Introduction
Garlic butter shrimp is a timeless seafood dish, celebrated for its rich, savory sauce and tender, juicy shrimp. Cooked quickly on the stovetop, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, romantic meals, or elegant appetizers, delivering bold flavors with minimal effort. The aesthetic appeal lies in its glossy, golden shrimp nestled in a buttery sauce, garnished with vibrant parsley and lemon wedges, served in a shallow white bowl or rustic cast-iron skillet for a coastal, inviting look. This recipe offers classic garlic butter shrimp, adaptable for dietary preferences, best served hot for a luxurious, flavorful experience.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Shrimp:
- 1 lb medium shrimp (about 24-32), peeled and deveined, tails on
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
For Serving:
- Optional: Chopped fresh parsley, lemon wedges (for garnish)
- Suggested Accompaniments: Crusty bread, rice, or pasta
- Suggested Pairings: Air fryer okra, Caesar salad, or roasted asparagus
- Suggested Beverage: White wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc), sparkling water, or iced tea
- Suggested Aesthetic: Serve in a shallow white bowl or cast-iron skillet for a refined look
Step-by-Step Process
- Prepare Shrimp: Rinse shrimp under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Keeping tails on enhances presentation. Season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
- Heat Pan: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp butter over medium heat until the butter melts and foams.
- Cook Shrimp: Add shrimp in a single layer, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque (internal temperature 145°F). Remove shrimp to a plate; do not overcook.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tbsp butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring to prevent burning. Add white wine (or broth), lemon juice, remaining salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced and glossy.
- Combine: Return shrimp to the skillet, tossing gently to coat in the sauce. Cook for 1 minute to warm through.
- Serve: Transfer shrimp and sauce to a shallow white bowl or cast-iron skillet for a coastal aesthetic. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges for vibrant color. Serve hot with crusty bread to soak up the sauce, paired with air-fried okra and white wine.
Tips for Better Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Pat shrimp dry to ensure proper searing and prevent a watery sauce.
- Use fresh garlic for bold flavor; pre-minced can be less potent.
- Cook shrimp just until opaque to avoid a rubbery texture.
- Simmer the sauce gently to meld flavors without breaking the butter.
- Use a large skillet to allow even cooking.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the glossy sauce at its best.
- Keep tails on for aesthetic appeal, but inform guests for easy eating.
- Enhance aesthetic: Arrange shrimp in a circular pattern with sauce drizzled over, accented with green parsley and yellow lemon.
Variations and Customization
- Air Fryer Garlic Butter Shrimp: Toss shrimp with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper; air fry at 400°F for 5-6 minutes, shaking halfway. Melt butter with garlic, wine, and lemon juice on the stovetop, then toss with air-fried shrimp.
- Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp: Increase red pepper flakes to 1/2 tsp or add cayenne.
- Herb Garlic Butter Shrimp: Add 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil or thyme to the sauce.
- Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp: Stir in 2 tbsp heavy cream during the sauce simmer.
- Gluten-Free Garlic Butter Shrimp: Use gluten-free broth; ensure accompaniments are gluten-free.
- Low-Sodium Garlic Butter Shrimp: Reduce salt to 1/4 tsp and use low-sodium broth.
- Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp: Double the lemon juice to 2 tbsp for extra tang.
- Parmesan Garlic Butter Shrimp: Sprinkle 2 tbsp grated Parmesan over shrimp before serving.
Storage and Serving Tips
- Store leftover shrimp and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with 1 tsp water to revive the sauce; avoid microwaving to prevent overcooking the shrimp.
- Freeze cooked shrimp in sauce for up to 1 month; thaw in fridge and reheat on stovetop.
- Serve hot for the best flavor and glossy texture; cold shrimp can be greasy.
- Use leftovers in pasta, risotto, or as a salad topping.
- Avoid leaving at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent spoilage.
- Pair with starchy sides to absorb the rich sauce, enhancing the meal’s appeal.
- Arrange garnishes thoughtfully, like parsley scattered evenly and lemon wedges fanned out, for a restaurant-quality look.
Nutritional Information
Based on 4 servings (6-8 shrimp with sauce each):
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
- Sodium: 520mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 3g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Vitamin A: 10% Daily Value
- Vitamin C: 8% Daily Value
- Calcium: 6% Daily Value
- Iron: 10% Daily Value
Note: Nutritional values vary based on ingredient brands. This dish is moderate in calories, high in protein, and rich in fat from butter. For dietary needs, try low-sodium or air fryer variations. Shrimp provides omega-3s and minerals.
Conclusion
This garlic butter shrimp recipe delivers a savory, glossy dish that’s perfect for quick dinners or elegant gatherings, transforming simple ingredients into a luxurious, visually stunning classic. Its easy preparation and vibrant presentation make it a favorite for home cooks. The tender shrimp and rich sauce, accented with colorful garnishes, create a delightful combination. This recipe is sure to become a cherished staple, loved for its flavor and aesthetic charm.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe: Savory and Glossy
Ingredients
- 1 lb medium shrimp peeled, tails on
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup white wine
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional
- Optional: Parsley lemon wedges
- Suggested Pairings: Crusty bread white wine
Instructions
- Pat shrimp dry; season with salt, pepper.
- Heat oil, 2 tbsp butter in skillet; cook shrimp 2-3 min per side, remove.
- Sauté garlic in remaining butter; add wine, lemon juice, spices; simmer 2-3 min.
- Return shrimp, toss in sauce; cook 1 min.
- Serve in a white bowl with parsley, lemon, bread, and wine.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for bold flavor.
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 days, and reheat on the stovetop.
- Try an air fryer variation.
- Pair with air fryer okra.
