Garlic Shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish with succulent shrimp are sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, infused with a hint of lemon and fresh parsley. The combination of garlic, butter, and a touch of heat creates a savory dish that’s both simple and indulgent. It can be served over pasta, rice, or enjoyed on its own.
Why You’ll Love Garlic Shrimp
Garlic shrimp is a versatile, flavorful dish that combines tender shrimp with the bold taste of garlic, butter, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes or chili. The best part? It’s ready in under 20 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a show-stopping appetizer for parties and gatherings. You can serve it over pasta, rice, or enjoy it as-is, making it adaptable to various dietary needs.
This recipe features a perfect balance of savory, zesty, and umami flavors that will delight your taste buds with every bite. It’s also packed with protein, making it a great choice for a healthy, low-carb meal. If you’ve been searching for a meal that’s both easy to prepare and full of flavor, garlic shrimp will not disappoint.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Garlic Shrimp
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly and become rubbery if overcooked. Keep an eye on them, and remove them from the heat once they turn pink and opaque.
Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor. If you’re using pre-minced garlic, the taste may not be as vibrant.
Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a few dashes of hot sauce.
Make it Creamy: For a creamy garlic shrimp, add 1/4 cup of heavy cream to the sauce during the simmering step. This will create a rich, velvety finish.
Customize the Sauce: You can substitute the white wine with lemon juice for a citrusy finish or use chicken broth for a more neutral base.
Variations of Garlic Shrimp
Garlic shrimp is incredibly versatile, and you can easily tweak the recipe to suit different tastes or dietary preferences. Here are a few variations to try:
Garlic Shrimp Scampi: Add some cooked pasta to the skillet for a classic shrimp scampi dish. This variation is perfect for a hearty dinner.
Garlic Shrimp with Vegetables: Toss in some chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added texture and nutrients.
Garlic Shrimp with Parmesan: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the shrimp just before serving to add an extra layer of richness.
Garlic Shrimp with Coconut Milk: For a tropical twist, replace the white wine with coconut milk and add a dash of curry powder for a flavorful kick.
How to Serve Garlic Shrimp
Garlic shrimp is perfect for a variety of serving options, making it ideal for different occasions and meal types. Here are a few ideas:
- Over Pasta: Serve the shrimp with spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine for a delicious pasta dish. Toss the shrimp and sauce together for a comforting meal.
- With Rice: Garlic shrimp pairs wonderfully with steamed white or brown rice. The rice absorbs the flavorful garlic butter sauce for a satisfying combination.
- As an Appetizer: Serve garlic shrimp as a starter at a dinner party or gathering. Skewer the shrimp and serve them with toothpicks for an easy-to-eat finger food.
- On Its Own: For a low-carb or keto option, serve garlic shrimp on its own with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
How to Store Garlic Shrimp
Garlic shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, be sure to warm them gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat.
Garlic shrimp is not suitable for freezing as the texture of the shrimp can change once frozen and thawed.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly.
2. Can I make garlic shrimp without wine?
Yes! You can easily substitute the white wine with chicken broth or vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version. Alternatively, lemon juice adds a nice citrusy tang in place of wine.
3. Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
While fresh garlic is always preferred for the best flavor, you can use garlic powder in a pinch. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of garlic.
4. How do I make garlic shrimp less greasy?
If you want to reduce the amount of butter and oil in the dish, use less butter and replace part of the olive oil with vegetable or chicken broth.
5. Can I add other seasonings to garlic shrimp?
Yes! Feel free to add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of zest will also brighten up the flavor.
Garlic Shrimp
Garlic Shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish with succulent shrimp are sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, infused with a hint of lemon and fresh parsley.
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled, deveined, and tails removed)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2-3 tsp minced garlic (add more if you're a garlic lover!)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
- In a large pan, melt butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Toss in the garlic and cook for another minute, letting those flavors meld together.
- Stir in the lemon juice and sprinkle with parsley for a fresh finish.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 247Total Fat 14gSaturated Fat 8gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 5gCholesterol 270mgSodium 1241mgCarbohydrates 4gFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 26g
dinnerbytes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although dinnerbytes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Garlic shrimp is one of those dishes that will never go out of style. Whether you’re in a rush to get dinner on the table or you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party, this dish delivers on both flavor and simplicity. With endless variations and the ability to serve it in numerous ways, garlic shrimp will quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.
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