Description
Garlic Butter Shrimp
Ingredients
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp paprika
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Prep the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Sauté Garlic: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring to avoid burning.
Cook Shrimp: Add shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
Add Lemon: Stir in lemon juice and sprinkle fresh parsley over the shrimp. Cook for another minute to combine flavors.
Serve: Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy over rice, pasta, or as a standalone appetizer!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 16 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 210 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp every time. Start by ensuring your shrimp are thoroughly patted dry; this is crucial for a good sear. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once foaming subsides, add the minced garlic. Cook for exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly—garlic burns easily and turns bitter. Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the shrimp in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t crowded. Cook undisturbed for 2 minutes, then flip each shrimp. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until they are pink, opaque, and curled. Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the lemon juice and parsley, letting the residual heat create the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile dish pairs beautifully with various sides. For a classic meal, serve over a bed of fluffy white rice, angel hair pasta, or creamy polenta to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce. For a low-carb option, try it with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. As an appetizer, present the shrimp in a bowl with crusty bread for dipping. Garnish with extra parsley and a lemon wedge for a bright, fresh finish.
How-to Summary
To make Garlic Butter Shrimp: Dry shrimp and season. Sauté garlic in butter briefly. Cook shrimp 2-3 minutes per side. Finish with lemon juice and parsley. Serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes. Thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight, then pat them extremely dry. Excess water will steam the shrimp instead of searing them.
How do I know when the shrimp are done? Shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and opaque and form a loose “C” shape. An overcooked shrimp forms a tight “O” and becomes rubbery.
Can I make this ahead of time? It’s best served immediately. However, you can prep the ingredients (mince garlic, chop parsley, zest lemon) in advance to speed up cooking.
What can I substitute for parsley? Fresh cilantro, chives, or basil make excellent herb substitutions, each offering a different flavor profile.
Is the shrimp shell on or off? This recipe calls for peeled and deveined shrimp for easy eating. You can cook with shells on for more flavor, but increase cook time slightly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Drying the Shrimp: This prevents proper browning and causes the shrimp to steam.
- Burning the Garlic: Cook garlic only until fragrant (about 1 minute) over medium heat. Burnt garlic tastes bitter.
- Overcrowding the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure each shrimp sears properly.
- Overcooking: Shrimp cook very quickly. Remove them from the heat as soon as they turn opaque to avoid a rubbery texture.
- Using Pre-Minced Jarred Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a far superior flavor and aroma.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Shrimp is the epitome of a quick, elegant, and flavor-packed meal. With just a handful of simple ingredients and under 20 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that impresses family or guests. Mastering the simple techniques of proper searing and not overcooking the garlic or shrimp will guarantee delicious results every time. This recipe’s flexibility makes it a perfect go-to for busy weeknights or a special occasion centerpiece.