Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp

$- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley - Salt and pepper to taste - Lemon wedges for serving The key to my spicy garlic butter shrimp is the freshness of the ingredients. Start with large shrimp. They taste great and cook quickly. Look for shrimp that are firm and shiny. Next, I use unsalted butter. It gives a rich flavor without adding extra salt. You need fresh garlic, too. Minced garlic adds a punch. Red pepper flakes bring the heat. You can adjust how spicy you want it. If you like it mild, use less. For a kick, add more. Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish. It balances the butter and spice. Parsley adds color and freshness. Salt and pepper will enhance all these flavors. Finally, lemon wedges are great for serving. They add a squeeze of freshness right before eating. This simple mix of ingredients creates a dish full of flavor in no time. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Rinse and dry the shrimp. This keeps them clean and ready to cook. - Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Let it bubble gently. - Sauté minced garlic and red pepper flakes together for about one minute. This makes the kitchen smell amazing. - Add the shrimp to the skillet. Spread them out in one layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink. - Flip the shrimp over and season with salt and pepper. Cook for an extra 1-2 minutes until fully done. - Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Toss them gently to mix. - Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for extra flavor. To make the best spicy garlic butter shrimp, start by choosing the right shrimp. Look for large shrimp that are fresh or frozen. They should be firm and have a mild scent of the sea. Avoid any shrimp that smell strong or have a slimy texture. Next, you need to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Shrimp cook quickly, usually in just a few minutes. When they turn pink and opaque, they are done. If you cook them too long, they become tough and rubbery. Keep a close watch during cooking. Adjusting the spice level is key to making this dish your own. If you love heat, add more red pepper flakes. If you prefer mild flavors, start with less. Remember, you can always add more spice, but you can’t take it away! Adding herbs can bring fresh flavors to your shrimp. Try using fresh basil or cilantro instead of parsley. You can also add a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper taste. Experiment with other seasonings like lemon zest or garlic powder to find your perfect blend. Feel free to mix and match to create a dish that suits your taste! Pro Tips Freshness Matters: Always use the freshest shrimp available for the best flavor and texture. Look for shrimp that smell like the ocean and have a firm texture. Adjust the Spice: Feel free to modify the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance. Start with less and add more if you prefer a spicier dish. Don't Overcook: Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery; they should turn pink and opaque in just a few minutes. Perfect Pairings: Serve this dish over rice or pasta to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce, or enjoy it with a fresh salad for a lighter option. {{image_2}} You can switch shrimp for other seafood. Scallops or crab work well in this dish. They offer a different taste but still pair nicely with garlic and butter. Using different types of butter or oils can change the flavor. Try using olive oil for a lighter option. You could also use flavored butter, like garlic or herb butter. This adds a unique twist to your meal. Turn this dish into a pasta delight. Cook pasta and toss it with the shrimp. The sauce clings to the noodles, making each bite rich and tasty. Adding vegetables creates a stir-fry version. Bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli add color and crunch. You can sauté them with the shrimp for a fresh, vibrant dish. Enjoy experimenting! To keep your spicy garlic butter shrimp fresh, refrigerate them right away. Place the shrimp in an airtight container. They can last for up to three days in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, you can reheat them easily. For reheating, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a bit of butter to the pan. This helps keep the shrimp moist. Stir gently until they are warm. Avoid cooking them too long, or they will become tough. You can freeze both fresh and cooked shrimp. If you want to freeze fresh shrimp, rinse and dry them first. Place them in a freezer bag and remove as much air as possible. They can last up to six months in the freezer. If you freeze cooked shrimp, let them cool completely. Then, store them in a freezer bag. Again, remove as much air as you can. Cooked shrimp can stay good for about three months. When it's time to use frozen shrimp, thaw them in the fridge overnight. You can also place them in a sealed bag and run under cold water for faster thawing. Avoid using hot water, as it can cook the shrimp. You can tell shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes about 2-5 minutes, depending on the size. The shrimp should curl slightly as they cook. If they look rubbery, you might have overcooked them. Always watch closely to get that perfect texture! You can prepare some parts ahead of time. For instance, you can clean and devein the shrimp, then store them in the fridge. However, I suggest cooking them just before serving. This keeps them fresh and tasty. If you reheat cooked shrimp, they might become tough, so be careful! You have many options! Here are a few ideas: - Serve with rice or quinoa for a filling meal. - Pair with a fresh salad for a light side. - Enjoy with crusty bread to soak up the buttery sauce. - Toss it with pasta for a quick and tasty dish. Feel free to mix and match based on your mood and what you have at home! This blog post covered all you need to cook spicy garlic butter shrimp. You learned about the main ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips to avoid overcooking. We explored variations and how to store leftovers. In the end, you can create a delicious dish with simple steps. Let your taste buds enjoy this exciting recipe. Cooking shrimp can be fun and rewarding, so dive in and share your tasty results!$

Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp

A quick and flavorful shrimp dish with a spicy garlic butter sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Total Time 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine Seafood

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
to taste salt and pepper
for serving lemon wedges

Instructions

Begin by rinsing the shrimp under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Stir in the red pepper flakes to infuse the butter with spice, cooking for an additional 30 seconds.
Carefully add the shrimp to the skillet, spreading them out in a single layer.
Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink and slightly opaque.
Flip the shrimp over and season with salt and pepper.
Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fully cooked through.
Squeeze the lemon juice over the shrimp and sprinkle the chopped parsley on top.
Toss everything together to combine.
Serve immediately, garnished with lemon wedges for squeezing over the shrimp if desired.

Notes

Adjust the red pepper flakes to your spice preference.

Keyword butter, garlic, shrimp, spicy