Description
Grilled Shrimp with Garlic Cream Sauce
Ingredients:
Shrimp (500g, peeled and deveined)
Olive Oil (2 tbsp)
Garlic (3 cloves)
Paprika (1 tsp)
Heavy Cream (1 cup)
Parsley (chopped)
Preparation Steps:
Grill shrimp seasoned with olive oil and paprika.
Prepare sauce by simmering garlic and cream until thickened.
Add parsley for a touch of freshness and pour over shrimp.
Perfect for date nights or special dinners! Would you make this? #ShrimpAndCream
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results. First, pat your peeled and deveined shrimp completely dry with paper towels. In a bowl, toss them with 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil, paprika, and a generous pinch of salt. Thread them onto skewers for easier grilling. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they are opaque and have nice grill marks. Remove and set aside. For the sauce, heat the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce coats the back of a spoon. Season with salt and pepper. Off the heat, stir in most of the chopped parsley.
Serving Suggestions
This rich and flavorful dish pairs beautifully with sides that can soak up the luxurious sauce. Serve the grilled shrimp and sauce over a bed of creamy polenta, fettuccine pasta, or fluffy white rice. For a lighter option, accompany it with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or with grilled asparagus or zucchini. Garnish the finished plate with the remaining fresh parsley and a light sprinkle of paprika for color.
How-to Summary
To summarize: Dry and season shrimp, then grill for 2-3 minutes per side. Separately, sauté garlic, simmer with cream until thickened, and finish with parsley. Combine the sauce with the grilled shrimp and serve immediately with your chosen sides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
No, milk will not thicken properly and can curdle. For a lighter alternative, try half-and-half, but the sauce will be thinner.
How do I prevent the shrimp from sticking to the grill?
Ensure the grill grates are very hot and well-oiled before adding the shrimp. Also, make sure the shrimp themselves are well-coated in oil.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce 1-2 days in advance. Reheat it gently on the stove, adding a small splash of cream to loosen it if necessary.
What if I don’t have a grill?
A grill pan works excellently. Alternatively, you can sauté the shrimp in a very hot skillet with a bit of oil for 1-2 minutes per side.
How can I tell when the shrimp are fully cooked?
Shrimp are done when they turn from translucent grey to opaque pinkish-white and form a loose “C” shape. Overcooking makes them rubbery.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the shrimp: They cook very quickly. Remove them from the heat as soon as they are opaque.
- Burning the garlic: Cook it on low heat just until fragrant. Burnt garlic will make the sauce bitter.
- Using wet shrimp: Failing to pat them dry prevents proper searing and can cause steaming.
- Not seasoning the sauce: Cream needs ample salt and pepper to enhance its flavor. Always taste and adjust.
Conclusion
This Grilled Shrimp with Garlic Cream Sauce is a deceptively simple yet impressively elegant dish. The combination of smoky, perfectly grilled shrimp with a rich, garlicky cream sauce is guaranteed to delight. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a restaurant-quality meal perfect for any special occasion. It’s a versatile recipe that invites personal touches, making it a worthy addition to your culinary repertoire.
