garlic: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant, but not browned.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turns pink and opaque.
- Add Lemon Juice: Once the shrimp are cooked, drizzle fresh lemon juice over the top and toss gently to coat the shrimp in the buttery garlic sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for extra brightness.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Kcal: 280 kcal per serving (approximate)
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve over pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
Tips:
- Adjust the amount of garlic based on your preference. For a stronger garlic flavor, add more minced garlic.
- You can add other herbs, like thyme or oregano, to the butter for more complexity.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Overview:
- Main Ingredients: The core of the dish consists of shrimp, garlic, butter, and fresh parsley for garnish.
- Flavor Profile: The shrimp are cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, offering a savory and aromatic flavor that pairs well with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
- Quick Cooking: Shrimp cook very quickly, making this a perfect option for a fast meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Cooking Tips:
- Shrimp Selection: Use large or jumbo shrimp, preferably peeled and deveined, for the best texture. Fresh or frozen shrimp can be used, but ensure they’re properly thawed and patted dry before cooking.
- Butter-Garlic Balance: Don’t skimp on the garlic. The combination of garlic and butter is key to achieving a rich and savory taste. You can also adjust the butter and garlic amounts to your preference for a richer or milder flavor.
- Cooking Time: Shrimp cook very quickly. Overcooking them can result in a rubbery texture, so make sure to sauté them only until they turn pink and opaque, typically within 3-4 minutes.
Pairing Suggestions:
- Pasta: Serve the garlic butter shrimp over linguine or spaghetti for a classic pairing.
- Rice: A bed of white or brown rice can absorb the buttery sauce, adding an extra layer of flavor.
- Bread: Use a baguette or other crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter sauce.
Variations of Garlic Butter Shrimp:
- Garlic Butter Shrimp with Pasta:
- Toss the cooked shrimp in the garlic butter sauce with al dente pasta (like linguine or fettuccine). Add a splash of pasta water to create a light, silky sauce that coats the pasta.
- Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp:
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a touch of cayenne pepper. You could also add a drizzle of sriracha or hot sauce at the end.
- Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi:
- To transform this recipe into a shrimp scampi, add white wine (about 1/4 cup) to the garlic and butter, allowing it to simmer and reduce before adding the shrimp. The wine adds an extra layer of flavor and brightness.
- Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp:
- To make a creamy version, add 1/4 cup of heavy cream to the garlic butter sauce right before you add the shrimp. This creates a rich, velvety sauce that’s perfect for serving over pasta or mashed potatoes.
- Garlic Butter Shrimp with Vegetables:
- Incorporate vegetables like asparagus, spinach, or cherry tomatoes into the dish. Sauté the veggies in the garlic butter before adding the shrimp for a well-rounded meal.
Cooking Tips for Garlic Butter Shrimp:
- Shrimp Size: Use large or jumbo shrimp for the best texture and presentation. These sizes hold up well to sautéing and absorb the garlic butter flavor nicely.
- Avoid Overcooking: Shrimp cooks very quickly. Overcooking will make them tough and rubbery. Watch closely and remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink and curl slightly.
- Butter Temperature: Keep the butter at a medium heat to avoid burning the garlic. If the garlic browns too quickly, it can turn bitter, so it’s best to sauté on low to medium heat.
- Lemon Balance: The fresh lemon juice is key to balancing the richness of the butter. Be sure to taste the dish before serving, and adjust the lemon juice to brighten the flavors as needed.
Serving Suggestions:
- Over Rice: Serve the shrimp over steamed white rice or rice pilaf to soak up the garlic butter sauce. This option works well for a quick and filling meal.
- With Crusty Bread: A side of crusty French bread or baguette is ideal for mopping up the buttery sauce. Garlic bread is also a great option to double down on the garlic flavor.
- With a Salad: Balance the richness of the shrimp with a light green salad or Caesar salad. The crispness of the greens provides a refreshing contrast to the savory shrimp.
- As a Topping: Use the shrimp as a topping for tacos or flatbreads. Add some fresh greens, avocado, and a squeeze of lime for a fresh and tasty twist.
Pairing Ideas:
- Wine: A crisp, chilled white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with garlic butter shrimp. The acidity in the wine complements the richness of the butter and shrimp.
- Beer: For beer lovers, a pale ale or lager works well with the buttery garlic flavor, keeping the meal light and refreshing.
Garlic Butter Shrimp for Entertaining:
Garlic butter shrimp is a fantastic dish to serve at dinner parties. It’s easy to prepare in large quantities, and guests love the combination of buttery, garlicky flavors. You can serve it as an elegant appetizer with toothpicks, or as a main course with sides. To make it more special for a gathering:
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color.
- Offer different dipping sauces such as aioli, spicy mayo, or pesto.
- Provide lemon wedges and extra melted butter on the side for dipping.
Conclusion:
Garlic Butter Shrimp is a versatile, quick, and flavorful dish that can be adapted to suit different preferences and occasions. Whether you’re serving it over pasta, with rice, or as an appetizer, its rich, buttery sauce combined with the natural sweetness of shrimp makes it a go-to favorite for seafood lovers.