Introduction
Transform humble shrimp into a flavor explosion with this incredibly easy Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe! It’s the perfect weeknight dinner, ready in under 20 minutes, and guaranteed to impress your family (and yourself!). Get ready for a burst of garlicky, buttery goodness that’s both satisfying and light.
Why This Works
This recipe works because it’s ridiculously simple, uses readily available ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The balance of savory garlic butter with the delicate sweetness of shrimp is a classic combination that always wins. Plus, it’s a great source of protein, making it a healthy and delicious choice for any meal.
Key Ingredients
🍤 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
🧈 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
🧄 4 cloves garlic, minced
🌿 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
🍋 1 tablespoon lemon juice
🧂 1/2 teaspoon salt
⚫ 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely.
2️⃣ Melt the Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Don’t let it burn!
3️⃣ Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will make it bitter.
4️⃣ Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and are cooked through.
5️⃣ Add Flavor: Stir in the lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
6️⃣ Garnish & Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve immediately over rice, pasta, or with a side salad.
Handy Tips
- Use high-quality butter for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the shrimp. Cook them in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
- If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can use dried parsley (use about 1 teaspoon).
Heat Control
Medium heat is crucial for this recipe. High heat will burn the butter and garlic before the shrimp is cooked through. Low heat will result in soggy shrimp. Keep a close eye on the pan and adjust the heat as needed.
Crunch Factor
While this recipe isn’t focused on crunch, the perfectly cooked shrimp offer a delightful snap when you bite into them.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
- A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end adds a bright, zesty note.
- Pre-mincing your garlic the night before saves time!
Storage Tips
Store leftover Garlic Butter Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This dish isn’t typically gifted, but if you’re making it for a potluck, a simple, attractive container will do.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
🌟 Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi: Add a splash of white wine to the skillet along with the lemon juice.
🌟 Lemon Herb Garlic Butter Shrimp: Add 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh dill or thyme along with the parsley.
🌟 Garlic Butter Shrimp with Parmesan: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the shrimp during the last minute of cooking.
Troubleshooting
- Shrimp are rubbery: This usually means they were overcooked. Cook them for a shorter time next time.
- Garlic is burnt: Reduce the heat and pay closer attention next time you sauté the garlic. Don’t let the butter brown too much before adding the garlic.
- Shrimp are not browning: Ensure the shrimp are patted dry before cooking. If you are cooking too many shrimp in one pan, they’ll steam instead of brown.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
- What kind of rice pairs well with this dish? Plain white rice or even a flavorful coconut rice.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? It’s best served immediately, but you can cook the shrimp ahead and reheat gently before serving.
- What other vegetables can I add? Spinach or cherry tomatoes added at the end would be delicious!
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe is a true winner, guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters! It’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. Give it a try and let us know what you think – share your photos and reviews on RateMyRecipes! Enjoy!
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Garlic Butter Shrimp
A delicious and easy-to-make garlic butter shrimp recipe that will leave you craving for more.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked rice or pasta for serving
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sautu00e9 for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Stir in the paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the lemon juice and fresh parsley.
- Serve the garlic butter shrimp over cooked rice or pasta.
Tips
- For extra flavor, marinate the shrimp in the garlic butter mixture for 15-20 minutes before cooking.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.