Shrimp, garlic, butter, lemon—four simple words that, when combined, create a dish that somehow feels like a cozy hug and a summer breeze all at once. I stumbled upon this recipe on a rainy Tuesday while scrolling through my phone, and, oh, the burst of flavors was like fireworks on New Year’s Eve. If you’ve ever wondered what joy on a plate tastes like, this is it.
Steps
- Begin by warming butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until they start to sizzle. Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, stirring for about 30 seconds until the aroma is released.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet, cooking and stirring until they are just cooked through, which should take approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
- Incorporate fresh lemon juice, zest, and parsley into the skillet, stirring to ensure the shrimp are evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then transfer the shrimp to a serving dish and serve immediately.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails can be left on if preferred)
- 1 large lemon, juiced and zested
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 266kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 308mg | Sodium: 962mg | Potassium: 169mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 622IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 186mg | Iron: 3mg
FAQ
- Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use thawed frozen shrimp for this recipe. Just ensure they are peeled and deveined for the best results.
- Is it necessary to use fresh parsley, or can I substitute with dried parsley?
- Fresh, flat leaf parsley is highly recommended as it adds a vibrant flavor to the dish. Dried parsley is not a good substitute in this recipe.
- What can I serve with Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp?
- This dish pairs well with bread, pasta, or rice to soak up the rich sauce. Salads like arugula, strawberry spinach, or Greek salad also complement the flavors nicely.
- How long does it take to cook the shrimp?
- The shrimp cooks very quickly, usually in about 3 to 4 minutes. It’s important not to overcook them to maintain their tender texture.
- Can I adjust the level of spiciness in the recipe?
- Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh, organic lemons when possible, as you’ll need both the juice and zest for maximum flavor. Also, choose fresh garlic with large cloves for an aromatic kick.
- Control the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to suit your taste preference. Start with a smaller quantity and add more if you desire a spicier dish.
- Avoid Overcooking the Shrimp: Cook the shrimp just until they are pink and opaque to ensure they remain tender. Overcooking can make them tough and chewy.
- Serve with Absorbent Sides: Pair the shrimp with bread, pasta, or rice to soak up the rich lemon garlic butter sauce, ensuring none of the delicious flavors are wasted.
Equipment
- Large Skillet – If you don’t already have a large skillet, you may need one to cook the shrimp evenly.
- Zester – This tool is necessary for zesting the lemon to enhance the flavor of the dish.
- Garlic Press – Useful for quickly and efficiently mincing garlic cloves.
- Lemon Squeezer – To easily extract juice from the lemon without seeds.
