Shrimp Garlic Butter: Quick and flavorful Recipe

Shrimp Garlic Butter Recipe

Shrimp garlic butter combines the delicate sweetness of shrimp with rich, savory garlic butter. This quick and indulgent dish is perfect for seafood lovers, offering restaurant-quality flavors in just 20 minutes. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian, Italian-American

Servings 4 peoples

Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
• Lemon wedges for garnish

Optional

• 1 tablespoon grated Pecorino Romano cheese
• Freshly grated lemon zest

Instructions

 

• Rinse 1 lb of shrimp under cold water and pat dry. Ensure they’re peeled and deveined. Drying the shrimp helps them cook evenly and prevents excess water in the pan.
• Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 5 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
• Place the shrimp in the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
• Lower the heat to medium-low and add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt and gently toss the shrimp in the buttery garlic sauce. Add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and stir for about 1 minute to combine.
• Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley over the shrimp. Stir gently and serve immediately, garnished with lemon wedges.

Notes

• Use fresh shrimp for best results.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp to avoid rubbery texture.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to control spiciness.

 

Twists and Variations

 

• Shrimp and Zoodles: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles for a low-carb twist.
• Cajun Style: Add Cajun seasoning for a spicy Southern kick.
• Shrimp Skewers: Grill shrimp on skewers and brush with garlic butter while cooking.
• Creamy Sauce: Add 1/4 cup of heavy cream to the sauce for richness.

 

Tips for Perfecting

 

• Use cold butter to create a stable sauce.
• Medium heat prevents shrimp from becoming rubbery.
• Toss shrimp in a light flour coating for a crispier texture.

Starting

Shrimp garlic butter is a beloved dish that combines the delicate sweetness of shrimp with the rich, savory flavors of butter and garlic. It’s the perfect meal for seafood lovers who want something quick yet indulgent. This recipe has all the makings of an impressive dinner but with minimal effort, making it ideal for a weeknight meal or even a special occasion. With its vibrant, buttery sauce and tender shrimp, it’s no wonder this recipe is a classic in many households across the U.S. Whether cooking for family or hosting a small dinner party, this shrimp garlic butter dish brings restaurant-quality dining to your home. Plus, with fresh ingredients and simple techniques, it’s easy to master. Let’s dive into how to prepare this dish, ensuring you achieve the perfect balance of flavors every time.

Preparation Time and Total Duration

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Total Duration: 20 minutes

This recipe is not only delicious but quick to whip up. You’ll spend just a few minutes prepping ingredients and another few minutes cooking, so it’s ideal for anyone with a busy schedule.

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil Check here how to choose your olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges (for garnish)

Optional additions:

• 1 tablespoon grated Pecorino Romano cheese (for added flavor)
• Freshly grated lemon zest for extra citrusy notes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the shrimp
   • Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps prevent the shrimp from becoming too watery during cooking. You can use large or jumbo shrimp depending on your preference, but make sure they are peeled and deveined to save time.
2. Sauté the garlic
   • In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will turn bitter.
3. Add the shrimp
   • Once the garlic is fragrant, carefully place the shrimp into the skillet. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook the shrimp for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, or until they become pink and opaque.
4. Incorporate the butter
   • When the shrimp are almost fully cooked, reduce the heat to low and add the unsalted butter to the pan. Allow the butter to melt, then gently toss the shrimp in the buttery sauce until they’re fully coated. Add the lemon juice for a slight tang, which balances out the richness of the butter.
5. Finish with parsley
   • Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the shrimp, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, giving it a fresh, vibrant flavor. Stir everything together for another minute, allowing the ingredients to meld together.
6. Serve
   • Transfer the shrimp garlic butter to a serving dish and garnish with lemon wedges. The citrusy zing enhances the buttery, garlicky goodness of the shrimp.

Serving Suggestions

Shrimp garlic butter is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides. Here are some serving ideas to make your meal complete:

• Pasta: Serve the shrimp over a bed of linguine or fettuccine for a hearty meal. You can toss the pasta in the garlic butter sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
• Rice: A fluffy white rice or garlic butter rice can be the perfect base to soak up the sauce.
• Vegetables: Sautéed spinach, roasted asparagus, or steamed broccoli complement the richness of the shrimp.
• Crusty bread: Serve with a slice of toasted baguette or garlic bread to mop up the buttery sauce.

For a more gourmet touch, you can create a surf-and-turf-style meal by pairing the shrimp with a simple grilled steak. The rich garlic butter from the shrimp complements the flavors of the steak, making for a restaurant-worthy meal. This pairing is particularly popular for celebratory dinners or when you want to impress guests.

Storage Recommendations

If you have any leftovers (though that’s rare with this dish!), here’s how you can store them:

• Refrigeration: Store the shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them gently on the stovetop with a little extra butter to keep the shrimp tender.
• Freezing: While it’s possible to freeze shrimp, the butter sauce may separate when thawed. If you plan to freeze, do so without the sauce, and add fresh butter and garlic when reheating.

Nutritional Information

Serving Size: 1 portion (4 servings total)

• Calories: 300
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Sodium: 500mg

This dish is high in protein and offers a good source of healthy fats. It’s low in carbs, making it a great option for those following a low-carb or keto-friendly diet. The butter adds richness, while the shrimp provide lean protein, making this dish a balanced meal. If you’re looking to make it even lighter, consider using a low-fat butter substitute or reducing the amount of butter used in the recipe. However, keep in mind that the butter is key to the dish’s flavor.

Notes

• Use fresh shrimp if possible: Fresh shrimp will give the best flavor and texture, but if you can’t find fresh shrimp, frozen is also fine—just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, so keep an eye on them. Once they turn pink and opaque, they’re done.
• Control the heat: If you prefer your dish less spicy, you can omit the red pepper flakes or adjust the amount to taste.

History and Culture

The combination of butter and garlic is a classic in many cuisines, but when paired with shrimp, it evokes the rich coastal flavors of Mediterranean and Italian cooking. Shrimp scampi, which closely resembles this recipe, is a famous Italian-American dish often served with pasta. Though the original Italian dish was made with langoustines (also called scampi), the American version substituted shrimp and became a staple in many U.S. households and restaurants. Garlic and butter are universally loved ingredients, so it’s no surprise that this dish has become a favorite, not just in Italian-American communities but across the country. Its simplicity and elegance make it perfect for both casual and formal dining.

In the U.S., shrimp garlic butter has become a go-to dish for seafood lovers. It’s especially popular in coastal regions where fresh shrimp is abundant. Whether served in a high-end restaurant or made at home, this dish has a long-standing place in American seafood cuisine. Over time, it has evolved with variations that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences, all while maintaining its core ingredients of shrimp, garlic, and butter.

Variations and Modern Twists

• Shrimp and Zoodles: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles for a lighter, low-carb version of shrimp garlic butter.
• Cajun Shrimp Garlic Butter: Add a tablespoon of Cajun seasoning for a spicy Southern twist.
• Shrimp Garlic Butter Skewers: For a summer barbecue, thread the shrimp onto skewers and grill them. Brush the garlic butter over the shrimp as they cook.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp: Add 1/4 cup of heavy cream to the pan after the butter has melted for a richer, creamier sauce.
• Shrimp and Mushroom Garlic Butter: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the garlic for an earthy, savory addition to the dish. The mushrooms absorb the butter and garlic, creating a flavorful combination that pairs well with the shrimp.

Tips for Perfecting

• Use cold butter: Cold butter helps create a more stable emulsion, giving the sauce a creamy consistency rather than separating.
• Fresh ingredients make a difference: Fresh garlic, parsley, and shrimp will elevate the flavor of this dish significantly.
• Toss the shrimp in flour first (optional): Lightly tossing the shrimp in flour before cooking gives the shrimp a slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
• Cook shrimp at medium heat: Cooking shrimp at too high a temperature can cause them to become rubbery. Medium heat ensures they cook evenly while staying tender.

By following these tips and tricks, you’ll have a perfectly cooked, flavorful shrimp garlic butter dish every time. For those who enjoy meal prep, you can even make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just reheat the sauce and add freshly cooked shrimp for an even quicker meal. Whether you’re making this for a casual weeknight dinner or a more upscale event, shrimp garlic butter is sure to impress!

This shrimp garlic butter recipe brings together the best of simple ingredients and sophisticated flavors. With minimal prep and cooking time, it’s a dish that can easily become part of your regular dinner rotation, offering both convenience and deliciousness. Enjoy!

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