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Hi, I’m Chloe—welcome to my kitchen! I started this blog to share the joy, comfort, and creativity that cooking brings into my life. Some of my best memories were made while stirring a pot, baking something sweet, or sneaking a taste of cookie dough. Each recipe I post is something I’ve truly loved making and eating, from cozy weeknight dinners to nostalgic desserts. I believe cooking shouldn’t be perfect—it should be fun, heartfelt, and full of little happy messes. This space is for inspiration, connection, and delicious moments shared with others. I’m so glad you’re here—let’s make something wonderful together.
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Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Discover how to make mouthwatering Garlic Butter Shrimp with our easy recipe. Learn step-by-step to create a delicious, buttery seafood dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 pound uncooked large shrimp peeled and deveined
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
â…› teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
1 small shallot minced
½ cup dry white grape juice or low-sodium chicken stock or broth
4 cloves garlic minced
1 small lemon
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or thyme optional but definitely worthwhile!
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
cooked rice, pasta, grits, or toasted bread (for serving)
Instructions
1. Use paper towels to thoroughly dry the chicken and then place it in a large bowl.
2. Season with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to ensure even coating.
3. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced shallot and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, until it starts to soften. Place the chicken in a single layer and allow it to cook without moving for 1 minute. Use tongs or a wide spatula to flip the chicken pieces.
4. Pour in the dry white grape juice or low-sodium chicken stock and add the minced garlic. Continue cooking until the chicken is cooked through and the liquid is reduced by half, approximately 2 to 3 more minutes.
5. Take the skillet off the heat. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Grate the lemon zest directly into the skillet, then cut the lemon in half. Squeeze juice from half of the lemon over the dish and slice the other half into wedges to serve alongside. Add the chopped fresh rosemary or thyme (if using) and parsley, then mix everything together. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and your choice of cooked rice, pasta, grits, or toasted bread.
Garlic butter shrimp has always been a staple in my kitchen. The combination of succulent shrimp and rich, creamy garlic butter sauce creates a symphony of flavors that is simply irresistible. I still remember the first time I tried this dish in a small seaside restaurant. The experience was unforgettable, and I was determined to recreate that magic at home. Using the freshest ingredients and a touch of creativity, I finally nailed the recipe. Now, I’m excited to share my version of garlic butter shrimp with you. Let’s dive into the basics of this delectable dish and explore how you can make it a star on your dinner table.
Getting Started with Garlic Butter Shrimp
Fundamentals
The foundation of any great dish is understanding its core ingredients and their roles. For garlic butter shrimp, the key components are, of course, the shrimp and the garlic butter sauce. Start with 1 pound of uncooked large shrimp that are peeled and deveined. This ensures a clean and easy-to-eat dish. The subtle sweetness of shrimp pairs beautifully with the rich, savory notes of garlic butter.
Seasoning is where the magic begins. Use ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, and ⅛ teaspoon of cayenne pepper. This trio adds depth and a hint of spice, balancing the richness of the butter. For those who love a bit of heat, cayenne pepper is your friend, but you can always adjust the amount to suit your taste.
Choosing the right butter is crucial. Opt for unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dish. You’ll need 3 tablespoons, divided for different stages of cooking. This butter will form the base of your sauce, giving it a creamy texture and a delightful aroma.
For a light and refreshing seafood meal, try this flavorful shrimp and orzo pasta with lemon and dill recipe that’s perfect for summer dining.
Preparation/Setup
Preparation is key to a seamless cooking experience. Begin by patting the shrimp dry using paper towels. This step is essential as it helps achieve a nice sear on the shrimp when cooked. Once dried, place the shrimp in a large bowl and season with the kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the spices.
Next, prepare the additional flavor components. Mince one small shallot and 4 cloves of garlic. These will add depth to your sauce. For the liquid, choose between ½ cup of dry white grape juice or low-sodium chicken stock. Either option will provide a subtle sweetness and help deglaze the pan, lifting all the flavors from the bottom.
Lastly, have a small lemon ready to zest and juice. The acidity of the lemon will brighten the dish and cut through the richness of the butter. Additionally, chop 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary or thyme, and ¼ cup of fresh parsley. These herbs will add a fresh, aromatic finish to your garlic butter shrimp.
Enhance your vegetables with this rich and creamy cheese sauce for broccoli that’s both easy to make and delicious.
Technique for Cooking Garlic Butter Shrimp
Technique
With all your ingredients prepped, it’s time to start cooking your garlic butter shrimp. Begin by melting 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and begun to foam, add the minced shallot. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the shallots to soften and release their sweetness.
Next, arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. This allows each piece to cook evenly and develop a nice sear. Cook the shrimp without moving them for 1 minute. This step is crucial for achieving a beautiful golden color and locking in the flavors.
Carefully flip the shrimp using tongs or a wide spatula. Pour in your choice of dry white grape juice or low-sodium chicken stock. Add the minced garlic, allowing it to infuse the liquid with its aromatic qualities. Continue cooking until the shrimp are cooked through and the liquid has reduced by half, approximately 2 to 3 more minutes.
Tips/Tricks
To elevate your garlic butter shrimp, keep a few tips in mind. First, avoid overcrowding the skillet. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches to ensure each piece is evenly cooked. Maintaining a consistent medium heat is also important, as it prevents the butter from burning and the shrimp from overcooking.
For an extra pop of flavor, consider adding a pinch of freshly grated lemon zest while cooking the shrimp. This will infuse the dish with a citrusy aroma that complements the richness of the butter and garlic. Additionally, don’t hesitate to experiment with herbs. Rosemary and thyme are great options, but basil or oregano can offer a unique twist.
Optimizing Your Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
Perfecting Results
Achieving perfection with garlic butter shrimp is all about mastering the balance of flavors and textures. Once the shrimp are cooked and the sauce has reduced, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. This step adds a luxurious finish to the sauce, ensuring it coats the shrimp evenly.
Grate the lemon zest directly into the skillet, then cut the lemon in half. Squeeze juice from half of the lemon over the dish, and slice the other half into wedges to serve alongside. The lemon juice adds a burst of freshness and balances the richness of the butter. Add the chopped fresh rosemary or thyme and parsley, then mix everything together.
Troubleshooting/Variations
If you encounter any issues while making garlic butter shrimp, there are simple solutions. If the sauce appears too thin, continue to cook it on low heat until it reaches the desired consistency. Conversely, if the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken stock or grape juice to loosen it.
For those seeking variations, consider incorporating different herbs or spices. A dash of paprika can add smokiness, while a sprinkle of chili flakes can enhance the heat. Experimenting with different citrus fruits, such as lime or orange, can also offer new flavor profiles.
For a quick and delicious seafood dish, try this mouthwatering shrimp scampi recipe that’s perfect for any occasion.
Serving and Final Steps for Garlic Butter Shrimp
Serving/Presentation
When it comes to serving garlic butter shrimp, presentation is key. Arrange the shrimp on a platter and drizzle the sauce over them for an appealing look. Garnish with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color. This dish is versatile and can be served with a variety of sides.
Consider pairing the shrimp with cooked rice, pasta, or creamy grits. These options complement the flavors and help soak up the delicious sauce. Alternatively, serve the shrimp over toasted bread for a delightful appetizer or light meal.
Pairings/Storage
For a complete meal, consider pairing garlic butter shrimp with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. The crispness of the greens will balance the richness of the shrimp, creating a harmonious dining experience.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat to maintain the texture of the shrimp. Avoid microwaving, as it can cause the shrimp to become rubbery.
Conclusion
Garlic butter shrimp is a delightful dish that combines simplicity with elegance. The rich flavors of garlic and butter, balanced with the freshness of lemon and herbs, make it a crowd-pleaser. With careful preparation and attention to detail, you can create a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re serving it for a family meal or a special occasion, garlic butter shrimp is sure to impress. Enjoy the process of cooking and savor every bite of this delectable dish.
