Description
Succulent garlic butter shrimp dance with Mediterranean flavors, promising a quick culinary escape to coastal bliss. Zesty herbs and golden butter elevate each tender morsel, inviting you to savor a restaurant-quality dish crafted in mere minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) shrimp (16–20 count), peeled and deveined
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or adjust to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Fats and Flavor Enhancers:
- 5 tablespoons (75 milliliters) butter, divided
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Optional garnish: finely chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp by carefully removing the shells and veins, optionally keeping the tails intact for visual appeal. Thoroughly dry the shrimp using paper towels to ensure optimal searing and golden exterior.
- Warm a skillet over medium heat, melting half the butter until it begins to bubble. Arrange shrimp in a single layer, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn opaque and the edges curl. Remove shrimp promptly to prevent overcooking.
- Create a flavor base by adding remaining butter to the center of the skillet. Introduce minced garlic and quickly sauté for approximately 30 seconds, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Remove skillet from heat and introduce lemon juice, zest, seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Gently toss shrimp to coat evenly with the aromatic garlic butter sauce.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish. Serve immediately while the shrimp are still warm and succulent, ensuring maximum flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure shrimp are completely dry before cooking to achieve a perfect golden sear and prevent steaming.
- Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture, preferably wild-caught if possible.
- Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes to suit personal heat preferences.
- For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg