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- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped - Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - Lemon wedges for serving Choosing fresh shrimp is key for flavor. Look for shrimp that are firm and have a slight sea smell. Avoid shrimp with a strong fishy scent or any discoloration. Always check the sell-by date when buying. You can customize this dish with optional ingredients. Try adding a splash of white wine for depth. You can also include fresh herbs like thyme or basil for extra flavor. A pinch of lemon zest can enhance the freshness too. For the full recipe, see Garlic Butter Shrimp Delight 🧄. How to Peel and Devein Shrimp Peeling and deveining shrimp is easy. Start by holding the shrimp in one hand. Use your other hand to grab the shell at the base of the shrimp. Gently pull the shell off, starting from the head to the tail. For deveining, look for the dark line on the back. Use a small knife to cut a shallow line and pull it out. Rinse the shrimp under cold water to clean them. Preparing Garlic and Lemon Garlic gives a rich taste to the dish. Take four cloves of garlic and finely mince them. Use a sharp knife for this task. Next, grab a lemon. Zest the lemon first by using a grater, then cut it in half and squeeze out the juice. Set both the zest and juice aside for later. Melting the Butter and Sautéing the Garlic Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add four tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let it melt completely. Swirl the pan to coat the bottom. Once melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté for one to two minutes, stirring often. Watch closely to avoid burning it. Cooking the Shrimp to Perfection Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt, cracked pepper, and half a teaspoon of smoked paprika. Let the shrimp cook without stirring for two to three minutes. When the bottom turns pink, flip each shrimp over to cook the other side. Adding Flavor with Lemon and Spices After flipping, sprinkle the lemon zest over the shrimp. Squeeze in the lemon juice for a fresh taste. If you like some heat, add red pepper flakes. Cook for another two to three minutes until the shrimp are opaque. Remove from heat and mix in chopped parsley to finish. For the full recipe, check out Garlic Butter Shrimp Delight. - Overcooking the Shrimp Cooking shrimp too long makes them tough. They cook fast! Watch closely. They turn pink and opaque in just a few minutes. Remove them from heat when they are just done. - Burning the Garlic Garlic adds great flavor, but it burns easily. Cook it on medium heat for 1-2 minutes. Stir it often. When it turns golden, it’s ready. If it burns, it will taste bitter. - Adding Herbs and Spices Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can brighten the dish. You can also try a pinch of thyme or oregano. These herbs add depth and freshness to the shrimp. - Adjusting Level of Heat with Red Pepper Flakes Want some heat? Add red pepper flakes! Start with a small amount. You can always add more if you like it spicy. It gives the dish a nice kick without overpowering the garlic. These tips will help you make the best garlic butter shrimp ever! For the full recipe, check out Garlic Butter Shrimp Delight 🧄. {{image_4}} You can easily swap shrimp for other proteins. Scallops work great in this dish. They cook quickly and have a sweet flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cook time. Chicken is another good option. Use boneless thighs or breasts for the best results. Cut the chicken into small pieces for even cooking. Cook until golden brown for about 5-7 minutes. Both options will soak up the garlic butter nicely. You can change the flavors to fit your taste. For an Asian twist, add soy sauce and ginger. This gives a nice umami kick and pairs well with shrimp. You can also toss in some snap peas or bell peppers for color and crunch. For a Mediterranean vibe, add olives and cherry tomatoes. The olives will add brininess, while tomatoes bring freshness. Cook them in the garlic butter until soft, then mix in the shrimp. This creates a tasty and vibrant dish. After enjoying your garlic butter shrimp, you may have some left. Store any leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep the shrimp fresh. Place the container in the fridge. You can enjoy it for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Place the shrimp in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This will prevent freezer burn. Frozen shrimp can last for up to three months. When it’s time to eat the leftovers, reheating is key. The best way to reheat shrimp is in a skillet. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Heat on low, stirring gently to avoid overcooking. This keeps the shrimp tender and juicy. Microwaving is another option, but it can dry out the shrimp. If you use this method, heat in short bursts. Check the shrimp often so you don’t overdo it. Maintaining flavor and texture is important. You want to enjoy that garlic butter goodness again! Cooking shrimp is quick and easy. Here are the times based on size: - Small shrimp (51-60 count): 2-3 minutes - Medium shrimp (41-50 count): 3-4 minutes - Large shrimp (31-40 count): 4-5 minutes - Jumbo shrimp (21-30 count): 5-6 minutes The key is to watch for a pink and opaque color. Overcooking makes shrimp tough. Yes, you can prep Garlic Butter Shrimp in advance. Here are some tips: - Cook the shrimp until barely done. - Cool them and store in a sealed container. - Keep in the fridge for up to one day. - Reheat gently in a skillet before serving. This method saves time and gives you a tasty dish ready to go. Garlic Butter Shrimp pairs well with many sides. Here are some tasty ideas: - Rice: White, brown, or coconut rice works great. - Pasta: Toss with spaghetti or linguine for a filling meal. - Vegetables: Steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach adds color and nutrition. - Bread: Crusty bread is perfect for mopping up the sauce. Choose sides that balance the rich garlic butter flavor. You can find the full recipe for Garlic Butter Shrimp Delight 🧄. It includes all the steps and tips to make this dish shine. Enjoy cooking! In this blog post, I covered how to make easy garlic butter shrimp. You learned about the ingredients, including tips for choosing fresh shrimp. I also shared step-by-step instructions for preparation and cooking. We discussed common mistakes and ways to enhance flavor. Plus, I offered variations and storage tips. Remember, cooking shrimp is simple if you follow these steps. Keep trying different flavors to find what you love. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Savor the taste of Garlic Butter Shrimp Delight in just 15 minutes! This succulent dish combines fresh shrimp, rich butter, aromatic garlic, and a hint of lemon for a meal that bursts with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests, this recipe is a must-try.
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 lemon, zested and juiced

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika for depth of flavor

Lemon wedges for serving, to enhance freshness

Instructions
 

Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter to the skillet and allow it to melt completely, swirling the pan to coat the bottom evenly. As the butter melts, watch for it to become foamy, which takes about a minute.

    Once the butter is melted and fragrant, add the finely minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it’s just golden and aromatic—be sure not to let it burn, as this can taste bitter.

      Next, introduce the peeled and deveined shrimp directly into the skillet. Season them generously with salt, freshly cracked pepper, and smoked paprika. Allow the shrimp to cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until the underside turns pink and opaque.

        Carefully flip each shrimp to cook the other side. Add in the fresh lemon zest, squeeze in the lemon juice, and sprinkle the optional red pepper flakes for added heat. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring gently, until the shrimp are cooked through and fully opaque.

          Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the finely chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp. Toss gently to coat the shrimp in the luscious garlic butter sauce, ensuring every piece is well-covered.

            Serve the Garlic Butter Shrimp Delight immediately, garnished with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zing and bursting with freshness.

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

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the shrimp in a large serving bowl, drizzling any excess garlic butter sauce over the top, and scatter the remaining parsley for a pop of color. Place lemon wedges around the bowl for an attractive and functional garnish. Enjoy!