Have you ever craved a meal that’s both delicious and incredibly fast to prepare? Picture this: tender shrimp bathed in rich garlic butter, with just a hint of lemon brightening every bite. This 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp delivers on flavor while saving you precious time in the kitchen. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a spontaneous dinner party, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends.
Imagine the aroma filling your kitchen as you sauté the shrimp to perfection. The combination of fresh garlic and creamy butter creates a luxurious sauce that coats each piece of succulent seafood. This dish pairs beautifully with rice or pasta, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. You’ll want to serve it at gatherings or simply enjoy it on a cozy evening at home. Get ready for an explosion of flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Quick Preparation: In just 15 minutes, you can whip up this delightful dish, making it perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of buttery garlic with succulent shrimp creates an irresistible flavor profile that tantalizes your taste buds.
- Versatile Serving Options: This dish pairs well with various sides like rice, pasta, or even fresh vegetables, allowing for endless meal combinations.
Ingredients for 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Shrimp: Use large, deveined shrimp for the best texture; frozen shrimp can work well if thawed properly.
- Unsalted Butter: Opt for unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dish while enhancing its richness.
- Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for maximum flavor; minced garlic works best in this recipe.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness and balances the richness of the butter.
- Chopped Parsley: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also enhances the overall flavor profile.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Gather all ingredients and ensure your shrimp are thawed if using frozen ones. Mince the garlic and chop parsley.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt about four tablespoons of unsalted butter until bubbly but not browned.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Add minced garlic into the melted butter and sauté for about one minute until fragrant; be careful not to burn it.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook them for about two minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
Step 5: Add Lemon Juice and Parsley
Once cooked through, drizzle fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and stir in chopped parsley for added freshness.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Transfer your garlic butter shrimp onto plates and serve hot with your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and lemon make a significant difference in flavor compared to dried alternatives.
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Keep an eye on cooking times; overcooked shrimp can become rubbery.
- Add Spice if Desired: For some heat, consider adding red pepper flakes during cooking.
Mistakes to avoid
- Overcooking the Shrimp: One common mistake when preparing 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp is overcooking the shrimp. Shrimp cooks quickly and can become rubbery if left on the heat for too long. Ideally, you want to cook them just until they turn pink and opaque, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Keep a close eye on them and remove them from the pan promptly to maintain their tender texture.
- Skipping Fresh Ingredients: Another error is using dried herbs or pre-packaged garlic instead of fresh ingredients. Fresh garlic and herbs elevate the flavor profile of your 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp significantly. Dried alternatives lack the vibrant taste that fresh ingredients provide, so always opt for fresh garlic and parsley when possible to achieve an authentic flavor.
- Not Prepping Ahead: Failing to prepare all your ingredients in advance can lead to chaos in the kitchen. When making 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp, it’s essential to have everything measured and ready before you start cooking. This approach ensures that each step flows smoothly, allowing you to complete the dish within the intended time frame without any last-minute scrambling.
Ingredients
To prepare the delicious 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Shrimp: 1 pound of large, peeled and deveined shrimp.
- Butter: 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter for a rich flavor.
- Garlic: 4 cloves of minced garlic to add a fragrant aroma.
- Lemon Juice: Juice of one fresh lemon for a zesty finish.
- Parsley: Freshly chopped parsley for garnish and color.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, enhancing the dish’s overall flavor.
Instructions
Making this flavorful dish is simple. Follow these steps to create your own 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp:
1. Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter once the pan is hot, allowing it to melt completely.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant but not browned.
3. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for approximately two to three minutes on each side, until they turn pink and opaque.
4. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp, then season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
5. Finally, sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Pasta: Serve over spaghetti or linguine tossed in olive oil or garlic sauce for a delightful meal.
- Rice: White or brown rice complements the shrimp perfectly, soaking up all the buttery goodness.
- Bread: Serve with crusty bread to mop up that irresistible garlic butter sauce.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this quick dish. Just ensure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking. Place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about ten minutes or leave them overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, pat them dry with paper towels to avoid excess moisture in your pan.
What can I substitute for butter in Garlic Butter Shrimp?
If you prefer a healthier option or have dietary restrictions, you can substitute butter with olive oil or coconut oil. Both will still provide great flavor while keeping the dish lighter.
How do I know when my shrimp are done cooking?
Shrimp are fully cooked when they turn pink and form an “C” shape. If they curl into an “O,” they may be overcooked. The cooking time usually takes only about two to three minutes per side.
Can I add vegetables to my Garlic Butter Shrimp?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like bell peppers, asparagus, or spinach can enhance both nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them alongside the garlic before adding the shrimp for a complete meal.
Conclusion for 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp
In summary, this recipe for 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp is quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. With just a handful of ingredients like fresh shrimp, garlic, butter, and lemon juice, you can create a culinary masterpiece in no time. This dish not only serves as an impressive meal but also allows room for creativity through various serving options and ingredient substitutions. Whether paired with pasta, rice, or served alone as an appetizer, it guarantees satisfaction at any dinner table. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp
Indulge in a culinary delight that combines speed and flavor with this 15-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp. Perfectly tender shrimp are bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce, infused with fresh lemon juice for a zesty kick. This quick and easy recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings, providing a luxurious dining experience without the fuss. Serve it over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread to soak up every drop of that delectable sauce. With just a handful of ingredients, you can impress family and friends alike with this mouthwatering dish that guarantees seconds.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter and allow it to melt completely.
- Stir in minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for approximately two to three minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp, season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 ounces (113g)
- Calories: 272
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 275mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 198mg
