Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp
Highlighted under: Quick & Easy
Elevate your dinner with this irresistible Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe. Juicy shrimp are sautéed in rich garlic butter and a fiery blend of spices, creating a dish that's packed with flavor and perfect for a quick weeknight meal or impressive dinner party. Serve over rice or pasta for a satisfying feast that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Flavor Profile
Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp is a delightful combination of rich, savory, and spicy flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The garlic butter forms a luxurious base that coats each succulent shrimp, enhancing their natural sweetness. The addition of red pepper flakes introduces a warm heat that balances the richness, making every bite a harmonious experience. This dish is not only satisfying but also offers a complex flavor profile that will impress your guests or family at any occasion.
The use of fresh ingredients further elevates this recipe, as fresh garlic and parsley provide vibrant notes that amplify the overall flavor. The shrimp, when cooked correctly, yield a tender and juicy texture that absorbs the garlic butter beautifully. Whether served over a bed of rice or pasta, the combination of flavors and textures creates a memorable meal that's sure to be a hit.
Cooking Tips
To achieve the best results with your Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp, ensure that your shrimp are properly deveined and peeled before starting. The size of the shrimp can also affect cooking time, so adjust accordingly if you're using smaller or larger shrimp. For optimal flavor, always use fresh garlic rather than jarred to really pack a punch. If you're sensitive to spice, feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
Another tip for a delightful meal is to prepare your ingredients ahead of time. Having your garlic minced, shrimp deveined, and butter measured out will streamline the cooking process. This dish comes together quickly, so keeping everything within reach will help you avoid overcooking your shrimp, ensuring they remain tender and juicy.
Serving Suggestions
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound shrimp, deveined and peeled
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Instructions
Sauté the Shrimp
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque.
Serve
Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve over rice or pasta.
Nutritional Benefits
Shrimp is a lean source of protein, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious eaters. It is low in calories but high in essential nutrients like selenium, which plays a vital role in metabolism and thyroid function. The addition of garlic is not only for flavor; it is packed with antioxidants and offers numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health and immune support.
Additionally, incorporating fresh parsley as a garnish adds a touch of freshness and is a great source of vitamins A, C, and K. By serving this dish with whole grains like brown rice or whole wheat pasta, you can enhance its nutritional profile, making it a balanced meal that will fuel your body efficiently.
Storage and Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp, you’re in luck! This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat to prevent the shrimp from becoming tough. You can also add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist and flavorful when reheating.
For those interested in meal prepping, consider batch cooking this recipe. It keeps well and can be a delicious addition to your weekly meal plan. Just be mindful not to freeze it for extended periods, as shrimp doesn't generally retain its best texture after freezing and thawing. Instead, enjoy it fresh for the best taste.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
→ What can I serve with this dish?
It's great served over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp
Elevate your dinner with this irresistible Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe. Juicy shrimp are sautéed in rich garlic butter and a fiery blend of spices, creating a dish that's packed with flavor and perfect for a quick weeknight meal or impressive dinner party. Serve over rice or pasta for a satisfying feast that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Created by: Jenna Rowland
Recipe Type: Quick & Easy
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound shrimp, deveined and peeled
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How-To Steps
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque.
Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve over rice or pasta.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fat: 20g