Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this mouthwatering recipe for Delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp. This delectable dish features succulent shrimp cooked to perfection in a rich and flavorful garlic butter sauce. Bursting with savory flavors and boasting a melt-in-your-mouth texture, this recipe is sure to leave you craving for more. Whether you’re planning a special dinner or simply looking to elevate your seafood game, this Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe is a must-try. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this irresistible dish that will have them coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
To make this delicious garlic butter shrimp recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
Fresh shrimp
Make sure to get fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture. You can find fresh shrimp at your local seafood market or grocery store.
Butter
Butter is the base for the garlic butter sauce that will coat the shrimp. Use unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness of the dish.
Garlic cloves
Garlic is the star of this recipe and adds a wonderful flavor to the shrimp. Make sure to use fresh garlic cloves for the best taste.
Lemon
Lemon adds a bright and tangy flavor to the dish. It balances out the richness of the butter and enhances the overall taste of the shrimp.
Parsley
Fresh parsley adds a refreshing and herbaceous note to the garlic butter shrimp. It also adds a pop of color to the dish, making it visually appealing.
Salt
Salt is essential for enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients. Adjust the amount of salt according to your taste preferences.
Black pepper
Black pepper adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor to the garlic butter shrimp. Use freshly ground black pepper for the best results.
Preparation
Before you start cooking, there are a few steps to prepare the ingredients and marinate the shrimp.
Step 1: Cleaning the shrimp
Start by cleaning the shrimp. Remove the shells and devein them if necessary. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This step ensures that the shrimp are clean and ready to be cooked.
Step 2: Preparing the garlic butter mixture
Next, prepare the garlic butter mixture. Mince the garlic cloves finely and set them aside. In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for a minute or two until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Remove the pan from the heat and set the garlic butter mixture aside.
Step 3: Marinating the shrimp
Place the cleaned shrimp in a bowl and pour the garlic butter mixture over them. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the shrimp and add the chopped parsley. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Gently toss the shrimp in the marinade until they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and let the shrimp marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
Step 4: Cooking the shrimp
After marinating, it’s time to cook the shrimp. Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated shrimp to the pan, making sure not to overcrowd it. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the pan and serve immediately.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have prepared the ingredients, let’s go through the step-by-step instructions to make this delicious garlic butter shrimp recipe.
Step 1: Cleaning the shrimp
- Remove the shells from the shrimp.
- Devein the shrimp if necessary.
- Rinse the shrimp under cold water.
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Preparing the garlic butter mixture
- Mince the garlic cloves finely.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the melted butter.
- Cook for a minute or two until the garlic is fragrant.
- Remove the pan from the heat and set aside.
Step 3: Marinating the shrimp
- Place the cleaned shrimp in a bowl.
- Pour the garlic butter mixture over the shrimp.
- Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the shrimp.
- Add the chopped parsley to the bowl.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Gently toss the shrimp in the marinade until coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 4: Cooking the shrimp
- Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated shrimp to the pan without overcrowding.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
- Remove the shrimp from the pan.
- Serve immediately.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to enhance your garlic butter shrimp recipe:
Adding a spicy kick
If you like a bit of heat, you can add some crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter mixture. This will give your shrimp a spicy kick and elevate the flavors even more.
Substituting ingredients
Feel free to experiment with different ingredients based on your preferences. You can substitute the parsley with fresh cilantro or add some chopped scallions for an extra punch of flavor. Additionally, you can use olive oil instead of butter if you prefer a lighter option.
Serving suggestions
Garlic butter shrimp can be served in various ways. It makes a delicious appetizer, served with crusty bread for dipping in the flavorful sauce. You can also serve it as a main course, accompanied by steamed rice or pasta and a side of fresh salad or roasted vegetables.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about this garlic butter shrimp recipe:
Can I use frozen shrimp?
While fresh shrimp is preferred for the best taste and texture, you can use frozen shrimp if it’s more convenient. Make sure to thaw the shrimp properly before cleaning and marinating them. Thaw frozen shrimp in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Margarine can be used as a substitute for butter if you prefer a dairy-free option. However, keep in mind that the taste and texture may be slightly different. Choose a margarine that is suitable for cooking and has a similar consistency to butter.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have now learned how to make a delicious garlic butter shrimp recipe. This dish is sure to impress your friends and family with its flavorful combination of garlic, butter, and succulent shrimp. Whether you serve it as an appetizer or a main course, it’s a versatile recipe that can be customized to your preferences. So go ahead and give it a try, and enjoy the taste of this mouthwatering garlic butter shrimp!