There’s something about garlic butter shrimp that feels like a culinary magic trick—simple ingredients, yet such a burst of flavor that it makes you wonder if there’s a secret ingredient hiding somewhere. I mean, it’s almost like a perfectly choreographed dance between the garlic and butter, with shrimp as the star performer. Once, at a friend’s dinner party, I watched guests abandon elegant conversation for a moment just to savor the aroma wafting from the kitchen. It’s that kind of dish—captivating and, honestly, a little irresistible.
Steps
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until they begin to sizzle. Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes; sauté for about 30 seconds until the aroma is released. Incorporate the shrimp and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are just pink and cooked through.
- Stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped parsley to coat the shrimp evenly. Season the dish with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Transfer the shrimp to a serving platter and serve immediately.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or more if desired
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails left intact if preferred
- 1 large lemon, juiced and zested
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
FAQ
- Can I use frozen shrimp for the Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe?
- Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely and peel and devein them before cooking.
- Is it necessary to use fresh parsley, or can I substitute dried parsley?
- Fresh, flat-leaf parsley is recommended for the best flavor. Dried parsley is not an ideal substitute for this dish.
- What type of olive oil should be used in this recipe?
- It’s best to use high-quality, extra-virgin olive oil for the richest flavor in the Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp.
- How can I serve Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp?
- This dish pairs well with bread, pasta, or rice to soak up the delicious sauce. It also works as a delightful appetizer for gatherings.
- Can I adjust the level of spice in the recipe?
- Absolutely, you can adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to suit your taste preference, adding more or less as desired.
Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh, firm garlic and organic lemons for the best flavor. Fresh parsley is essential as dried parsley doesn’t provide the same taste or texture for this dish.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, usually in about 3 to 4 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking, which can make the shrimp rubbery.
- Enhance the Sauce: To fully enjoy the rich lemon garlic butter sauce, serve the shrimp with bread, pasta, or rice to soak up every last bit.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Customize the heat by adjusting the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences.
Equipment
- Large Skillet – A high-quality, non-stick skillet for cooking the shrimp and sauce.
- Zester/Grater – For zesting the lemon.
- Garlic Press – For easily mincing garlic cloves.
- Citrus Juicer – To efficiently extract juice from the lemon.
