Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp

$- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Juice of 1 lemon - Lemon slices for garnish - Cooked rice or pasta for serving - Large shrimp: Look for fresh or frozen shrimp. They should be peeled and deveined for ease. - Unsalted butter: This adds rich flavor. Use unsalted to control the salt level. - Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best taste. Mince it finely for maximum flavor. - Red pepper flakes: These add a nice kick. Adjust the amount to your spice preference. - Fresh parsley: This adds a bright touch. Chop it finely to mix well in the dish. - Salt and pepper: These are essential for seasoning. Use them to taste for balance. - Lemon juice: Fresh juice brightens the dish. It adds a zesty finish to the shrimp. - Lemon slices: These make a pretty garnish. They also add a fresh scent. - Cooked rice or pasta: Use these to serve the shrimp. They soak up the buttery sauce. - Shrimp: You can use scallops or chicken if you prefer. - Butter: Olive oil can replace butter for a lighter option. - Garlic: Garlic powder can work in a pinch, but fresh is best. - Red pepper flakes: Use cayenne pepper for more heat if needed. - Fresh parsley: Cilantro or basil can add a different flavor. - Lemon juice: Lime juice is a great alternative for a twist. - Cooked rice or pasta: Quinoa or couscous can serve as healthy options. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Gather all your ingredients. You need 1 pound of large shrimp, 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, and 4 minced garlic cloves. 2. Prepare your kitchen. Get a large skillet and a spatula ready. 3. Chop 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley. This will add a nice touch. 4. Squeeze the juice from 1 lemon. Set aside the juice and some slices for garnish. 1. Heat your skillet on medium-high. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt. Watch it closely so it does not burn. 2. When the butter bubbles, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute. The garlic should smell good but not brown. 3. Place the shrimp in the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink. 4. Flip the shrimp and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Check that they reach an internal temperature of 120°F (49°C). 5. Take the skillet off the heat. Squeeze the lemon juice over the shrimp. Toss to coat them well. Add the parsley and mix. 1. Serve the shrimp hot over cooked rice or pasta. 2. Drizzle some of the buttery sauce on top for extra flavor. 3. Garnish with lemon slices for a fresh look. Enjoy your meal! To make the best garlic butter shrimp, use large, fresh shrimp. They cook fast and taste great. Ensure your butter is unsalted. This way, you can control the salt in your dish. Heat the pan well before adding butter. It helps the shrimp sear nicely. Keep an eye on the garlic. You want it fragrant, not brown. Brown garlic can taste bitter. Flip the shrimp carefully; they should be pink and opaque when done. Use a meat thermometer. The shrimp should reach 120°F (49°C). One common mistake is overcooking the shrimp. They can become tough and rubbery. Avoid that by cooking them just until they turn pink. Another mistake is using too much garlic. While garlic is great, too much can overwhelm the dish. Also, don’t skip the salt and pepper. They enhance the shrimp's flavor. Lastly, don’t forget the lemon juice. It adds a bright finish that balances the butter. You can boost the flavor of your garlic butter shrimp in many ways. Try adding fresh herbs like basil or cilantro. They bring freshness and a nice aroma. Want a kick? Add more red pepper flakes. For a deeper flavor, mix in some white wine with the butter. It adds richness. You can even toss in some veggies like bell peppers or spinach. They add color and nutrition. Serve over pasta or rice; both soak up the tasty sauce well. Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed before cooking. Adjusting Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference. You can also add a pinch of cayenne for more heat! Perfect Butter Sauce: To achieve a rich buttery sauce, make sure not to overcook the garlic; it should be fragrant but not browned, which can make it bitter. Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal experience. {{image_2}} For a Mediterranean twist, add some olives and cherry tomatoes. Use the same base of garlic and butter. Sauté the tomatoes until they soften, then toss in the shrimp. The olives add a salty punch. Serve it over couscous or quinoa for a great meal. If you love heat, increase the red pepper flakes. You can add fresh jalapeños or even a splash of hot sauce. This gives the dish a fiery kick. Pair it with a cool cucumber salad to balance the spice. Add seasonal veggies to your shrimp for a colorful dish. Bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus work well. Sauté the veggies first until they are tender, then add the shrimp. This makes the meal more filling and nutritious. Serve it all over rice or pasta for a complete dish. After you enjoy your Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp, you may have some left. Store it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to two days. Make sure to cool the shrimp down first before sealing. This helps keep the shrimp fresh and tasty. To reheat, I suggest using a skillet. Heat it over medium heat. Add a little butter or oil to the pan to keep the shrimp moist. Stir the shrimp for about 3-5 minutes. You want them hot but not overcooked. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the shrimp tough. You can freeze Garlic Butter Shrimp if you have more than you need. Place the shrimp in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Freeze the shrimp for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then reheat as described above. Cooking garlic butter shrimp takes about 10 minutes. You will spend 5 minutes prepping and another 5 minutes cooking. The shrimp cooks quickly, usually 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Watch for their pink color and slight opacity. This means they are done! Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them first. You can place them in cold water for about 15 minutes. After thawing, pat them dry before cooking. This will help the shrimp sear nicely in the butter. Garlic butter shrimp pairs well with many sides. Here are some tasty options: - Cooked rice - Pasta - Quinoa - Fresh salad - Garlic bread These sides soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce, making every bite a treat! This blog post covers the key elements of making garlic butter shrimp. We explored the ingredients, their roles, and possible substitutions. The step-by-step instructions guide you through preparation, cooking, and serving. I shared tips for perfection, common mistakes, and flavor enhancements. We also discussed variations and storage methods to enjoy your dish later. Remember, garlic butter shrimp can fit many tastes and meals. Enjoy creating your perfect dish!$

Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp

A quick and delicious shrimp dish cooked in garlic butter, perfect for a weeknight meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 5

Total Time 10

Course Main Course

Cuisine Seafood

Servings 2

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
to taste salt and pepper
1 lemon Juice of
for garnish Lemon slices
for serving Cooked rice or pasta

Instructions

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the unsalted butter and allow it to melt and bubble, being careful not to let it burn.
Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink and slightly opaque.
Flip the shrimp and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side. Ensure they are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 120°F (49°C).
Remove the skillet from heat, then squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Add the chopped parsley for a fresh flavor lift and stir to combine.
Serve immediately over cooked rice or pasta, ensuring to drizzle some of the buttery sauce over the top. Garnish with lemon slices.

Notes

Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for desired spiciness.

Keyword butter, garlic, quick meal, shrimp