Garlic Butter Shrimp, a classic Italian seafood dish, perfectly balances the richness of garlic butter sauce with the delicate taste of shrimp, enhanced by aromatic spices and fresh Italian herbs. Easy and quick to prepare, often in less than 30 minutes with pre-cleaned shrimp, it's ideal for a flavorful appetizer or a hearty side dish.
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The shrimp are seasoned, pan-fried, and then stir-fried in a savory mix of garlic, butter, and herbs, with a hint of pepper flakes for a slightly spicy edge. This dish pairs beautifully with rice, or pasta making it a versatile addition to any lunch or dinner menu.
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- Garlic Butter
Ingredients Overview
For this delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp, gather fresh shrimp, aromatic garlic, rich butter, and assorted herbs, all readily available at your local grocery store. Now, let's explore the key flavorful ingredients.
- Shrimp: Extra-large, cleaned, and deveined shrimp provide the main protein base, offering a succulent and satisfying seafood experience.
- Seasonings: A blend of ginger, garlic, pepper powder, and chili flakes serves as seasoning spices to marinate the shrimp, imparting depth and richness to its flavor profile.
- Flour Coating: Cornstarch serves a dual purpose, offering a light coating to ensure the shrimp turns out both juicy and crispy after frying.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended for its pure flavor, while salted butter can be used with adjusted seasoning, contributing to the velvety and indulgent garlic butter sauce.
- Garlic: A generous amount of fresh garlic is a cornerstone ingredient, providing the dish with its signature and irresistible garlicky taste.
- Fresh Herbs: Dried Italian herbs like basil and parsley add a savory layer. In contrast, the option to use fresh herbs provides an opportunity to elevate the overall dish with vibrant and aromatic nuances.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp at Home?
Let's start cooking Garlic Butter Shrimp! Follow these easy steps, with photos and video for guidance, through marinating, frying, and making the garlic butter sauce.
Enjoy More Delightful Shrimp Recipes:
- Shrimp Scampi
- Honey Garlic Shrimp
- Shrimp Stir Fry
- Shrimp Alfredo
- Fried Shrimp
- Air Fryer Shrimp
- Szechuan Shrimp
- Kung Pao Shrimp
Garlic Butter Shrimp
Ingredients
To Marinate Shrimp
- 1 lb Shrimp, cleaned & deveined
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Ginger Powder
- 1 tsp Pepper Powder
- 1 tsp Chili Flakes
- 1 tsp Salt
- 3 tsp Cornstarch
To Make Garlic Butter Shrimp
- 2 tbsp Oil, for pan-frying shrimp
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 2 tbsp Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Basil Leaves, dried
- 1 tsp Chili Flakes
- 1½ tsp Parsley, dried
To Garnish
- 2 tbsp Coriander Leaves, chopped
Instructions
To Marinate Shrimp
- In a large bowl, mix shrimp with garlic powder, ginger powder, a pinch of pepper powder, a dash of chili flakes, a sprinkle of salt, and a light dusting of cornstarch. This combination infuses the shrimp with a flavorful, spicy kick.
- Toss the shrimp in the bowl to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated with the seasoning. For deeper flavor, let the shrimp marinate for 15 minutes. However, you can skip this waiting period for a quicker preparation.
To Fry the Shrimp
- Heat a sufficient amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Test the oil temperature by placing a single shrimp in the pan - it should sizzle upon contact.
- Add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Fry each side for 2-3 minutes until they turn a lovely golden color. The key is to achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the inside succulent.
- After achieving the desired golden hue, transfer the shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels. This step is crucial to remove any excess oil, ensuring your shrimp remain crispy and not greasy.
To Make Garlic Butter Shrimp
- In the same pan, melt a generous amount of butter. Add finely chopped garlic and sauté until it's golden and aromatic, laying the foundation for a rich, flavorful sauce.
- Introduce a mix of freshly chopped basil, parsley, and a sprinkle of chili flakes to the butter. Stir these ingredients, allowing them to cook slightly and release their flavors, creating a harmonious blend.
- Gently add the fried shrimp back into the pan. Toss them in the garlic butter mixture, ensuring each shrimp is well-coated and infused with the herb and garlic flavors.
- Finish off by sprinkling freshly chopped coriander over the shrimp. This adds a burst of color and a fresh, zesty flavor that complements the rich garlic butter.
To Serve
- Serve the Garlic Butter Shrimp over a bed of fluffy, cooked rice or alongside al dente pasta. For additional serving ideas refer to the serving suggestions section.
Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Quality Shrimp Selection: Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for better flavor and texture in your dish.
- Room Temperature Butter: Allow the butter to come to room temperature before customizing the sauce. This ensures smoother blending and better consistency.
- Marinating for Flavor: To really bring out the flavors, marinate the shrimp in basic spice powders. This simple step can make a big difference in taste.
- Keeping Shrimp Succulent: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp. A quick 2-3 minute fry will keep them juicy and tender.
- Customizing the Garlic Butter Sauce: If you enjoy a bit of heat, the chili flakes in the sauce are perfect. But for a classic taste, feel free to leave them out.
- Herbs for Aroma and Taste: While I've used dried herbs, fresh ones can add an even more delightful aroma and flavor. Use them if you have them on hand.
- A Zesty Touch with Lemon: A little lemon juice can elevate the dish with a fresh, zesty flavor. It's great if you like a bit of tang in your seafood.
- Oven-Baked Variation: If you prefer baking, mix the shrimp with butter, garlic, and herbs, then bake at 400°F for 8-10 minutes on a greased baking sheet. A final garnish of herbs adds the perfect touch.
- Vegetable Options: For a complete meal, try stir-frying your favorite vegetables along with the shrimp. This adds nutrition and variety, making it a perfect and balanced dish.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer: We’re not nutrition experts. Nutritional info is estimated and should be used as a guide. For precise details, consult a professional.
If you're yearning for Italian cuisine or shrimp dishes, our assortment has you covered with easy, mouth-watering recipes. From traditional Italian pasta to scrumptious shrimp creations, find the perfect dish to fulfill your culinary cravings.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your dining experience with these delicious serving suggestions that perfectly complement the rich and savory notes of our Garlic Butter Shrimp.
- Rice Dishes: Elevate your garlic butter shrimp by serving it over a bed of white rice, jasmine rice, brown rice, or fragrant lemon herb rice.
- Pasta Dishes: Indulge in a delightful pairing by enjoying the shrimp alongside garlic parmesan pasta. The creamy pasta enhances the savory goodness of the garlic butter sauce.
- Crusty Baguette: Enhance the garlic butter experience with a side of crusty baguette. Perfect for soaking up every bit of the flavorful sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Enhance your Garlic Butter Shrimp experience by pairing it with perfectly roasted vegetables. Whether it's roasted carrots, broccoli, green beans, or a medley of colorful bell peppers, the vibrant combination adds both nutrition and visual appeal to your dining experience.
- Steamed Vegetables: Achieve balance by serving the shrimp with lightly steamed vegetables, such as asparagus or broccoli.
- Caesar Salad: Freshen up your meal with a classic Caesar salad, providing a crisp contrast to the rich and savory garlic butter shrimp.
Storage Suggestions
To ensure the continued freshness of your Garlic Butter Shrimp, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This method maintains its delectable flavors for up to 2 days. When you're ready for another serving, gently warm on the stovetop or microwave to maintain the original texture and savory essence of the shrimp.
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