Garlic Butter Shrimp
Garlic Butter Shrimp is a quick, flavorful dish that packs a punch of savory goodness. With tender shrimp in a rich, buttery garlic sauce, it’s the ideal meal for any occasion.
Ready in just minutes, this dish brings together simple ingredients like butter, garlic, and lemon to create a mouthwatering sauce. The shrimp cook to perfection, delivering a succulent, satisfying bite every time.
Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a delightful appetizer for your next gathering, this garlic butter shrimp is sure to impress. It’s a fast and easy recipe that never sacrifices flavor!
Garlic Butter Shrimp Ingredients
Plump, tender shrimp serve as the star of this dish, absorbing the rich flavors of the garlic butter sauce.
Butter adds a luxurious, silky texture, perfectly complementing the shrimp’s delicate sweetness.
Italian seasoning brings an aromatic depth, while the bright zest of lemon enhances the dish with a refreshing burst of citrus.
Garlic Butter Shrimp: Recipe Tips
- Choose the Right Shrimp Size: For the best texture and flavor, opt for large shrimp, around 16-20 count per pound. These shrimp cook quickly and absorb the garlic butter sauce perfectly, giving you the ideal balance of tenderness and juiciness.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp can become tough and rubbery if overcooked. Keep a close eye on them while cooking; once they turn pink and opaque, they’re done. The cooking time is usually around 3-5 minutes, depending on the size of your shrimp.
- Customize the Garlic Flavor: If you love garlic, feel free to add more minced garlic to the dish for extra flavor. Just make sure to cook it gently to avoid burning, as garlic can become bitter when overcooked. You can also experiment with adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Garlic Bread: Pair your garlic butter shrimp with a warm, crusty garlic bread. The bread soaks up the rich butter sauce, creating a satisfying balance with the shrimp. Serve it with a light drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of parsley for extra flavor.
- Lemon Herb Rice: A fresh lemon herb rice complements the shrimp perfectly, offering a light yet flavorful base that absorbs the garlic and lemon sauce. The slight tang from the lemon in the rice balances the richness of the shrimp for a well-rounded meal.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli make for a great side dish. The natural crunch and freshness of the vegetables offer a nice contrast to the buttery shrimp, enhancing the dish with a touch of greenery.
FAQ: Garlic Butter Shrimp
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but be sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking. Pat them dry to avoid excess moisture, which can dilute the sauce.
2. Can I make this dish in advance?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the shrimp and sauce in advance, then reheat gently before serving. Just be careful not to overcook the shrimp when reheating.
3. How can I make the sauce spicier?
For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce along with the garlic. Start with a small amount, then adjust to taste.
4. Can I substitute the butter for something else?
If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative, although the flavor will be slightly different.
Garlic Butter Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp 16-20 count, peeled, deveined, and tails removed, if preferred
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2-3 teaspoons minced garlic adjust according to taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of one lemon
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
- Begin by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted, add the shrimp to the pan and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook the shrimp for approximately 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are fully pink and opaque.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to infuse the butter.
- Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and chopped parsley, then serve immediately.
