Garlic Shrimp is a mouthwatering, quick-to-make dish bursting with flavor. Tender shrimp are sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, with a hint of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an added burst of freshness. Served over pasta, rice, or alongside your favorite vegetables.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Garlic Shrimp:
Enhance Flavor with Fresh Herbs: While parsley is classic, feel free to add a sprinkle of basil or thyme for an added layer of flavor. Fresh herbs can elevate the dish and make it feel more sophisticated.
Choose the Right Shrimp: Opt for fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them properly before cooking.
Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cooks quickly! Overcooking can make them rubbery and tough. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque but still juicy and tender.
Minimize Garlic Burn: Be cautious not to burn the garlic when sautéing. Once you add the garlic to the pan, stir it frequently and cook for just 30 seconds to a minute. Burnt garlic can impart a bitter flavor.
Butter and Olive Oil Combo: Using both butter and olive oil helps balance flavor and prevents the butter from burning at high heat. The olive oil provides a subtle richness, while the butter adds that creamy, indulgent finish.
Variations of Garlic Shrimp:
Garlic shrimp is a versatile recipe that can be easily modified to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are a few variations to try:
Garlic Shrimp with Rice: Serve the garlic shrimp over a bed of rice, whether it’s white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. This makes for a satisfying and hearty meal.
Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Turn this dish into a comforting pasta by tossing the cooked garlic shrimp with pasta of your choice. Linguine, spaghetti, or penne work wonderfully. Add a little pasta water to create a creamy, garlicky sauce.
Garlic Shrimp with Veggies: Add some vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini to make the dish more filling. Simply sauté them along with the shrimp or cook them separately and toss them together for a healthy, colorful meal.
Spicy Garlic Shrimp: If you love heat, add more red pepper flakes, or even a touch of cayenne pepper to make this recipe spicy. You can also drizzle some sriracha sauce or your favorite hot sauce for an extra punch.
Coconut Garlic Shrimp: Add a tropical twist by incorporating coconut milk into the sauce. This creates a creamy, slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with shrimp.
How to Serve Garlic Shrimp:
Garlic shrimp can be served in a variety of ways, depending on the occasion or your preferences. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- As an Appetizer: Serve the shrimp as a starter with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the garlicky butter sauce. You can also pair it with a zesty dipping sauce, like cocktail sauce or a spicy aioli.
- With Pasta: Toss the garlic shrimp with pasta for a satisfying main course. A light pasta like angel hair or spaghetti works perfectly to showcase the shrimp and its flavorful sauce.
- On a Salad: Add the shrimp to a fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette. The garlicky shrimp adds a savory note to a crisp salad.
- With Rice or Quinoa: Garlic shrimp pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice. The rice soaks up the buttery, garlicky sauce, making each bite deliciously satisfying.
- On Tacos: For a fun twist, serve the shrimp on soft tortillas with a zesty slaw, avocado, and a squeeze of lime. These shrimp tacos are perfect for a casual dinner or taco night.
How to Store Garlic Shrimp:
Garlic shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking. If the shrimp is in a sauce, you can add a little extra butter or olive oil to keep it moist.
Can you freeze garlic shrimp? Yes, garlic shrimp can be frozen for later use. To freeze, let the shrimp cool completely, then place it in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.
Recipe FAQs:
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp work just as well. Be sure to thaw the shrimp thoroughly before cooking to ensure they cook evenly.
2. Can I make garlic shrimp without butter?
While butter is a key ingredient for the rich, creamy flavor, you can substitute it with olive oil for a lighter version. You can also use a mix of olive oil and coconut oil for a unique twist.
3. How long should I cook shrimp?
Shrimp cooks quickly—usually within 2-3 minutes per side. When done, they should be pink and opaque, but still tender. Avoid cooking them for too long to prevent them from becoming tough.
4. Can I use pre-minced garlic for garlic shrimp?
While fresh garlic gives the best flavor, pre-minced garlic can be used as a substitute if you’re short on time. Keep in mind that fresh garlic has a stronger, more aromatic flavor.
5. What is the best type of shrimp for garlic shrimp?
For the best flavor and texture, use large, fresh shrimp. Look for shrimp that are firm and have a slight sheen. Shrimp with the shells removed make for easier eating, but you can leave the shells on if you prefer.
6. Can I add wine to garlic shrimp?
Yes, a splash of white wine adds depth to the sauce. Simply pour in a little wine after the garlic has sautéed, and let it reduce before adding the shrimp. This adds a sophisticated touch to the dish.
7. Can I make garlic shrimp spicy?
Absolutely! Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat. You can also drizzle the shrimp with your favorite hot sauce, like sriracha, for added spice.
Garlic Shrimp (Creamy Buttery)
Garlic Shrimp is a mouthwatering, quick-to-make dish bursting with flavor. Tender shrimp are sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, with a hint of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an added burst of freshness. Served over pasta, rice, or alongside your favorite vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, large sized, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lime, juiced
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large pan over medium high heat.
- Add butter, once melted, add the shrimp and season with seasoning, salt and pepper.
- Stir cook for about 3-5 minutes or until pink and opaque.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Add lemon juice and chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 245Total Fat 13gSaturated Fat 8gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 5gCholesterol 270mgSodium 1240mgCarbohydrates 4gFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 26g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Check my other shrimp recipes:
Conclusion:
Garlic shrimp is a versatile, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served as an appetizer, main dish, or part of a larger meal, this simple recipe is guaranteed to impress. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a delicious seafood dish that will leave everyone craving more. Enjoy experimenting with different variations, and don’t forget to pair it with your favorite sides. Happy cooking!
