Sauteed Shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish with fresh shrimp are seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices and sautéed in a hot skillet until they’re perfectly tender and golden. Serve it with a side of vegetables, pasta, or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.
What is Sauteed Shrimp?
Sauteed shrimp is a dish where shrimp is quickly cooked in a hot pan with some form of fat—usually butter or olive oil—and seasoned to bring out its natural sweetness and delicate texture. The process of sauteing allows the shrimp to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust while maintaining its tender, juicy interior. It’s often flavored with garlic, herbs, lemon, and other seasonings to create a light yet satisfying dish.
Sauteing shrimp is a perfect technique for busy weeknights or an easy appetizer to serve at a dinner party. Plus, shrimp cooks fast—usually in just a few minutes—making it a great choice for meals when time is short.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Sauteed Shrimp
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When sauteing shrimp, space is important. Overcrowding the pan will result in the shrimp steaming instead of getting that delicious crispy sear. If you’re cooking a large batch, do it in batches.
- Use Fresh Shrimp for Best Results: Fresh shrimp always tastes better, but if you need to use frozen shrimp, make sure they are thawed properly and patted dry.
- Watch the Cooking Time: Shrimp cooks very quickly—overcooking it results in rubbery, tough shrimp. Keep an eye on your shrimp and remove them from the heat once they turn pink and opaque.
- Customize with Herbs and Spices: Feel free to switch up the seasonings depending on your preferences. Fresh thyme, oregano, or cilantro all work beautifully. For a more savory flavor, add a dash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce.
Sauteed Shrimp Variations
While the basic recipe above is delicious on its own, there are many variations you can try based on your flavor preferences:
1. Garlic Butter Sauteed Shrimp
For an ultra-rich version of sauteed shrimp, substitute olive oil with butter and increase the garlic. This will give the dish a rich, velvety flavor. For an extra touch of flavor, add a splash of white wine or chicken broth.
2. Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Parmesan
Incorporating freshly grated Parmesan cheese right before serving adds a salty, umami flavor that complements the garlic and lemon. This version pairs beautifully with pasta or on top of a salad.
3. Cajun Sauteed Shrimp
For a bit of spice, add Cajun seasoning to the shrimp along with paprika. The warm, smoky flavors will give your shrimp an extra kick.
4. Herbed Sauteed Shrimp
Mix fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil into your shrimp. This variation gives the dish a fresh, garden-like flavor that works perfectly when served alongside roasted vegetables or over a bed of rice.
5. Spicy Shrimp with Lime and Chili
For a Mexican-inspired twist, add chili powder and a squeeze of lime juice. Top with cilantro for a fresh and zesty dish.
How to Serve Sauteed Shrimp
Sauteed shrimp can be served in a variety of ways:
- With Pasta: Toss the shrimp with spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine and some of the sauteed garlic butter sauce for a simple, yet elegant dish.
- On Rice: Serve over steamed white
or brown rice for a more filling meal. You can also use cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
- On a Salad: Top your favorite green salad with sauteed shrimp for a fresh and healthy meal. Pair it with a tangy dressing like balsamic vinaigrette or a creamy lemon dressing.
- With Vegetables: Sauteed shrimp pairs beautifully with roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini. It can also be served alongside a hearty vegetable medley.
- As an Appetizer: Serve shrimp in small portions as part of a seafood platter, with lemon wedges and cocktail sauce for dipping.
How to Store Leftover Sauteed Shrimp
Leftover sauteed shrimp can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To store:
- Let the shrimp cool completely after cooking.
- Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate.
When you’re ready to reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. To avoid overcooking, reheat just until warmed through.
Freezing: While shrimp is best eaten fresh, you can freeze sauteed shrimp for up to 2 months. To do so, place the cooked shrimp in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw the shrimp in the fridge overnight and reheat as desired.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for sauteing?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure they are completely thawed and patted dry before cooking. This prevents them from becoming soggy or steaming instead of searing properly.
2. What’s the best way to season sauteed shrimp?
The best way to season sauteed shrimp is by using a combination of fresh garlic, lemon, paprika, and herbs like parsley or cilantro. You can also customize the flavors by adding spicy elements like chili flakes, Cajun seasoning, or smoked paprika.
3. How do I prevent shrimp from becoming rubbery?
To avoid rubbery shrimp, make sure you don’t overcook them. Shrimp cooks very quickly, usually within 2-3 minutes per side. Once the shrimp turn pink and opaque, they’re ready to be removed from the pan.
4. Can I make sauteed shrimp ahead of time?
Shrimp is best enjoyed right after cooking, but if you need to make it ahead, you can cook the shrimp and refrigerate them. Reheat them gently in a skillet before serving.
5. Can I use this recipe for other types of seafood?
Yes! This recipe can easily be adapted for other seafood, such as scallops, squid, or fish fillets. Adjust the cooking time based on the seafood you’re using.
Sauteed Shrimp (10 minutes)
Sauteed Shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish with fresh shrimp are seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices and sautéed in a hot skillet until they’re perfectly tender and golden. Serve it with a side of vegetables, pasta, or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp , peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
For the spice blend
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Pat dry the shrimps with paper towels.
- In a large bowl, place the shrimps and add olive oil.
- In a small mixing bowl, add all the spice ingredients. Mix well and add it to the shrimp. Toss to coat.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the shrimp in single layer and add any remaining oil and spices to the skillet.
- Sauté the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until cooked through. Flip and cook on the other side.
- Transfer to a serving plate with all the juices from the skillet. Garnish with chopped parsley and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition Information
Yield
3Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 310Total Fat 16gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 13gCholesterol 319mgSodium 1823mgCarbohydrates 4gFiber 1gSugar 0gProtein 35g
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:
This sauteed shrimp recipe is not only a quick and easy dish but also a versatile base that you can personalize to suit your taste. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own, over pasta, or with a salad, this simple yet flavorful dish will satisfy your cravings. The tips, variations, and serving suggestions provided above will ensure that you can recreate it in multiple ways, so it never gets boring! Happy cooking!
