Garlic buttered shrimp recipe

Instructions: How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

If you haven’t already, peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on or off, depending on your preference. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Dry shrimp cook better and don’t release excess water into the pan, allowing them to sear properly.

Step 2: Heat the Butter and Oil

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and begins to bubble, it’s time to add the garlic.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté it for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until it becomes fragrant and golden brown. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes on the first side. Once the shrimp turn pink and opaque, flip them over to cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes. Shrimp cook very quickly, so be sure not to overcook them — they should be tender and juicy.

Step 5: Add the Final Touches

Once the shrimp are cooked through, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan, allowing it to melt and combine with the garlic and shrimp juices. Stir everything together until the shrimp are well-coated in the buttery garlic sauce.

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp, and sprinkle with red pepper flakes (if using) and fresh parsley for an added burst of flavor and color.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the garlic butter shrimp to a plate, and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side. This dish is perfect on its own or paired with a variety of sides, such as pasta, rice, steamed vegetables, or a simple green salad.

Pro Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: If you’re making a large batch, cook the shrimp in batches. Overcrowding the pan will steam the shrimp rather than sear them, which affects the texture.
• Use fresh shrimp: For the best flavor and texture, try to use fresh shrimp whenever possible. If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
• Adjust the garlic: If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add more minced garlic to the recipe. Conversely, if you’re sensitive to garlic, you can reduce the amount to suit your taste.
• Add extra flavor: For a touch of Mediterranean flair, you can add some capers, olives, or a handful of chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the pan. For a more Asian-inspired twist, try adding a splash of soy sauce or fish sauce.

Variations You Can Try

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta:
Turn this dish into a full meal by tossing the garlic butter shrimp with cooked pasta. A linguine or spaghetti would pair beautifully with the sauce. You can even add a touch of grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra richness.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Tacos:
For a fun twist, serve the garlic butter shrimp in soft corn or flour tortillas. Add a slaw made of shredded cabbage, a drizzle of creamy sauce, and a squeeze of lime juice for a refreshing and flavorful taco.

Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp:
If you love heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a finely chopped jalapeño or chili pepper to the garlic butter sauce. This will give your shrimp a spicy kick that complements the buttery richness.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic butter shrimp can be enjoyed in various ways:

• As an appetizer: Serve the shrimp as a tapas-style appetizer with a side of crusty bread for dipping in the garlic butter sauce.
• On a bed of rice: Spoon the garlic butter shrimp over steamed white or brown rice for a satisfying and simple meal.
• With roasted vegetables: Pair it with roasted veggies like asparagus, broccoli, or baby potatoes for a complete and nutritious dinner.
• With a fresh salad: A light, refreshing salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the garlic butter shrimp, creating a well-rounded meal.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Garlic buttered shrimp is the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make, full of flavor, and versatile enough to suit any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a special dinner or simply craving something delicious, this recipe will deliver a satisfying meal in no time. The rich, savory garlic butter sauce enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp, creating a bite-sized burst of flavor that you’ll want to savor every time.

So, the next time you’re in the mood for seafood, give this garlic butter shrimp recipe a try. With just a few ingredients and a short cooking time, you’ll have a dish that’s sure to impress — no matter who’s at your dinner table!