If you’re looking to master a dish that’s both elegant and effortless, Garlic Butter Shrimp is your go-to recipe.
With its delicate balance of tender shrimp, rich butter, and fragrant garlic, this dish promises a flavor-packed experience.
Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for both rushed weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Pair it with pasta or crusty bread to soak up every bit of the delectable sauce, and discover the charm of simplicity.
Kitchen Tools Required
To craft the perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools to streamline the cooking process.
Start with a robust skillet; it’s your primary cooking vessel, ensuring even heat distribution for perfectly seared shrimp.
A sharp knife and cutting board are indispensable for mincing garlic and chopping parsley with precision.
Measuring spoons and cups guarantee accuracy in ingredient proportions, allowing the flavors to balance beautifully.
Equip yourself with a sturdy spatula for flipping shrimp gracefully, without losing precious juices.
Each of these tools plays a vital role, enhancing your culinary craftsmanship.
By arming yourself with these implements, you’ll not only expedite preparation but also elevate the dish’s flavor profile, leaving a lasting impression on every bite.
Recipe
Garlic Butter Shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp with aromatic garlic and rich butter.
This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion when you want to impress with minimal effort.
The simplicity of the ingredients allows the natural sweetness of the shrimp to shine through, while the garlic and butter add depth and richness.
With just a hint of lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this dish is both invigorating and indulgent.
This recipe is an American classic that can be prepared in just 15 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings.
The key to achieving the best flavor is to cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, guaranteeing they remain tender and juicy.
The use of fresh parsley and the optional addition of red pepper flakes offer a touch of brightness and heat, enhancing the overall taste experience.
Ingredients:
- 450 grams shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
To prepare the Garlic Butter Shrimp, begin by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for a minute until it becomes fragrant.
Next, add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
Once cooked, stir in the remaining butter and lemon juice until they’re fully melted and combined.
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the shrimp with fresh parsley before serving.
When cooking this dish, it’s important to guarantee the shrimp are patted dry before placing them in the skillet, as this helps achieve a nice sear.
Adjust the amount of garlic and red pepper flakes to suit your personal taste preferences.
For the best flavor, serve the shrimp immediately, and consider pairing the dish with a side of crusty bread or over pasta to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
Cook & Prep Time
Preparing a delectable Garlic Butter Shrimp dish is a swift endeavor, with a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cook time of only 5 minutes.
You’ll appreciate how quickly this savory entrée comes together, allowing you to delight in its rich flavors with minimal effort.
Precision in timing guarantees the shrimp remain tender and perfectly cooked. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Task | Prep Time | Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredient Prep | 10 minutes | |
| Cooking | 5 minutes | |
| Total Time | 10 minutes | 5 minutes |
Your attention to detail in each phase will elevate the final dish.
Use these brief moments wisely, focusing on the nuances of texture and aroma.
This concise timeline lets you stay engaged without feeling rushed, ensuring each bite is a masterpiece.
Cooking Steps
You’ll start by melting half of the butter in your skillet, letting its rich aroma fill the room.
Once the garlic is sautéed to a fragrant golden hue, season the shrimp and lay them gently in the pan, searing each side until they turn a perfect pink.
Finish by stirring in the remaining butter and a splash of lemon juice, creating a luscious sauce that envelops the shrimp in flavor.
Step 1. Melt Butter in Skillet
Begin by heating your skillet over medium heat, where the magic of garlic butter shrimp unfolds.
Place two tablespoons of unsalted butter into the skillet, watching as it begins to melt and transform.
Use a spatula to nudge the butter along, ensuring even distribution across the surface.
As the butter melts, it should sizzle gently, indicating the skillet’s readiness for the next steps.
This process is essential for infusing the shrimp with layers of rich flavor.
Pay close attention to the butter’s color; it should be golden, not brown, to prevent any bitterness.
With a keen eye and steady hand, you’re setting the stage for a dish that balances complexity and simplicity in every delicious bite.
Step 2. Sauté Garlic Until Fragrant
As the butter gently sizzles, add the minced garlic to the skillet, allowing its aromatic essence to awaken your senses.
Stir with precision, guaranteeing every bit of garlic is coated in the luscious butter.
Keep your spatula in motion, guiding the garlic to golden perfection without allowing it to scorch.
Your goal is to reveal its savory sweetness, a process that takes just a minute.
Here’s what to watch for:
- Color Change: A light golden hue signals readiness.
- Aromas: An intense, inviting fragrance wafts up.
- Texture: Garlic should be soft, not chewy or crisp.
- Timing: One minute is key to preventing bitterness.
Mastering this step guarantees your garlic butter shrimp retains its signature depth of flavor.
Step 3. Season Shrimp, Add to Skillet
Once the garlic reaches its fragrant peak, it’s time to introduce the shrimp to the skillet.
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to guarantee they sear beautifully.
As you add them, let them sizzle in the aromatic butter, creating an enticing melody of scents.
Swiftly sprinkle the shrimp with a precise 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper.
If you crave a hint of heat, toss in the optional 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, letting them dance across the shrimp.
Use a spatula to gently maneuver the shrimp, making sure each piece is enveloped in the seasoned butter.
The shrimp should lie in a single layer, maximizing their contact with the hot skillet for even cooking and perfect flavor absorption.
Step 4. Sear Shrimp Until Pink
Watch as the shrimp transform in the skillet, turning from translucent to a vibrant pink, signaling their readiness.
You’ll want to guarantee they achieve the perfect sear, which requires attention and timing.
Here’s how to proceed with precision:
- Heat Control: Maintain medium heat for even cooking.
- Timing: Cook each side for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the shrimp are opaque.
- Spacing: Keep shrimp spaced apart to avoid steaming.
- Visual Cues: Look for curled tails and firm texture.
Step 5. Incorporate Lemon and Remaining Butter
After the shrimp have achieved their perfect pink hue and delightful sear, it’s time to elevate the dish with the subtle tang of lemon and the richness of more butter.
Gently lower the remaining butter into the skillet, allowing it to melt luxuriously over the shrimp.
As the butter transforms into a golden pool, add the lemon juice, infusing the dish with a bright, zesty contrast.
Carefully stir the mixture, ensuring each shrimp is cloaked in this luscious sauce.
The lemon adds a vibrant acidity, balancing the buttery richness, while enhancing the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
This step is essential for creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Serve immediately to savor the garlic butter sauce at its freshest and most aromatic.
Final Thoughts
While savoring the last bite of your garlic butter shrimp, you’re likely reflecting on its simplicity and bold flavors.
You’ve mastered a dish that marries culinary precision with creative flair, transforming a few ingredients into a culinary delight.
The quick cooking time and minimal prep work make this recipe a go-to for busy nights.
Consider these final thoughts:
- Adaptability: Customize with different herbs or spices for a personal touch.
- Pairing: Serve over pasta or alongside crusty bread to capture every drop of sauce.
- Efficiency: Utilize one skillet, minimizing cleanup without sacrificing flavor.
- Technique: Perfect the sear by ensuring shrimp are dry and the pan is hot.
With this expertise, you’re ready to tackle any shrimp dish with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
You can use frozen shrimp, but guarantee you thaw them completely and pat dry. This prevents excess moisture, securing a perfect sear. The garlic butter will infuse beautifully, enhancing flavors while maintaining the dish’s integrity.
What Can I Substitute for Fresh Parsley?
You can substitute fresh parsley with dried parsley, using one-third the amount. Alternatively, try fresh cilantro for a different flavor profile or basil for an aromatic twist. Adjust to your taste preference for culinary perfection.
How Can I Make the Dish Less Spicy?
To make the dish less spicy, omit the red pepper flakes. If it’s still too hot, reduce the black pepper. Balance the flavors by adding a touch more lemon juice for a revitalizing, tangy contrast.
Is There a Vegetarian Alternative to Shrimp?
Replace shrimp with firm tofu or king oyster mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. Slice them thickly for a meatier texture. Marinate in a bit of soy sauce before cooking to enhance flavor, maintaining that delightful garlic butter essence.
How Long Can Leftovers Be Stored in the Fridge?
You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to two days. Use an airtight container to retain flavor. When reheating, gently warm over medium heat to prevent overcooking, ensuring the shrimp remain tender and flavorful.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
Equipment
- Skillet
- Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
Ingredients
- 450 grams shrimp peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
- Stir in the remaining butter and lemon juice until fully melted and combined.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
