Description
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 cup cranberry sauce
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberry sauce, honey, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well and let it simmer for 5
minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the shrimp to the pan, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
Pour the cranberry glaze over the shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Let it cook for another minute, allowing the sauce to caramelize slightly.
Remove from heat, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp, and garnish with chopped parsley.
Serve immediately with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 180 kcal per serving
Servings: 4
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, honey, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently. Let it cook for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
4. Combine and Finish: Reduce the heat to medium. Pour the prepared cranberry glaze over the shrimp. Toss gently to coat every shrimp evenly and cook for an additional minute, allowing the sauce to caramelize slightly on the shrimp.
5. Final Touches: Remove the pan from heat. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This sweet and savory shrimp dish is incredibly versatile. For a complete meal, serve it over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious glaze. It also pairs wonderfully with zucchini noodles or mashed cauliflower for a low-carb option. A simple side of steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly.
How-to Summary
Quickly simmer cranberry sauce, honey, and soy into a glaze. Sauté garlic, then cook seasoned shrimp until pink. Toss shrimp with the glaze, finish with lemon juice and parsley, and serve hot with your chosen sides.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw frozen shrimp completely in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water. Pat them very dry with paper towels before cooking to ensure proper searing.
2. What can I substitute for cranberry sauce?
You can use orange marmalade, apricot preserves, or even a seedless raspberry jam. The flavor profile will change but will remain deliciously sweet-tart.
3. How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?
Shrimp are done when they turn opaque and pink and form a loose “C” shape. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery, so watch the time closely.
4. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. The cranberry glaze can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before using.
5. Is this recipe spicy?
The red pepper flakes add a mild, background heat. For a non-spicy version, simply omit them. For more heat, increase the amount to 1 teaspoon or add a dash of sriracha to the glaze.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: Cooking too many shrimp at once steams them instead of searing them. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Burning the Garlic: Garlic burns quickly and turns bitter. Sauté it only until fragrant (about 30 seconds) before adding the shrimp.
- Overcooking the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very fast. As soon as they are opaque and pink, they are done. Prolonged cooking makes them tough.
- Using Cold Shrimp: Adding icy-cold shrimp to the pan lowers the temperature and can lead to uneven cooking. Let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before cooking.
Conclusion
This Cranberry Glazed Shrimp recipe is a perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can create an extraordinary meal in just 20 minutes. The balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors is sure to impress, whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a dish for entertaining guests. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll achieve perfectly cooked shrimp coated in a glossy, flavorful glaze every time. Enjoy this quick, elegant, and delicious seafood dish.
