Sautéed shrimp in butter and garlic is a classic dish for a reason: it's incredibly easy, incredibly fast, and incredibly delicious. This simple recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a romantic meal, or even a quick appetizer. Let's dive into how to master this culinary gem!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for spontaneous cooking. You'll need:
- 1 pound shrimp: Peeled and deveined. Larger shrimp will cook faster, while smaller shrimp require slightly less time.
- 4 tablespoons butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for better flavor control.
- 4 cloves garlic: Minced. Fresh garlic is best, but pre-minced garlic in a jar will work in a pinch.
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional): This adds a lovely depth of flavor, but feel free to omit it if you prefer.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is ideal, but bottled will work.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Fresh parsley (optional): For garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
This recipe is so simple, even a beginner cook can master it!
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Prep Your Shrimp: Ensure your shrimp are thoroughly thawed if frozen. Pat them dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a nice sear.
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Melt the Butter: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Make sure the heat isn't too high; you want the butter to melt and gently brown, not burn.
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Sauté the Garlic: Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
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Add the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Overcrowding will cause the shrimp to steam instead of sauté. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches.
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Cook the Shrimp: Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Larger shrimp will take slightly longer.
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Deglaze (Optional): If using white wine, pour it into the skillet and let it simmer for a minute or two, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds incredible flavor!
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Add Lemon Juice: Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. This dish pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Tips for Perfect Sautéed Shrimp:
- Don't overcook the shrimp! Overcooked shrimp become rubbery.
- Pat the shrimp dry: This helps them brown properly.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if necessary.
- Use fresh ingredients: The flavor difference is noticeable.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste: Some prefer more garlic or lemon juice.
Variations on the Classic:
Once you've mastered the basic recipe, feel free to experiment with variations:
- Spicy Shrimp: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Herb-Infused Shrimp: Add other fresh herbs like thyme or oregano.
- Garlic Butter Sauce: Make a richer sauce by whisking in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream at the end.
This simple recipe for sautéed shrimp in butter and garlic is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try tonight, and enjoy the delicious results! Remember to share your culinary creations on social media and tag us! #sauteedsrimp #garlicshrimp #easydinner #shrimprecipe
