Description
This Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe offers a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp cooked in a savory garlic butter sauce with a hint of fresh herbs and lemon. Perfect as a main course served over rice, pasta, grits, or with toasted bread, this 20-minute meal is easy to prepare and great for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound uncooked large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- â…› teaspoon cayenne pepper
Cooking Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 small shallot, minced
- ½ cup dry white wine (or low-sodium chicken broth)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
To Serve
- Cooked rice, pasta, grits, or toasted bread
Instructions
- Season Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and place them in a bowl. Season the shrimp evenly with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper to enhance their flavor.
- Sauté Shallot and Shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced shallot and cook it until softened and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Then, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 minute per side, or until they turn pink and become opaque, indicating they are cooked through.
- Add Wine and Garlic: Pour the dry white wine (or low-sodium chicken broth) into the skillet along with the minced garlic. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the wine reduces by half and the shrimp are fully cooked, which usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. This step infuses the shrimp with rich flavors from the wine and garlic.
- Finish with Butter and Herbs: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to create a silky sauce. Zest the lemon over the shrimp and then add the juice from half of the lemon. If using, add the chopped fresh rosemary or thyme along with the fresh parsley. Toss everything gently to combine the flavors thoroughly.
- Serve: Serve the garlic butter shrimp immediately, accompanied by lemon wedges and your choice of cooked rice, pasta, grits, or toasted bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes
- Ensure shrimp are thoroughly dried before seasoning for best sautéing results and to prevent steaming.
- Using dry white wine adds depth to the sauce; substitute with low-sodium chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to taste for desired heat level.
- Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme are optional but add a fragrant dimension to the dish.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the shrimp at their optimal texture and flavor.
