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- Large shrimp: 1 lb, peeled and deveined - Butter: 4 tablespoons, unsalted - Garlic: 4 cloves, minced - Red pepper flakes: 1 teaspoon, adjust for spice level - Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed - Parsley: 1 tablespoon, fresh and finely chopped - Seasonings: Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper - Serving options: Cooked rice or pasta In my kitchen, I love to keep it simple and fresh. Each ingredient plays a key role in the taste of garlic butter shrimp. The shrimp must be large and fresh for the best bite. Always peel and devein them before cooking. I use unsalted butter, as it lets the other flavors shine. Garlic is a must! I recommend fresh cloves, finely minced, for the best flavor. Red pepper flakes add a nice kick. You can adjust the amount based on your heat preference. Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish. A good squeeze balances the richness of the butter. Don't skip the parsley; it adds color and freshness. Lastly, season with sea salt and cracked black pepper for a perfect finish. When serving, I love pairing the shrimp with cooked rice or pasta. The buttery sauce soaks in, making every bite delicious. Enjoy cooking! - Step 1: Melting the Butter Start by placing a large skillet on medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let it melt slowly. Watch for the bubbles; you want it to bubble without browning. This step brings out the rich flavor of the butter. - Step 2: Sautéing the Garlic Once the butter is bubbling, add 4 cloves of finely minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. You want it to smell amazing but not burn. The scent of garlic adds depth to our dish. - Step 3: Adding Spice with Red Pepper Flakes Now, add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir them into the bubbling garlic butter. This will give your dish a nice kick. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference. - Step 4: Cooking the Shrimp in Skillet Add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Spread them out in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque when done. This shows they are fully cooked. - Step 5: Finishing with Lemon Juice and Seasoning After cooking, drizzle 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice over the shrimp. Gently stir to mix in the flavors. Season with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. This brightens the dish and enhances the flavors. - Step 6: Garnishing with Parsley Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley on top. This adds color and freshness, making your dish pop visually. - Step 7: Plating the Dish To serve, scoop the shrimp and garlic butter sauce over cooked rice or pasta. Make sure to drizzle any remaining sauce over the dish for extra flavor. For a nice touch, add lemon wedges and a bit more parsley on top. This makes your meal look inviting and tasty. Using fresh shrimp gives the best taste. Fresh shrimp has a sweet flavor and firm texture. If you must use frozen shrimp, thaw it fully before cooking. This helps it cook evenly. To get the best texture, don't overcrowd the skillet. Cook shrimp in a single layer. This allows each piece to sear perfectly. High heat helps create a golden crust. You can add herbs for more flavor. Fresh basil or thyme pairs well with shrimp. Try using different types of butter, too. Garlic herb butter can add a rich taste. You could even use spicy butter for a kick. A splash of white wine can also boost the sauce. It adds depth and brightness to the dish. Garnish your dish for a pop of color. Lemon wedges and parsley look great. Serve the shrimp in a wide bowl. This style makes it easy for guests to dig in. Drizzle extra garlic butter on top for a nice touch. It not only looks good but also gives a burst of flavor. {{image_4}} You can easily switch up the protein in this dish. If you want a different taste, try using scallops or chicken instead of shrimp. Scallops cook quickly and have a sweet flavor. Chicken adds a hearty touch and is widely loved. For herbs, you can choose cilantro or basil. Cilantro gives a fresh, bright flavor. Basil adds a sweet, aromatic note that works well with garlic and butter. Just chop the herbs finely and sprinkle them in at the end. If you need gluten-free options, serve this dish over rice instead of pasta. Rice is naturally gluten-free and pairs well with the garlic butter sauce. You can also use quinoa for a nutty flavor and added protein. For a low-carb option, try zucchini noodles. These noodles are made from zucchini and are a great way to cut carbs while enjoying the dish. You can spiralize the zucchini and cook it briefly in a skillet to soften. To spice things up, consider adding a lemon garlic chili sauce. It gives the dish a nice kick and enhances the flavor. Just drizzle it over the shrimp before serving. For a Mediterranean twist, add olives and capers. These ingredients bring briny and tangy notes to the dish. They complement the garlic and butter well, creating a unique flavor profile. To keep your garlic butter shrimp fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps keep out air and moisture. Place it in the fridge right after it cools. Properly stored shrimp will last for 2 to 3 days. After this time, the shrimp may lose flavor and quality. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, use low heat to reheat the shrimp. You can use a skillet or microwave. If using a skillet, add a tiny bit of butter to keep it moist. Heat it gently for about 2 to 3 minutes. Avoid high heat to keep the shrimp tender. If you use a microwave, heat it in short bursts. This helps to avoid overcooking. You can also freeze garlic butter shrimp for later. Place the cooked shrimp in a freezer-safe bag. Try to remove as much air as possible before sealing. Frozen shrimp can last up to 2 months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. You can also thaw it in cold water for a quicker option. Once thawed, reheat the shrimp gently to keep its taste and texture. I recommend using large shrimp. They cook evenly and taste great. Look for shrimp that are fresh, peeled, and deveined. This saves you time and makes cooking easier. Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time. Just keep it in the fridge. Cook the shrimp fresh for the best taste. Reheating shrimp can make them tough, so cook them right before serving. To serve more people, simply double the ingredients. Use 2 pounds of shrimp and increase the butter and spices. Make sure your skillet is large enough. You may need to cook in batches for even cooking. Garlic butter shrimp pairs well with cooked rice or pasta. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. A fresh salad or steamed veggies adds a nice touch too. This recipe for garlic butter shrimp uses simple ingredients and easy steps. You can make it spicy or mild based on your taste. Feel free to switch proteins and herbs for fun flavors. Plus, there are handy tips for storage and reheating. In the end, cooking shrimp at home can be rewarding and tasty. Try it out and impress your family or guests! Enjoy this delightful dish and make it your own.

Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet

Savor the deliciousness of Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet with this quick and easy recipe! In just 15 minutes, you can whip up a mouthwatering dish of succulent shrimp sautéed in rich garlic butter, perfect over rice or pasta. Elevate your dinner tonight with this flavorful meal that everyone will love! Click to explore the full recipe and impress your family and friends. #GarlicButterShrimp #EasyDinnerRecipes #ShrimpRecipes #SeafoodLovers
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Ingredients
  

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (more or less depending on heat preference)

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Cooked rice or pasta for serving

Instructions
 

Begin by placing a large skillet over medium heat and adding the unsalted butter. Allow the butter to melt gently until it starts to bubble, taking care to keep it from browning.

    Once the butter is bubbly, add the finely minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for approximately 1 minute, or until it releases its aromatic fragrance while ensuring it doesn’t burn.

      Next, incorporate the red pepper flakes into the bubbling garlic butter, stirring to distribute the spice evenly and elevate the flavor profile with a hint of heat.

        Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet in a single layer for even cooking. Sauté the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they become pink and opaque, indicating they are fully cooked.

          After the shrimp have cooked through, drizzle the fresh lemon juice over them and gently stir to combine all the flavors. Adjust the seasoning with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your liking.

            Remove the skillet from the heat and generously sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley on top, adding a vibrant touch to the dish.

              To serve, scoop generous portions of the shrimp and butter sauce over a bed of cooked rice or pasta. Be sure to drizzle any remaining garlic butter sauce over the dish for extra flavor.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the shrimp in a wide, shallow bowl, garnishing with additional lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. This presentation not only enhances the dish’s appearance but also encourages your guests to enjoy the zesty flavors.