Discover the ease and flavor of Sauteed Shrimp, a quick and versatile dish perfect for any occasion. Ready in under 30 minutes, this succulent seafood is ideal for busy nights. Seasoned with garlic, butter, and herbs, it offers a customizable taste experience. Choose from spicy, lemony, or classic flavors to suit your palate.
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Shrimp's high protein and low calorie content, coupled with its fast cooking time, make it a smart choice for nutritious, hassle-free meals. Enjoy these juicy shrimp over rice, pasta, or with a fresh salad for a delightful dining experience. Sauteed Shrimp is a simple yet impressive dish that's sure to satisfy.
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Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
For this delicious Sautéed Shrimp recipe, you'll need a selection of simple, commonly found ingredients. Let's take a look at what you'll be using:
- Shrimp: Choose fresh, firm, translucent shrimp with a mild aroma. Clean by removing shells and deveining, or use pre-cleaned shrimp for ease.
- Garlic: Adds a bold and aromatic flavor, enhancing the dish's savory taste.
- Butter and Olive Oil: The butter adds a creamy richness and smooth texture, while olive oil infuses a fruity, herbal flavor. Additionally, you can substitute with your preferred oil for a personalized touch.
- Seasonings: Use paprika to add a mild spice and smokiness, black pepper for its warm and earthy notes, and garlic powder to intensify the garlic flavor. For those who enjoy a spicier kick, consider substituting paprika with chili powder to add more heat to the dish.
- Herbs: Dried parsley and thyme add herbal notes, while fresh coriander leaves bring a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Provides tanginess and balances the richness of the butter. Use fresh lemon juice or bottled as a substitute, adjusting to taste.
How to Make Sauteed Shrimp at Home?
Get ready to create a culinary masterpiece with our Sautéed Shrimp recipe. Follow along with our photos and video to effortlessly bring this flavorful dish to life. Let's start by seasoning the shrimp, then move on to perfecting the sautéing technique.
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Sauteed Shrimp
Ingredients
For Season Shrimp
- 1 lb Shrimp, cleaned
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp Black Pepper Powder
- 1 tsp Paprika, or chili powder for more heat
- ½ tsp Salt
For Sauteed Shrimp
- ¼ cup Onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp Garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Olive Oil, or your preferred oil
- 1 tbsp Butter, unsalted
- ½ tsp Dried Thyme
- ½ tsp Dried Parsley
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- Salt, to taste
For Garnishing
- 3 tbsp Cilantro, coriander leaves, chopped
Instructions
Seasoning Shrimp
- In a bowl, blend the shrimp with garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Ensure each shrimp is evenly coated. For deeper flavor, let the shrimp marinate for at least 10 minutes if time permits.
Preparing Sauteed Shrimp
- In a pan over medium heat, warm the oil. Add the onion, cooking until it's soft and translucent - this forms a flavorful base for the shrimp.
- Place the marinated shrimp in a single layer in the pan, allowing space between them for even cooking. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, until they start to turn pink on one side.
- Introduce butter and fresh garlic to the pan. This step infuses the shrimp with a rich, aromatic flavor. Continue to sauté, turning the shrimp occasionally, until they are fully pink and cooked through, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle dried parsley and thyme over the shrimp, then drizzle with fresh lemon juice. This adds a fresh, herby layer of flavor. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt if needed.
- Finally, garnish with fresh cilantro and remove the pan from the heat. Your flavorful sautéed shrimp is ready to be savored.
Serving
- Enjoy your flavorful sautéed shrimp with a simple side of rice or fresh salad for a classic pairing. For more creative and diverse serving ideas, refer to the serving suggestions section.
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Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
Preparation and Cooking Techniques:
- Preheat the Pan Properly: Start by preheating your pan over medium heat. This crucial step ensures that when the shrimp hit the pan, they sear beautifully, creating a delightful crust while preventing them from sticking.
- Optimal Cooking Temperature: Sauté the shrimp on medium heat. This controlled temperature is key for even cooking, preserving the shrimp's natural juiciness and preventing toughening.
- Cook in Batches, Single Layer for Even Cooking: When sautéing shrimp, especially in large quantities, cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding. This ensures that each shrimp has enough space and is directly exposed to the heat, allowing for even cooking and a perfect sear. Laying them in a single layer is essential for consistent cooking on all sides, preventing the shrimp from steaming and ensuring they sauté to a desirable texture and flavor.
- Use a Large Pan: A large pan gives shrimp more space to cook evenly. If your pan is too small, shrimp on the edge may not cook as well as those in the center.
- Monitor Cooking Time Closely: Shrimp cook very quickly, often in just a few minutes. Keep a close eye on them and remove from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking shrimp can result in a rubbery texture.
Quality and Finishing Touches:
- Choose Quality Shrimp: Opt for high-quality, sustainably sourced shrimp for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they're thoroughly defrosted before cooking.
- Dry Shrimp Before Cooking: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels before adding them to the pan. This helps to achieve a better sear and prevents excess moisture from causing them to steam.
- Seasoning is Key: Season your shrimp either before cooking or as they cook. This allows the spices and herbs to meld with the shrimp, enhancing their flavor. Don't limit yourself – apart from basic seasonings, try Cajun, blackened, fajita, or taco seasonings, or even a rich garlic butter sauce for variety.
- Control Garlic Cooking: Be mindful when cooking garlic. Add it to the pan after the shrimp to prevent it from burning, which can impart a bitter taste.
- Rest the Shrimp: Let the shrimp rest for a minute after cooking. This helps redistribute juices within the shrimp, ensuring they're moist and flavorful.
- Serve Immediately: Sautéed shrimp are best enjoyed fresh and hot from the pan. Serve them immediately for the best taste and texture experience.
Efficient Shrimp Preparation:
- Deveining and Peeling Shrimp: To devein shrimp, create a shallow cut along the back and gently extract the dark vein with a knife or a specialized deveining tool. Peel the shell starting from the head, optionally leaving the tail intact for a more elegant presentation, or remove it if preferred. For a quicker and more convenient option, consider using pre-cleaned shrimp, saving both time and effort in preparation.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
Explore our collection of delicious shrimp recipes, including favorites like Shrimp Scampi and Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta, and pair them with a variety of easy-to-make sautéed vegetables for a complete, flavorful meal.
Serving Suggestions
For a delightful meal, serve the Sauteed Shrimp with these options:
- Over Pasta: Toss with your favorite pasta, like spaghetti or linguine, for a classic seafood pasta dish.
- With Rice: Serve over a bed of steamed white or brown rice, or try aromatic jasmine rice for an extra flavor boost.
- Alongside Quinoa or Couscous: For a healthier twist, pair with quinoa or couscous, both of which complement the shrimp's texture and taste.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini offer a colorful and nutritious side.
- In a Salad: Add to a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing and light meal.
- In Tacos or Wraps: Incorporate into tacos or wraps for a fun and easy handheld option, adding your favorite toppings like avocado or salsa.
- With a Creamy Polenta: For a comforting dish, serve over creamy polenta, enhancing the shrimp's richness.
- Beside a Crisp Caesar Salad: Pair with a Caesar salad for a classic seafood dining experience.
- As a Tapas Dish: Serve as a tapas-style appetizer, perhaps with a dipping sauce like aioli or cocktail sauce.
Storage Suggestions
Keep sautéed shrimp fresh for up to two days by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Ensure they are fully cooked and cooled to room temperature before placing them in the container. Seal tightly to prevent dryness or absorbing fridge odors. Although refrigeration preserves the shrimp, consuming them within two days is recommended for the best flavor and texture.
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