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The main ingredients for this dish are simple yet full of flavor. You will need: - 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Salt and black pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - Zest of 1 lemon - Cooked rice or pasta for serving These ingredients create a rich and buttery sauce that coats the shrimp perfectly. The garlic brings a warm flavor, while the lemon adds a bright touch. You can add some optional ingredients to make your dish even better. Here are a few ideas: - A splash of white wine for depth - A pinch of smoked paprika for warmth - Chopped green onions for freshness - A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a savory touch These extras allow you to customize the dish to your taste, adding layers of flavor that delight the palate. When buying shrimp, freshness is key. Here are some tips to help you choose the best: - Look for shrimp that smell like the ocean, not fishy. - Choose shrimp that are firm to the touch. - The shells should be shiny and moist. - If possible, buy shrimp that are still in their shells. Fresh shrimp makes a huge difference in taste and texture. When you select high-quality shrimp, your garlic butter shrimp will shine! For more details, check the Full Recipe. To start, rinse the shrimp in cold water. This makes them fresh and clean. Next, pat them dry with paper towels. This step is key for a nice sear. You want to make sure no water stays on them. While you get the shrimp ready, gather your ingredients. You will need butter, garlic, lemon, and spices. Having everything at hand helps the cooking flow. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt fully. Do not let it turn brown, as that can change the flavor. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté it for about one minute. You want it fragrant, not burnt. Then, mix in the red pepper flakes and lemon zest. This adds a nice kick and brightness. After 30 seconds, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes without stirring. You will see them turn pink. Flip the shrimp and add lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Cook them for another 2-3 minutes until they are opaque. This means they are fully cooked. Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Serve the garlic butter shrimp over cooked rice or pasta for a tasty meal. Drizzle any sauce left in the skillet over the dish. For a nice touch, garnish with lemon slices and parsley. This adds color and flavor. Pair it with a light side salad for balance. Enjoy this simple yet delightful dish, perfect for any night! Get the full recipe for detailed steps. One common mistake is overcooking the shrimp. Shrimp cook quickly, usually in just 5-6 minutes. If you cook them too long, they can turn tough and rubbery. Always watch the color; shrimp should turn pink and opaque. Another mistake is burning the garlic. Sauté garlic for only 1 minute to keep its flavor bright. If garlic burns, it will make your dish taste bitter. Lastly, don’t forget to season properly. A pinch of salt and pepper enhances the taste. To spice things up, add more red pepper flakes. You can start with a pinch and taste as you go. If you prefer less heat, use fewer flakes or omit them completely. For a milder option, consider using sweet smoked paprika instead. This adds flavor without the heat. You can also serve hot sauce on the side for those who want extra kick. A good non-stick skillet is a must for this recipe. It helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy. A garlic press is handy for quickly mincing garlic. If you cook often, invest in a quality set of measuring spoons. They help you get the right amounts every time. Lastly, a fish spatula works great for flipping shrimp without breaking them. These tools make cooking simple and fun! For the full recipe, check out the complete details. {{image_2}} You can easily add veggies to garlic butter shrimp. Vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini work well. These will add color and nutrients to your dish. To add them, chop the veggies into bite-sized pieces. Sauté them in the butter before adding garlic. This way, they soak up the flavor. Cook the veggies until they are tender but still crisp. Then, follow the rest of the recipe. You’ll love the added crunch and taste! If you want to switch things up, try scallops or chicken. Scallops cook quickly and have a sweet flavor. Use the same cooking method as for shrimp. Just remember, they need less time. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes per side. Chicken is another good choice. Cut it into small pieces to ensure even cooking. Cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and no longer pink inside. Both options will still be rich and tasty. Herbs and spices can change the taste of your dish. Try adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme. These add a garden-fresh flavor. You can also use dried herbs if fresh is not available. For a kick, add more red pepper flakes or even cayenne pepper. A splash of soy sauce can add a nice umami taste, too. Experiment with these flavors and find your favorites. Each variation brings a new twist to your garlic butter shrimp. For the full recipe, check out the main article! To keep your garlic butter shrimp fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let the shrimp cool down to room temperature first. This prevents moisture buildup. Place the container in the fridge. It can last up to three days. If you plan to eat it later, try to avoid mixing it with rice or pasta. This way, each part stays tasty. When reheating garlic butter shrimp, use low heat. You can use a skillet or microwave. For the skillet, add a little butter and warm it gently. Stir often to avoid overcooking. If using a microwave, place the shrimp in a bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, checking every 30 seconds. This keeps the shrimp juicy and soft. Freezing garlic butter shrimp is a great way to keep it longer. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently, as mentioned before, for the best flavor. You can enjoy this dish again with its delightful taste! You can tell shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and opaque. They should curl into a "C" shape. If they curl into an "O," they may be overcooked. Cooking time varies, but shrimp usually take about 4-6 minutes. Always check the center for any translucent areas. Perfect shrimp should be firm but not rubbery. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just thaw them first. To do this, place them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Make sure to drain and dry them well before cooking. This helps achieve that nice sear. Frozen shrimp can be just as tasty as fresh shrimp when cooked properly. Garlic butter shrimp pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Cooked rice - Pasta with olive oil - Garlic bread - A fresh green salad - Steamed vegetables These sides soak up the buttery sauce. They balance the strong flavors of the shrimp. For the full recipe, check the earlier section on Garlic Butter Shrimp Delight. This post covered how to make simple garlic butter shrimp. We discussed the key and optional ingredients, and tips for choosing fresh shrimp. You learned step-by-step preparation and cooking techniques. We shared helpful tips to avoid common mistakes and ways to adjust spice levels. You can also explore variations like adding vegetables or using scallops. Finally, we looked at storage methods to keep shrimp tasty. Use these insights to create a dish that shines at your table. Enjoy cooking!

Simple Garlic Butter Shrimp

Indulge in the flavors of Garlic Butter Shrimp Delight with this quick and easy recipe! Perfectly tender shrimp are sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, creating a mouthwatering dish that's ready in just 15 minutes. Serve it over rice or pasta and elevate your dinner with fresh lemon and parsley. Click to explore this delicious recipe and impress your family and friends with a delightful meal tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Salt and black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Zest of 1 lemon

Cooked rice or pasta for serving

Instructions
 

Begin by rinsing the shrimp under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. This will help them sear nicely when cooked.

    In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Allow it to melt completely but ensure it does not brown.

      Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned (burnt garlic can make the dish bitter).

        Stir in the red pepper flakes and lemon zest, cooking for an additional 30 seconds to release the flavors.

          Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side, without stirring, until slightly pink.

            Flip the shrimp and add the fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked and opaque.

              Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top.

                Serve the garlic butter shrimp over cooked rice or pasta, drizzling any remaining buttery sauce from the skillet on top.

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

                    - Presentation Tips: For an elegant touch, serve the shrimp on a bed of pasta or rice, garnished with lemon slices and a sprig of parsley. Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.