Garlic Butter Shrimp
Garlic butter shrimp is one of the easiest and tastiest dishes you can make at home. It’s packed with flavor, takes only minutes to prepare, and is perfect for any meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a special weekend treat, this dish will never disappoint. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen!
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What Makes Garlic Butter Shrimp a Must-Try Dish
Garlic butter shrimp is a must-try dish because it’s incredibly simple yet packed with bold flavors. This dish takes less than 15 minutes to make, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
The combination of garlic and butter enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness, creating a rich and savory taste. It’s also a highly versatile recipe—you can serve it over pasta, rice, or alongside fresh vegetables to suit your preference.
Additionally, shrimp is a great source of lean protein while being low in calories, making it a nutritious choice for any meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or an impressive dish for guests, garlic butter shrimp never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp
Start by preparing the shrimp. If using fresh shrimp, rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them properly by placing them in a bowl of cold water for 10-15 minutes or leaving them in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, pat them dry to prevent excess water from diluting the sauce.
Then, place a large pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter along with the olive oil. Once the butter has melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can turn bitter and affect the overall flavor of the dish.
Now, add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer, making sure they have enough space to cook evenly. Season them with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want a little spice. Allow the shrimp to cook for 2-3 minutes on one side, then turn them over and cook for another 2-3 minutes. You’ll know the shrimp is done when it turns pink, opaque, and slightly golden.
Reduce the heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan. Stir well, letting the butter melt and coat the shrimp in a flavorful garlic sauce. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp for a burst of brightness and mix well to distribute the flavors evenly.
To finish, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the shrimp for a pop of color and a touch of freshness. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes and enjoy a delicious, restaurant-quality garlic butter shrimp meal at home!
Signs Your Shrimp Is Ready to Eat
Cooking shrimp properly is key to achieving the best texture and flavor:
- Color Change: Raw shrimp is gray and translucent. When cooked, it turns pink and opaque.
- C-Shape: Perfectly cooked shrimp curls into a ‘C’ shape. If it forms a tight ‘O’ shape, it may be overcooked.
- Firm yet Tender: Cooked shrimp should be slightly firm to the touch but still tender and juicy.
- Internal Temperature: If using a thermometer, shrimp is safe to eat when it reaches 120°F (49°C).
Avoid overcooking shrimp so it doesn’t become tough and rubbery. If unsure, remove the shrimp from the heat slightly early since it will continue cooking from residual heat.
Easily Scale the Recipe for Smaller Portions
This recipe is flexible you can easily adapt it to your needs. If you’re cooking for one or two people, you can easily adjust the recipe without compromising on flavor. Here’s how:
- Use Half the Ingredients: Reduce the shrimp, butter, garlic, and seasonings by half to make a smaller portion.
- Adjust Cooking Time: With fewer shrimp in the pan, they may cook a little faster, so keep an eye on them.
- Store Leftovers: If you have extra shrimp, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat gently.
- Use Frozen Shrimp in Small Batches: If you buy shrimp in bulk, just thaw the amount you need for a single meal.
frequently asked questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
What’s the best way to prevent shrimp from turning rubbery?
Overcooked shrimp becomes tough and rubbery. To keep your shrimp tender and juicy, follow these tips:
- Cook on medium heat – High heat can cause the shrimp to overcook.
- Watch the color – Shrimp should turn pink and opaque. As soon as they do, they’re ready!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – Cook shrimp in a single layer so they cook evenly.
- Remove from heat immediately – Shrimp continue to cook slightly even after being removed from the pan.
Can I add extra ingredients to enhance the flavor?
Garlic butter shrimp is a simple dish, but you can add extra ingredients for more flavor. Here are some great options:
- Parmesan cheese – Sprinkle grated parmesan for a rich, cheesy taste.
- White wine – Add a splash of white wine while cooking the shrimp for extra depth.
- Honey or brown sugar – A touch of sweetness balances the garlic and butter.
- Cherry tomatoes – Sauté some cherry tomatoes for a fresh, tangy twist.
- Spinach or kale – Add greens for a nutritious boost.
What side dishes pair well with garlic butter shrimp?
Garlic butter shrimp is versatile and pairs well with many side dishes. Here are some great options:
- Pasta – Toss the shrimp with cooked pasta for a quick and easy meal.
- Rice – Serve over white or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Garlic bread – A crusty garlic bread makes a perfect side.
- Steamed vegetables – Broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini add freshness to the meal.
- Mashed potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes complement the buttery shrimp.
Conclusion
Garlic butter shrimp is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special meal, it’s guaranteed to impress. Plus, with its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a great recipe to keep in your collection of easy shrimp recipes. So, try this garlic butter shrimp recipe today and enjoy a delicious meal in minutes!
