Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

Shrimp: Fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined, these are the star of the dish.

Butter: Adds richness and depth to the sauce.

Garlic: Provides a robust and aromatic flavor.

Lemon juice: Adds a bright, tangy contrast to the richness of the butter.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and complexity.

Parsley: Fresh and chopped, it adds a pop of color and freshness.

When cooking shrimp, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. This ensures even cooking and prevents the shrimp from steaming instead of searing. Cook in batches if necessary to maintain the right texture and flavor.

• shrimp - Substitute with scallops: Scallops have a similar texture and mild flavor that works well with garlic butter.

• butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil provides a rich flavor and is a healthier fat alternative.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, sweeter flavor that complements seafood.

• lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidity and citrus flavor.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat but a slightly different flavor profile that can be more subtle.

• parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro offers a fresh, vibrant flavor that pairs well with seafood.

• Allow the shrimp to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess.
• Transfer the cooled shrimp to an airtight container. If you have a lot of shrimp, consider layering them with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking.
• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the shrimp within 2-3 days. The flavors will meld beautifully, making leftovers even more delicious.
• For longer storage, place the shrimp in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of freshness. Frozen shrimp can be kept for up to 3 months.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the shrimp in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to maintain the best texture and flavor.
• Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit more butter if needed to keep the shrimp moist and flavorful. Avoid overcooking to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery.
• If you prefer, you can also reheat the shrimp in the microwave. Place them in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the skillet.
  3. Place the leftover shrimp in the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
  4. Add a splash of lemon juice to refresh the flavors.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Place the shrimp in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Heat in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the shrimp is warmed through.
  5. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the shrimp in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Add a small amount of butter or a splash of water to keep them moist.
  3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent.
  4. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the shrimp is heated evenly.

• Steaming Method:

  1. Fill a pot with a small amount of water and bring it to a simmer.
  2. Place the shrimp in a steamer basket and set it over the simmering water.
  3. Cover and steam for about 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp is heated through.
  4. Serve immediately with a squeeze of lemon juice for added freshness.

• Skillet: A large skillet is essential for cooking the shrimp evenly and allowing the garlic butter to coat each piece perfectly.

• Spatula: A spatula will help you flip the shrimp and stir in the garlic and other ingredients without damaging the delicate seafood.

• Garlic press: A garlic press makes mincing garlic quick and easy, ensuring that the garlic is finely chopped and evenly distributed.

• Measuring spoons: Accurate measuring spoons are necessary for measuring out the butter, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to get the flavors just right.

• Cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping the garlic and parsley.

• Knife: A sharp knife is needed for mincing the garlic and chopping the parsley.

• Serving dish: A serving dish is used to present the garlic butter shrimp beautifully once it’s cooked and ready to serve.

Prep ingredients in advance: Peel and devein the shrimp ahead of time to save minutes during cooking.

Use pre-minced garlic: Opt for store-bought minced garlic to cut down on prep time.

Melt butter quickly: Use a microwave to melt the butter in seconds before adding it to the skillet.

One-pan method: Cook everything in one skillet to reduce cleanup time.

Pre-chop parsley: Chop the parsley in advance and store it in the fridge until needed.