Garlic Herb Butter Shrimp

$To create the Garlic Herb Butter Shrimp, gather the following items: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - Juice of 1 lemon - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and black pepper to taste - Lemon wedges for garnish Each ingredient plays a key role in making this dish burst with flavor. The shrimp provide a sweet taste and firm texture. The butter brings richness, while garlic adds a strong, savory note. Fresh herbs like parsley and basil brighten up the dish. Lemon zest and juice offer a refreshing tang. You can adjust the red pepper flakes for spice, making it just the way you like. When you pick your shrimp, look for ones that are firm and smell fresh. Fresh herbs make a difference in taste, so use them if you can. With these ingredients, you're ready to whip up a meal that impresses in just 20 minutes! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Melting the butter Start by placing a large skillet on medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let it melt until it gets frothy. This should take just a minute or two. The froth shows the butter is ready for the next step. - Sautéing garlic Once the butter is frothy, add 4 minced cloves of garlic. Stir the garlic for about one minute. You want it to smell great but not brown. If it browns, it might taste bitter, and that's not what you want. - Seasoning the shrimp Now, it’s time to add 1 pound of peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet. Season them with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for heat. Stir well to coat the shrimp with the garlic butter. - Flipping the shrimp Cook the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes on one side. When they turn pink, it’s time to flip them over. Cook the other side for another 2 to 3 minutes. The shrimp should be fully cooked and opaque when done. - Adding lemon juice and zest After flipping the shrimp, squeeze the juice of 1 lemon over them. Also, add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest for extra flavor. Toss in 1 tablespoon each of fresh chopped parsley and basil. These herbs bring brightness to the dish. - Serving the dish Once everything is cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Transfer the shrimp to a serving dish. Drizzle any leftover sauce from the skillet over the shrimp. Garnish with lemon wedges and more fresh herbs if you like. Enjoy your meal! - Cooking time for shrimp: Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. They turn pink when ready. - Avoiding overcooking: Remove shrimp from heat when they are opaque. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery. To ensure the best texture, always watch the shrimp closely. They cook fast, so timing is key. If you feel unsure, take one out and check. It should be firm but not hard. - Adjusting spice levels: For a mild dish, skip red pepper flakes. Want more heat? Add more flakes or even fresh chilies. - Herb substitutions: If you lack parsley or basil, try chives or cilantro. Each herb brings a unique taste. Feel free to mix your favorite herbs. The key is to balance the flavors, so they complement the garlic and butter. - Pairing with sides: Garlic herb butter shrimp pairs well with rice or pasta. A crisp salad also works well for a fresh touch. - Wine pairings: A chilled white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, enhances the dish. Its acidity cuts through the richness of the butter. Try these sides and drinks to elevate your meal. They bring out the flavors in the shrimp and make your dinner more enjoyable. Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients Matter: Using fresh shrimp and herbs will enhance the flavor of this dish significantly. If possible, buy shrimp that has been sourced sustainably and is still in its shell for optimal freshness. Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly; watch for them to turn from translucent to opaque. Overcooking can lead to rubbery shrimp, so keep an eye on the time. Adjusting Heat Levels: If you like it spicy, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes. Conversely, you can omit them entirely for a milder flavor. Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic herb butter sauce. Consider adding a fresh green salad for a complete meal. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in this dish. Scallops make a great choice. They cook fast and soak up flavors well. Fish also works nicely, especially firm types like cod or halibut. For a vegetarian option, try using mushrooms or tofu. Both absorb the garlic herb butter well and add a unique twist. Changing herbs can give your dish a fresh taste. You might add thyme or dill for a new flavor. You could also mix in some fresh cilantro for a bold kick. If you want heat, try adding cayenne pepper or smoked paprika. These spices can elevate the dish and make it even more exciting. You can cook shrimp in different ways. Grilling adds a nice smoky flavor. Just toss the shrimp on the grill for a few minutes per side. Baking is another option. Spread shrimp on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for about 10 minutes. Both methods keep the shrimp juicy and tender while adding unique tastes. After enjoying your garlic herb butter shrimp, store the leftovers in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps the shrimp fresh for up to three days. Make sure the shrimp cools down before sealing. If you need to keep them longer, consider freezing. Seal the shrimp in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. These shrimp can stay tasty in the freezer for up to two months. To reheat, use the stovetop for best results. Heat a skillet on medium-low. Add a little butter or oil to prevent sticking. Place the shrimp in the skillet and cook until heated through. Avoid cooking too long to keep the shrimp tender. You can also use a microwave. Place the shrimp on a microwave-safe plate, cover lightly, and heat in short bursts. Aim for a temperature of 145°F to ensure the shrimp is safe to eat. You can tell shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and curl slightly. The flesh should look opaque. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Be careful not to overcook; they can become tough. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just thaw them first. Place them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Make sure they are peeled and deveined before cooking. This saves time and still gives great flavor. To add heat, use more red pepper flakes. You can also add chopped fresh chili peppers. If you want a different spice, try a dash of hot sauce or some cayenne pepper. Adjust to your taste! You can prepare the shrimp ahead, but cook them just before serving. If you want to save time, you can mix the garlic and herbs in advance. Store them in the fridge until you're ready to cook. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs work well. Use about one-third of the amount of dried herbs. For parsley, basil, or both, try using one teaspoon each of the dried versions. You can also try Italian seasoning for a mix! You now have a simple way to make garlic herb butter shrimp. We discussed the key ingredients and step-by-step cooking instructions. I also shared tips for perfect shrimp, different variations, and storage options. This dish is not just tasty; it's flexible too. Feel free to adjust flavors or try different proteins. With practice, you’ll impress your family and friends with this quick meal. Enjoy your cooking adventure!$

A delicious shrimp dish cooked in a flavorful garlic herb butter sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Seafood

Servings 4

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 unit Juice of 1 lemon
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
to taste unit Salt and black pepper
for garnish unit Lemon wedges

Instructions

In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat until frothy.
Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on one side, then flip them over.
After flipping, add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and the chopped herbs (parsley and basil) to the pan.
Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp are fully cooked and opaque.
Remove from heat and transfer the shrimp to a serving dish, drizzling any remaining sauce from the skillet over the top.
Garnish with lemon wedges and an extra sprinkle of fresh herbs, if desired.

Notes

Serve with lemon wedges for added flavor.

Keyword butter, garlic, herbs, shrimp