Description
“Garlic Butter Shrimp in Creamy Sauce
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Ingredients
1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt & black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Prepare the Shrimp:
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Cook the Shrimp:
Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and slightly golden. Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Pour in heavy cream and stir well. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Add Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine:
Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss in the creamy sauce until well coated.
Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm as an appetizer or over rice or pasta for a main dish.
Enjoy this rich and flavorful shrimp dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results. First, ensure your shrimp are thoroughly patted dry; this is crucial for a good sear. In your skillet, heat the oil and first portion of butter until shimmering but not smoking. Add the shrimp in a single layer, ensuring they are not crowded. Cook undisturbed for the full 2 minutes to develop color. After flipping, cook just until pink and opaque, then immediately transfer to a plate. For the sauce, after sautéing the garlic, slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring to incorporate the pan drippings. Let the cream simmer gently to reduce slightly before adding the Parmesan off the direct heat, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile dish can be served in several ways. For a light meal, serve it as an appetizer with crusty bread for dipping. To make it a hearty main course, spoon it over a bed of freshly cooked pasta like fettuccine or linguine, or serve atop steamed white rice or creamy mashed potatoes. For a low-carb option, pair it with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. A simple side salad with a lemon vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the sauce.
How-to Summary
Quick summary: Dry shrimp, season, and sear for 2 minutes per side. Remove. In the same pan, sauté garlic in butter, add cream and simmer. Off heat, stir in Parmesan until thickened. Return shrimp to coat, garnish, and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat them extremely dry to prevent watering down the sauce.
What can I substitute for heavy cream? Half-and-half can be used for a lighter sauce, but it will not thicken as much. Full-fat coconut milk is a great dairy-free alternative.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling? Keep the heat at a gentle simmer when adding the cream and melt the Parmesan off the direct heat. Do not boil the sauce after adding the cheese.
Can I make this ahead of time? It’s best served fresh. The sauce can thicken upon standing; reheat it gently with a small splash of cream or broth to loosen it.
How can I add more flavor? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for heat, or finish the sauce with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a teaspoon of its zest for brightness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the shrimp: They cook quickly and will become rubbery if left in the pan too long. Remove them as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
- Not drying the shrimp: Excess moisture will steam the shrimp instead of searing them and will thin out your sauce.
- Burning the garlic: Sauté it only until fragrant (about 30-60 seconds) over medium heat. Burnt garlic will make the sauce bitter.
- Adding cheese to boiling sauce: High heat can cause the Parmesan to clump or make the sauce grainy. Always reduce the heat or turn it off before stirring in the cheese.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Shrimp in Creamy Sauce is a deceptively simple yet impressively flavorful dish that is perfect for both weeknight dinners and entertaining. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in under 20 minutes. Its rich, garlicky, and creamy profile pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, making it a reliable and delicious recipe to add to your regular rotation. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!