Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe is a quick and delicious dish that will impress your family and friends. Perfectly cooked shrimp are tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce, making it a delectable meal that pairs wonderfully with rice or pasta.
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. The combination of garlic and butter creates a rich flavor that complements the shrimp perfectly. Serve it over a bed of rice or alongside some crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich garlic and buttery flavor that enhances the shrimp
- Quick to prepare, ready in just 20 minutes
- Perfect for a cozy dinner or entertaining guests
The Perfect Pairings
Garlic Butter Shrimp is incredibly versatile, making it an ideal choice for a variety of meals. Whether you're serving it over a bed of fluffy rice, mixed into al dente pasta, or alongside a fresh garden salad, this dish adapts beautifully. The rich garlic butter sauce clings to whatever you choose, enhancing the flavors and creating a satisfying meal.
For a heartier option, consider pairing the shrimp with roasted vegetables or a creamy risotto. The combination of textures and flavors will elevate your dining experience, impressing both family and guests alike. Plus, it’s easy to customize your sides based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.
Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Shrimp
To achieve the best results, ensure your shrimp are fresh or properly thawed if frozen. Avoid overcooking the shrimp, as they can turn rubbery; they are done when they turn pink and opaque. Timing is crucial, so have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.
Don’t hesitate to adjust the garlic and seasoning to your liking. If you love a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. This dish can be easily tailored to suit your taste preferences, ensuring a delightful experience every time.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, storing them properly is key to maintaining their flavor and texture. Allow the shrimp to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop to avoid overcooking.
For a quick reheat, consider adding a splash of water or broth to the skillet to keep the shrimp moist. You can also use the microwave, but be cautious to heat in short intervals to prevent them from becoming tough.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Shrimp
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Make sure to have all ingredients ready before you start cooking.
Instructions
Prepare the Shrimp
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
Serve
Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Enjoy your Garlic Butter Shrimp with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad!
Nutritional Benefits
Shrimp is a lean source of protein, making it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a balanced diet. It's low in calories yet high in essential nutrients, including iodine, selenium, and vitamin B12. This Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but also contributes to your overall health.
The garlic in this dish is renowned for its health benefits, including boosting the immune system and reducing blood pressure. Combined with healthy fats from the butter, this meal can be both indulgent and nourishing.
Variations to Try
Experimenting with different flavor profiles can elevate your Garlic Butter Shrimp experience. For a Mediterranean twist, add sun-dried tomatoes and olives to the skillet. Alternatively, a splash of white wine before adding the shrimp can create a delightful depth of flavor.
If you're a fan of Asian cuisine, consider incorporating soy sauce and ginger into the mix. Toss in some vegetables like bell peppers or bok choy for a complete one-pan meal that’s as colorful as it is delicious.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
→ What can I serve with garlic butter shrimp?
It's delicious over rice, pasta, or with a side of crusty bread.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
→ Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! Add some red pepper flakes or chopped chili peppers to the garlic butter for a spicy kick.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe is a quick and delicious dish that will impress your family and friends. Perfectly cooked shrimp are tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce, making it a delectable meal that pairs wonderfully with rice or pasta.
Created by: Ruby Lawson
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Garlic Butter Shrimp
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How-To Steps
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 4g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 26g