Of course! Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp is a classic, quick, and incredibly flavorful dish. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough for company.
Here is a comprehensive guide, including a classic recipe, tips for success, and serving suggestions.
The Classic Recipe: Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp
This recipe comes together in under 15 minutes, so it’s best to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go (a culinary practice called mise en place).
Yield: 2-3 servings
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
· 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
· 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
· 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
· 1/4 cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) or chicken broth
· Juice of 1 lemon (about 3-4 tablespoons)
· 1 teaspoon lemon zest (highly recommended for extra flavor)
· 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
· 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
· Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Pat the Shrimp Dry: Use paper towels to thoroughly pat the shrimp dry. This is the secret to a good sear and prevents them from steaming.
- Season: Season the shrimp generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Shrimp: In a large skillet (preferably stainless steel or cast iron for the best sear), melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is hot and foaming, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Remove the shrimp to a plate and set aside. They will finish cooking later.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 60 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Deglaze: Pour in the white wine (or broth) and lemon juice. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan (this is where the flavor is!). Let the liquid simmer and reduce by about half, which will take 2-3 minutes.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in the lemon zest. Return the shrimp and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Toss to coat the shrimp in the sauce and heat through for about 1 minute.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat. Stir in the fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately.
Critical Tips for the Best Shrimp
· Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: This is the most important rule. Shrimp cook very quickly and become rubbery and tough when overcooked. They are done the moment they curl and turn opaque (pink) with no more gray translucence.
· The Power of Dry Shrimp: Patting the shrimp dry is non-negotiable for getting a beautiful, caramelized sear instead of a steamed, watery texture.
· Fresh is Best: Use fresh garlic and fresh lemon juice. The flavor is far superior to jarred garlic or bottled lemon juice. Fresh parsley also makes a big difference.
· Butter Temperature: Don’t add the shrimp until the butter is hot and sizzling. If the pan isn’t hot enough, the shrimp will release their water and boil instead of sear.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile dish can be served in many ways:
· Over Pasta: Toss with cooked linguine, fettuccine, or angel hair pasta. The sauce is perfect for coating every strand.
· With Crusty Bread: A must-have for sopping up every last drop of the delicious lemon garlic butter sauce.
· With Rice or Grains: Serve over a bed of fluffy white rice, jasmine rice, or quinoa to absorb the sauce.
· As a Low-Carb Option: Enjoy it on its own, or serve over zucchini noodles (zoodles) or cauliflower rice.
· With Vegetables: Pair with a simple side salad, roasted asparagus, or sautéed spinach.
Variations to Try
· Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp: After the sauce has reduced, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half and simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
· Garlic Herb Butter Shrimp: Add other fresh herbs like thyme, chives, or dill along with the parsley.
· Spicy Cajun Shrimp: Replace the salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes with 1-2 teaspoons of your favorite Cajun seasoning blend.
· Shrimp Scampi-Style: Add 1-2 tablespoons of capers along with the garlic for a briny, classic scampi flavor.
Enjoy your delicious, restaurant-quality meal at home