What is a weeknight dinner? You know, those nights when you stare blankly into the fridge, wondering how you’re going to sleep? How do I make something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen?What is Garlic Butter shrimp?What are some of my favorite recipes? Is this one of those dishes that feels incredibly fancy, like something you’d order at a restaurant? Is it faster than you can say “takeout”. If you love the simplicity of shrimp scampi but want something even more flavorful and comforting, try this recipe. Is there a way to try this? Is it addictive?
What is garlic butter shrimp?
Think of it as Shrimp Scampi‘s cooler, more flavorful cousin. It’s essentially perfectly cooked shrimp swimming in a luscious sauce made with garlic, butter, white wine (or broth!), and a hint of lemon. The magic really happens when all those flavors meld together, creating a sauce that’s rich, garlicky, and totally irresistible. Some people like to add a little red pepper flake for a touch of heat, and honestly, I’m one of them! It elevates the whole dish. This isn’t just throwing some shrimp in a pan; it’s about creating a symphony of flavors in minutes!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start?What is Garlic Butter shrimp? recipe is a winner for so many reasons.
* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of garlic, butter, and lemon is just divine. It’s savory, bright, and slightly tangy all at the same time. Seriously, you’ll be licking your plate clean!
* **Seriously Simple:** This recipe is SO easy. I’m talking 15 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for those nights when you’re exhausted but still want a home-cooked meal.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Shrimp can be a bit pricey, but you don’t need a ton for this recipe. Plus, the other ingredients are pantry staples that you probably already have on hand. This one is light on the pocket.
* **Super Versatile:** You can serve this garlic butter shrimp over pasta, rice, zucchini noodles, or even just with some crusty bread for dipping. The possibilities are endless! My personal favorite is with linguine. There is something about the pairing that makes me want to dance with a full stomach.
What I love most about this is that it feels like a special-occasion dish, but it’s easy enough to make any night of the week. It’s also a fantastic recipe to have in your back pocket for entertaining. Trust me, your guests will be impressed!
How do I make garlic butter shrimp?
Quick Overview
What is the beauty of this world?What is garlic butter shrimp? lies in its simplicity. You’ll start by sautéing some garlic in butter (obviously!). Then, you’ll add the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque. Finally, you’ll deglaze the pan with white wine (or broth) and stir in some lemon juice and parsley. That’s it! Seriously, it’s that easy. The trick is to not overcook the shrimp – nobody wants rubbery shrimp!
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Shrimp: For a vegetarian: 1
* 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (I prefer to leave the tails on, but that’s just me!)
* 4 tablespoons butter, divided (I use salted, but unsalted works too, just add a pinch of salt)
* 4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best!)
* 1/4 cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) or chicken broth
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed (makes a big difference!)
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, but highly recommended!)
* Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Extras:
* A squeeze of honey to cut through the acid and add a touch of sweetness
* A knob of butter at the end to emulsify the sauce and make it extra creamy
* A splash of heavy cream or half-and-half for a richer sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Shrimp
What are some tips for peeled shrimp? How do you cook a chicken breast? Season generously with salt and pepper. I sometimes add a dash of garlic powder here too. Is it bad to double down on garlic?
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, or it will become bitter.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the shrimp will steam instead of sear. If you need to, cook them in batches. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This is where all the flavor is! Let the sauce simmer for a minute or two, until slightly reduced.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce
Stir in the lemon juice, parsley, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you want a richer sauce, stir in a knob of butter or a splash of cream at this point.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Cook for another minute or two, until the shrimp is heated through.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!
Serve immediately over pasta, rice, zucchini noodles, or with crusty bread for dipping. Garnish with extra parsley and lemon juice. Is it bad to eat something straight from the pan?
What to Serve It With
This What is garlic butter shrimp? is incredibly versatile and pairs well with so many things. Here are a few of my favorite serving suggestions:
* **Over Pasta:** Linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine are all great choices. Toss the pasta with the shrimp and sauce, and you’ve got a complete meal.
* **With Rice:** Fluffy white rice or brown rice are perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
* **With Zucchini Noodles:** For a lighter, healthier option, serve the shrimp over zucchini noodles.
* **With Crusty Bread:** Just grab some crusty bread and use it to sop up all the leftover sauce. Trust me, you won’t want to waste a single drop!
* **As an Appetizer:** Serve the What is garlic butter shrimp?As an appetizer with toothpicks for easy eating.
For a complete meal, I often serve it with a simple side salad or some roasted vegetables. It’s also fantastic with a glass of chilled white wine. You can’t go wrong!
How do you prepare garlic butter shrimp?
What are the best tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years?What is garlic butter shrimp? ever:
* **Don’t Overcook the Shrimp:** This is the most important tip! Overcooked shrimp is rubbery and unpleasant. Cook the shrimp just until it turns pink and opaque.
* **Use Fresh Garlic:** Fresh garlic has a much better flavor than pre-minced garlic. Trust me, it makes a big difference.
* **Don’t Burn the Garlic:** Burnt garlic is bitter and will ruin the flavor of the dish. Sauté the garlic over medium heat and keep a close eye on it.
* **Use Good Quality Butter:** Good quality butter will add richness and flavor to the sauce. I prefer to use salted butter, but unsalted works too, just add a pinch of salt.
* **Deglaze the Pan:** Don’t skip this step! Deglazing the pan with white wine (or broth) helps to loosen up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan, which adds tons of flavor to the sauce.
* **Adjust the Seasoning:** Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, lemon juice, or red pepper flakes.
* **Add a Knob of Butter at the End:** For an extra rich and creamy sauce, stir in a knob of butter at the end. This will emulsify the sauce and make it even more decadent.
I’ve also experimented with adding a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the sauce, which is also delicious, but not necessary. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
What are the best Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftovers, what are they?What is garlic butter shrimp?(which is rare in my house) ), you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat. If you overcook a potato, it will become rubbery. Is it safe to reheat something in the microwave?garlic butter shrimp, as the shrimp can become tough and watery when thawed. But, honestly, it’s so easy to make that it’s best to just make a fresh batch!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This garlic butter shrimp recipe is a true weeknight winner. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful. It’s one of those dishes that everyone loves, and it’s perfect for those nights when you want something special but don’t have a lot of time to cook. If you’re looking for other easy and delicious seafood recipes, be sure to check out my Lemon Herb Baked Salmon or my Creamy Tuscan Salmon. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how your garlic butter shrimp turns out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think!
Garlic Butter Shrimp
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Shrimp
- 4 tablespoons Butter
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 0.25 cup Parsley chopped
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
- Stir in parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Serve immediately.
