Imagine diving into a plate of succulent, golden-brown shrimp swimming in a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce that'll make your taste buds dance with joy! This Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe is your ticket to a gourmet meal that looks impressive but takes less time to prepare than ordering takeout. Whether you're a busy home cook or a seafood enthusiast, this recipe promises to transform your dinner from ordinary to extraordinary with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure they will sear properly and develop a nice golden color.
- Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, making sure each piece is evenly coated for balanced flavor.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter until it becomes foamy and starts to slightly brown.
- Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release its aromatic flavors.
- Carefully add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow proper browning.
- Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on the first side until they turn pink and develop a light golden color.
- Flip the shrimp and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on the other side until they are completely opaque and cooked through.
- Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and gently toss to coat, which will add brightness and enhance the seafood's natural flavor.
- Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the shrimp to a serving plate.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh herb flavor.
- Serve immediately while hot, optionally with crusty bread or over rice to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
Tips
- Dry your shrimp thoroughly: Moisture is the enemy of a perfect sear. Use paper towels to remove excess water, ensuring your shrimp develop a beautiful golden color.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Give your shrimp breathing room! Cook them in a single layer to allow proper browning and prevent steaming.
- Watch the butter carefully: When it becomes foamy and slightly brown, that's your signal to add garlic - this is where the magic of flavor happens.
- Timing is crucial: Shrimp cook quickly. 2-3 minutes per side is typically perfect to avoid rubbery texture.
- Fresh ingredients matter: Use fresh garlic and high-quality butter for the most vibrant flavor. Fresh parsley as a garnish can elevate the entire dish.
- Serve immediately: Garlic butter shrimp is best enjoyed hot, straight from the pan. Pair with crusty bread or rice to soak up that delicious sauce!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 344kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 23g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 180mg
