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10 Mouth-Watering Classic Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipes

Garlic butter shrimp is a classic dish that’s easy to make and always satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this recipe is sure to please. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful and aromatic dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

To make garlic butter shrimp, you’ll need fresh shrimp, butter, garlic, lemon juice, and a few herbs and spices. The key to this recipe is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook the shrimp just until they’re pink and tender. You can serve the shrimp over pasta, rice, or with a side of vegetables for a complete meal. This dish is perfect for seafood lovers and is a great way to incorporate more protein into your diet.

Contents

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

To make a classic garlic butter shrimp recipe, you will need the following main ingredients:

  • Shrimp: 1 pound of large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and de-veined.
  • Garlic: 4 cloves of garlic, minced.
  • Butter: 1/2 cup of unsalted butter.
  • Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
  • Salt: 1/4 teaspoon of salt.

Optional Ingredients

While the classic garlic butter shrimp recipe only requires the above ingredients, you can add some optional ingredients to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish. Here are some suggestions:

  • Parsley: 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley, for garnish.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, for a spicy kick.
  • White Wine: 1/4 cup of dry white wine, for a tangy flavor.
  • Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, for a cheesy taste.

Remember that these optional ingredients are not necessary, and you can adjust them according to your taste preferences.

In conclusion, the classic garlic butter shrimp recipe requires only a few main ingredients, but you can add some optional ingredients to make it even more delicious. Make sure to have all the ingredients ready before starting to cook, and adjust the recipe to your taste.

Fresh Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
Fresh Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

Instructions

Preparation

To make this classic garlic butter shrimp recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 1 lb of shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup of butter
  • 1/4 cup of white wine
  • 2 tbsp of fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper to taste and set them aside.

Next, heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

Cooking

Add the white wine to the same skillet and stir to deglaze the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the wine has reduced by half.

Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the shrimp are heated through.

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately. This classic garlic butter shrimp recipe pairs well with rice, pasta, or a simple green salad.

Enjoy your delicious and easy-to-make garlic butter shrimp!

Nutrition Information

If you’re looking for a tasty and easy-to-make seafood dish, garlic butter shrimp is a classic recipe that you might want to try. Not only is it delicious, but it also provides some essential nutrients that your body needs. Here’s a brief overview of the nutrition information for garlic butter shrimp.

Calories

One serving of garlic butter shrimp (about 4 ounces) contains approximately 200 calories. This makes it a relatively low-calorie dish that can fit into most diets. However, keep in mind that the calorie count may vary depending on the specific recipe you use.

Saturated Fat and Cholesterol

Garlic butter shrimp is a dish that is relatively high in saturated fat and cholesterol. One serving contains about 5 grams of saturated fat and 180 milligrams of cholesterol. While these nutrients are necessary for your body, it’s important to consume them in moderation. If you’re watching your saturated fat and cholesterol intake, you may want to limit your portions or opt for a lighter version of the recipe.

Sodium

Garlic butter shrimp can be high in sodium, depending on how it’s prepared. One serving typically contains about 500 milligrams of sodium. If you’re watching your sodium intake, you may want to look for a recipe that uses less salt or skip the added salt altogether.

Protein

One of the benefits of garlic butter shrimp is that it’s a good source of protein. One serving contains about 22 grams of protein, which is about 44% of the daily recommended intake for adults. Protein is an essential nutrient that your body needs to build and repair tissues, among other functions.

Vitamins and Minerals

Garlic butter shrimp is not particularly rich in vitamins and minerals, but it does contain some important nutrients. For example, shrimp is a good source of vitamin B12, which is essential for nerve function and the production of red blood cells. It also contains some vitamin C, calcium, iron, and potassium.

Overall, garlic butter shrimp is a tasty and nutritious dish that can be a great addition to your diet. However, keep in mind that the nutrition information may vary depending on the recipe you use and how it’s prepared. As with any food, moderation is key, and it’s important to balance your diet with a variety of other healthy foods.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

Variations

While the classic garlic butter shrimp recipe is undoubtedly delicious, there are many variations you can try to mix things up and keep your taste buds satisfied. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

If you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful meal, try making lemon garlic shrimp pasta. Cook your favorite pasta according to the package instructions, and while it’s cooking, prepare the shrimp. Melt butter in a pan over medium-high heat, add minced garlic, and cook until fragrant. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and cooked through. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Toss the cooked pasta with the shrimp and sauce, and serve with grated Parmesan cheese.

Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp

For a spicy twist on the classic recipe, try making Cajun garlic butter shrimp. Melt butter in a pan over medium-high heat, add minced garlic, and cook until fragrant. Add peeled and deveined shrimp, Cajun seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Cook until pink and cooked through. Serve with a side of rice or crusty bread.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers

If you’re looking for a fun and easy way to cook shrimp, try making garlic butter shrimp skewers. Thread peeled and deveined shrimp onto skewers, brush with melted garlic butter, and grill until pink and cooked through. Serve with a side of rice or grilled vegetables.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Stir-Fry

For a quick and easy weeknight meal, try making garlic butter shrimp stir-fry. Heat oil in a wok or large pan over high heat, add minced garlic, and cook until fragrant. Add peeled and deveined shrimp, sliced vegetables (such as bell peppers, onions, and broccoli), and a splash of soy sauce. Cook until the shrimp are pink and cooked through, and the vegetables are tender-crisp. Serve with a side of rice.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Alfredo

For a decadent and creamy pasta dish, try making garlic butter shrimp Alfredo. Cook your favorite pasta according to the package instructions, and while it’s cooking, prepare the shrimp. Melt butter in a pan over medium-high heat, add minced garlic, and cook until fragrant. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and cooked through. Add heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, and cook until the sauce is thick and creamy. Toss the cooked pasta with the shrimp and sauce, and serve with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Fried Rice

If you have leftover rice, try making garlic butter shrimp fried rice. Heat oil in a large pan or wok over high heat, add minced garlic, and cook until fragrant. Add peeled and deveined shrimp, diced vegetables (such as carrots, peas, and corn), and cooked rice. Stir-fry until the shrimp are pink and cooked through, and the rice is heated through. Add a splash of soy sauce and sesame oil, and serve with chopped green onions.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique variations of the classic garlic butter shrimp recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic butter shrimp is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served in many different ways. Whether you’re looking for a light and healthy meal or something more indulgent, there are plenty of serving suggestions to choose from.

Green Salad

One of the simplest and healthiest ways to serve garlic butter shrimp is with a side of green salad. The fresh greens provide a nice contrast to the rich and buttery shrimp, while also adding some much-needed vitamins and minerals to your meal.

To make a simple green salad, start with a bed of mixed greens, such as lettuce, spinach, and arugula. Add some sliced cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion for extra crunch and flavor. Drizzle with a simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Bread

Another classic accompaniment to garlic butter shrimp is bread. A warm, crusty baguette or sourdough loaf is perfect for soaking up all the delicious buttery sauce. You can also serve garlic bread or crostini on the side for some extra garlic flavor.

To make garlic bread, slice a baguette or loaf of bread in half lengthwise. Spread a mixture of softened butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley on each half. Toast in the oven until golden brown and fragrant.

Pasta

Garlic butter shrimp is also a great topping for pasta. Simply toss cooked spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine with some garlic butter sauce and top with sautéed shrimp. You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, for extra flavor.

Rice

For a more filling meal, serve garlic butter shrimp with a side of rice. You can use white rice, brown rice, or even quinoa for a healthier option. To add some extra flavor, cook the rice in chicken or vegetable broth instead of water. You can also stir in some chopped scallions or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables are a great way to add some color and nutrition to your meal. You can roast any vegetables you like, such as broccoli, carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers. Simply toss with some olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast in the oven until tender and caramelized.

To serve, arrange the roasted vegetables on a platter and top with the garlic butter shrimp. Drizzle with some extra garlic butter sauce and garnish with chopped fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary.

In conclusion, garlic butter shrimp is a versatile and delicious dish that can be served in many different ways. Whether you’re looking for something light and healthy or indulgent and filling, there’s a serving suggestion for everyone. So next time you make garlic butter shrimp, try pairing it with one of these delicious sides for a complete and satisfying meal.

Tips and Tricks

Preparing garlic butter shrimp is a simple yet delicious dish that can be enjoyed any time of the year. To make the most of your classic garlic butter shrimp recipe, we’ve compiled a list of tips and tricks to help you achieve the perfect dish every time.

Choosing the Right Shrimp

When selecting shrimp for your garlic butter recipe, it’s important to choose high-quality, fresh shrimp. Look for shrimp that are firm to the touch, have a mild scent, and are not slimy or discolored. You can choose either fresh or frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw frozen shrimp completely before cooking.

Preparing the Garlic

Garlic is a key ingredient in garlic butter shrimp, and its flavor can make or break the dish. To prepare garlic, use a sharp knife to finely chop or mince the garlic cloves. Alternatively, you can use a garlic press to crush the garlic into small pieces.

Making the Butter Sauce

The butter sauce is the star of the dish, and it’s important to get it just right. To make the sauce, melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. You can also add fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme for added flavor.

Cooking the Shrimp

When cooking the shrimp, it’s important not to overcook them. Overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat and add the shrimp. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the shrimp to steam rather than sear.

Serving the Dish

Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the pan and drizzle the garlic butter sauce over them. Garnish with fresh parsley or other herbs, if desired. Garlic butter shrimp can be served as an appetizer or as a main dish. It pairs well with a side of rice or pasta.

In conclusion, with these simple tips and tricks, you can make the perfect classic garlic butter shrimp recipe every time. Remember to choose high-quality shrimp, prepare the garlic properly, make a delicious butter sauce, cook the shrimp just right, and garnish with fresh herbs. Enjoy!

Susan Wilson

My name is Susan and I am the person behind this blog. My mission is to help you become a better cook and start cooking like a pro! Here we talk about our kitchen adventures – good or bad- so you can laugh or two about it. So let the journey of mastering the ART OF COOKING begin.