If you’ve ever craved a dish that is both satisfying and easy to whip up, garlic butter shrimp should definitely be on your radar. This recipe combines the richness of butter with the zest of fresh garlic and the bright freshness of lemon juice, creating a symphony of flavors that complement succulent shrimp perfectly. Imagine a busy evening when you want something delicious yet quick; this garlic butter shrimp recipe is here to save the day.
Why We Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
There’s so much to love about garlic butter shrimp! First, this dish highlights shrimp that’s perfectly cooked and infused with the rich flavors of butter, garlic, and herbs. It’s a meal that showcases simple ingredients transforming into something extraordinary.
Additionally, garlic butter shrimp is loved for its swift cooking time. You can prepare a stunning meal in about 15 minutes, making it perfect for those who have a busy schedule. It’s also family-friendly; the delightful medley of flavors is likely to appeal to adults and children alike.
You can customize this dish to your preferences, choosing different spices or herbs based on your taste. Plus, garlic butter shrimp fits perfectly into many dietary habits, whether you’re gluten-free, low-carb, or simply trying to eat healthier.
Ingredients about Garlic Butter Shrimp
To make your garlic butter shrimp, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you will need:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2-3 teaspoons minced garlic
- Juice of one lemon
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Directions
To prepare your garlic butter shrimp, follow these straightforward steps. You will be amazed at how quickly you can create a mouthwatering dish.
Melt the Butter: Start by placing 4 tablespoons of butter in a large pan. Heat this on medium-high heat until the butter melts completely. Watch for it to foam, signaling it’s ready for the shrimp.
Add the Shrimp: Once the butter is melted, add the 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp into the pan. Ensure the shrimp are spread across the pan in a single layer, allowing even cooking.
Seasoning: Sprinkle salt and pepper over the shrimp. Follow this with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. The seasoning adds an herbaceous depth that elevates the dish.
Cook the Shrimp: Cook the shrimp for about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir occasionally so that they cook evenly. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp can become tough if left on heat for too long.
Add Garlic: When the shrimp are almost ready, add 2-3 teaspoons of minced garlic to the pan. Cook for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant without burning.
Finish with Lemon and Parsley: Off the heat, squeeze the juice of one lemon over the shrimp and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley. This will add brightness and color to your dish.
Serve: Your garlic butter shrimp is now ready! Serve it hot, and enjoy the delightful mix of flavors.
This easy-to-follow method makes garlic butter shrimp a go-to recipe for both novice and experienced cooks alike.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp
Once you’ve plated your delicious garlic butter shrimp, consider how to serve it for the best experience. Here are a few serving suggestions:
Over Pasta: Serve the shrimp over a bed of spaghetti, fettuccine, or any pasta of your choice. The buttery sauce clings to the pasta, enhancing every bite.
With Rice: A serving of fluffy rice (white, brown, or jasmine) provides a perfect base for the garlic butter shrimp. The rice absorbs the flavors beautifully.
As an Appetizer: Portion the shrimp into small servings for a delightful appetizer. Pair it with slices of crusty bread to soak up the delectable garlic butter sauce.
With Vegetables: Serve alongside steamed or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. The freshness of the vegetables perfectly complements the richness of the shrimp.
On a Salad: Toss the shrimp onto a fresh salad. Drizzling some of the sauce over the greens can elevate your salad and make it more filling.
With these serving ideas in mind, you can create a stunning meal that suits any occasion, be it a casual family dinner or a special gathering.
Expert Tips: Garlic Butter Shrimp
To ensure that your garlic butter shrimp turns out perfect every time, consider these expert tips:
Quality Shrimp: Choose fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp. Shell-on shrimp can provide more flavor, but peeling and deveining them will make cooking easier.
Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook quickly. Remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque to avoid tough, rubbery shrimp.
Use Fresh Garlic: While minced garlic in a jar is convenient, fresh garlic provides a more robust flavor. For an extra kick, you can smash and chop your garlic instead of mincing.
Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to modify the seasoning to your taste. If you prefer a more robust flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or a sprinkle of lemon zest for added brightness.
Fresh Herbs: Always opt for fresh parsley if you can. Dried herbs just don’t compare to fresh when it comes to flavor and presentation.
These tips will help you create the best garlic butter shrimp, ensuring a delightful dish every time you prepare it.
How to Store Garlic Butter Shrimp
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare but can happen), here’s how to properly store your garlic butter shrimp:
Refrigerate: Allow the shrimp to cool slightly before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator, where it should last up to 2 days.
Reheat Carefully: Reheating can dry out shrimp, so it’s best to do this gently. Use a skillet over low heat, or heat it briefly in the microwave, covered to retain moisture.
Freezing: While it’s preferable to consume this dish fresh, you can freeze it for up to a month. Store in a freezer-safe container, and be aware that the texture may change slightly upon thawing.
Storing garlic butter shrimp correctly will help you enjoy this dish beyond the initial serving, letting you savor the flavors again.
Variation of Garlic Butter Shrimp
Though there is something special about the classic garlic butter shrimp, experimenting with variations can keep things interesting. Here are some ideas to modify this recipe:
Lemon Garlic Shrimp: Increase the amount of lemon juice and add lemon zest for a more pronounced citrus flavor.
Spicy Garlic Shrimp: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the butter while cooking for a spicy kick.
Creamy Garlic Shrimp: Stir in a splash of heavy cream after adding garlic for a rich, creamy sauce.
Herb-Infused Butter: Experiment by infusing the butter with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary before adding the shrimp for added flavor.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Tacos: Serve the cooked shrimp in corn tortillas with your favorite toppings like diced avocado, salsa, and lime for a fun twist.
These variations keep the dish dynamic, allowing you to create a fresh experience even with the same basic recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I serve with garlic butter shrimp?
You can serve garlic butter shrimp over pasta, rice, or with a side of steamed vegetables. It also works well as an appetizer with crusty bread to soak up the sauce or on top of a fresh salad.
How long does it take to make garlic butter shrimp?
You can make garlic butter shrimp in 15 minutes or less! It’s a quick and easy dish perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining.
Can I use frozen shrimp for garlic butter shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just ensure to thaw them properly before cooking for the best results.
How do I ensure my shrimp is tender and not rubbery?
To avoid rubbery shrimp, cook them only until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking can lead to a tough texture, so keep a close eye on them while cooking.
Garlic Butter Shrimp
Equipment
- Large Pan
- Measuring Spoons
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp butter
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2-3 tsp minced garlic
- 1 Juice of one lemon
- 1 Tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
- Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large pan over medium-high heat until foamy.
- Add 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp, spreading them in a single layer.
- Season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
- Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque, stirring occasionally.
- Add 2-3 teaspoons of minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Off the heat, squeeze the juice of one lemon over the shrimp and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
- Serve the garlic butter shrimp hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
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