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- 1 lb large shrimp, deveined and peeled - 6 tablespoons unsalted butter - 5 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1 lemon (zested and juiced) - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: 1 tablespoon olive oil for frying When you pick shrimp, look for a few key signs. You want shrimp that smell fresh, not fishy. Look for a clear, shiny shell. The shrimp should feel firm and springy. If the shells are sticky or slimy, skip those. Deveining and peeling shrimp is important. It makes them taste better and easier to eat. The vein can hold sand and grit. To devein, make a small cut along the back and pull the vein out. If you can't find shrimp, you have options. You can use scallops or fish instead. Both cook quickly and taste great with garlic butter. For vegan or vegetarian choices, try using mushrooms or tofu. They soak up flavors well and add a nice texture. To start, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter and let it melt. For a richer taste, you can add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. This helps the butter from burning. Once the butter melts, it’s time to add the garlic. Use 5 cloves of minced garlic and stir them into the butter. Add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a little kick. Sauté this mixture for 1 to 2 minutes. The garlic should smell great and turn slightly golden. Be careful not to burn it, or the sauce will taste bitter. Now, it’s time for the shrimp. Take 1 pound of large shrimp that are deveined and peeled. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Make sure they don’t overlap. This helps them cook evenly. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes on one side. You’ll know they are ready to flip when they turn pink and opaque. After that, flip the shrimp over. Add the lemon zest and juice from 1 lemon along with the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. The shrimp should be fully cooked and coated in the garlic butter sauce. Once the shrimp are done, take the skillet off the heat. Toss in 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can serve this dish hot or warm. Enjoy your garlic butter shrimp with some fluffy rice or crusty bread. For a bright finish, add some extra lemon wedges on the side. For a full recipe, refer to the Garlic Butter Shrimp Delight. To ensure your shrimp are tender, start with fresh, high-quality shrimp. Look for shrimp that are firm and have a mild scent. Cook your shrimp over medium heat for just a few minutes. Avoid cooking them too long. They should turn pink and curl slightly. If they become rubbery, you have overcooked them. Garlic butter shrimp pairs well with many side dishes. Serve it over fluffy rice or creamy polenta for a filling meal. Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce. You can also toss the shrimp with pasta for a quick dinner. For a lighter option, serve it on a salad with fresh greens. Make your dish stand out by garnishing with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. This adds color and freshness. Use a clean plate to enhance the look of the meal. Arrange the shrimp in a circle over the rice or pasta. This creates a beautiful layer. For added flair, drizzle some of the garlic butter sauce around the edge of the plate. {{image_2}} To make your garlic butter shrimp spicy, add more red pepper flakes. Start with a teaspoon, then increase to your taste. You can also try incorporating spices, like cayenne pepper or paprika. Both add heat and depth to the dish. I love using smoked paprika for a smoky twist. For a richer flavor, use coconut milk instead of some butter. This change adds creaminess and a hint of sweetness. To balance the richness, squeeze in some fresh lime juice. The lime brightens the dish and enhances the flavors. You’ll find this version perfect for a tropical dinner. Serve the shrimp over your favorite pasta for a hearty meal. I recommend using angel hair or fettuccine. Both types soak up the garlic butter sauce well. Cook the pasta al dente for the best texture. The shrimp and pasta together create a satisfying dish that feels special. For the complete cooking process, check the Full Recipe. To keep garlic butter shrimp fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge right after it cools. This helps keep the shrimp juicy and flavorful. Use it within two days for best taste. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. For freezing, use a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as you can. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the shrimp for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, place it in the fridge overnight to thaw. This method gives you the best results. You can reheat garlic butter shrimp in two ways: microwave or stovetop. If using a microwave, place it in a bowl and cover it. Heat in short bursts, stirring often. This helps to keep the shrimp from drying out. For stovetop reheating, warm it in a skillet over low heat. Stir gently until heated through. This way, you maintain the shrimp's texture and flavor. Cooking garlic butter shrimp is quick and easy. It takes about 15 minutes from start to finish. Here’s the breakdown: - Prep Time: 10 minutes - Cook Time: 5 minutes In just a few minutes, you can have a tasty dish ready to serve. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them first. Here are some tips: - Place shrimp in the fridge overnight to thaw. - For quicker thawing, run them under cold water for about 10-15 minutes. - Pat the shrimp dry before cooking to avoid excess water in your dish. This way, your shrimp will cook evenly and absorb all that garlic butter goodness. Garlic butter shrimp pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Fluffy rice, which soaks up the sauce beautifully. - Crusty bread, perfect for dipping in the garlic butter. - Steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for a healthy touch. - A fresh salad to add some crunch and balance. These sides will make your meal even more delightful! In this article, we covered garlic butter shrimp from ingredients to variations. You learned what fresh shrimp to choose and the best substitutes. The step-by-step instructions guide you through preparation and cooking. We also explored tips for serving and storage to keep your shrimp tasty. With these insights, you can enjoy a delicious dish that impresses. Cook with confidence and don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors. Enjoy your shrimp adventure!

Garlic Butter Shrimp

Savor the flavors of Garlic Butter Shrimp Delight with this quick and easy recipe! Perfectly seared shrimp are tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon and spice. Ready in just 15 minutes, this dish is perfect for any weeknight meal or special occasion. Discover the full recipe, presentation tips, and variations to delight your taste buds. Click through to explore how to make this mouthwatering dish today!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb large shrimp, deveined and peeled

6 tablespoons unsalted butter

5 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

1 lemon (zested and juiced)

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: 1 tablespoon olive oil for frying

Instructions
 

In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. If you want a bit of extra flavor, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent the butter from burning.

    Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden, but be careful not to burn it.

      Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.

        Flip the shrimp over and add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked and coated in the garlic butter sauce.

          Remove from heat and toss in the fresh parsley, adjusting seasoning if necessary. Serve hot.

            Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

              - Presentation Tips: Serve the garlic butter shrimp over a bed of fluffy rice or with crusty bread on the side. Garnish with additional parsley and lemon wedges for an extra pop of color and freshness.