Looking for a quick meal that’s packed with flavor? This 5-Ingredient Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe is just what you need! With only shrimp, butter, garlic, lemon juice, and parsley, you can whip up a gourmet dish in no time. Tired of long cooking times and complicated steps? Stick around to learn how to make this tasty treat effortlessly. Get ready to impress your taste buds and dinner guests!
Ingredients
Essential Ingredients for Garlic Butter Shrimp
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, coarsely chopped
To make this dish shine, you need just five simple ingredients. The large shrimp are the star. Use good quality shrimp, as they make a big difference. Peel and devein them for the best texture. Next, the unsalted butter adds richness. It melts beautifully and brings all the flavors together.
Garlic is key in this recipe. Mince it finely so it releases its strong flavor. Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish and adds a burst of flavor. Lastly, fresh parsley not only adds color but also freshness. It complements the richness of the butter and shrimp.
Optional Seasonings and Add-Ins
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Red pepper flakes for heat
– Parmesan cheese for added flavor
For those who like a kick, add red pepper flakes. They give your garlic butter shrimp a nice heat. You can adjust the amount based on your taste. Also, sprinkle some salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. If you want an extra layer of taste, try adding grated Parmesan cheese. It melts into the dish and adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
For the full recipe, check out the Garlic Butter Shrimp Delight 🧄.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Garnishing and Shrimp
To prepare shrimp for cooking, you start with fresh, large shrimp. Ensure they are peeled and deveined. This process helps remove the shell and the dark vein on the back. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial for even cooking.
Fresh garlic and parsley are key to this dish. Garlic adds a rich flavor, while parsley brings a fresh note. Use four cloves of garlic, finely minced. For parsley, a quarter cup coarsely chopped will do. Fresh ingredients make your dish taste better and look appealing.
Cooking Instructions
Begin by heating your large skillet over medium heat. Add four tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let it melt completely, swirling the pan gently. This step ensures the butter coats the skillet well.
Once the butter is bubbling, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for one to two minutes, stirring constantly. You want it fragrant and slightly golden, but not burnt. Burnt garlic tastes bitter and ruins the dish.
Next, add the shrimp in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for two to three minutes. Watch as they turn a lovely pink color. This means they are cooking well. Flip the shrimp over using tongs or a spatula. Drizzle one tablespoon of lemon juice over them. Stir gently to coat the shrimp in the garlic butter. Cook for another two to three minutes until they are firm and fully cooked.
Once done, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the shrimp. Toss gently to mix. This adds freshness and color to your dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the garlic butter shrimp immediately. You can place them over a bed of white rice or next to a fresh green salad. This adds volume and makes the dish more filling. For a nice touch, include lemon wedges on the side. Guests love squeezing lemon juice over their shrimp for an added zing.
With these steps, you can create a dish that looks and tastes like restaurant-quality food. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Garlic Butter Shrimp
To avoid overcooking shrimp, watch the color closely. Shrimp cook fast. They turn pink and opaque when done. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. If they curl tightly, they might be overdone. Remove them from heat quickly.
For sautéing garlic without burning, keep the heat low. Start with medium heat and add the garlic once the butter is bubbling. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes. If it turns brown, it can taste bitter. You want it fragrant and just golden.
Enhancing Flavor
To add flavor, consider fresh herbs. Parsley is great, but you can also use basil or thyme. These herbs add freshness. Red pepper flakes bring some heat if you like spicy. A sprinkle of lemon zest can also brighten the dish.
You can vary the garlic butter recipe too. Try adding a splash of white wine for depth. For a richer taste, mix in a bit of cream. You can also swap out butter for olive oil for a lighter version.
Cooking Tools for Best Results
For even cooking, use a heavy skillet. A cast-iron skillet works well. It holds heat nicely and cooks shrimp evenly. A non-stick pan is another good choice if you want easy cleanup.
When prepping shrimp, a good pair of kitchen shears helps. They make it easy to cut off shells. A sharp knife is also useful for mincing garlic finely. Fresh garlic gives the best taste, so always use whole cloves instead of jarred.