Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp

The Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp is a dish that transports me straight to summer evenings spent on the patio. Picture this: the sun setting, the warm breeze rustling through the trees, and the tantalizing aroma of garlic and shrimp wafting through the air. This recipe is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that come together in a matter of moments. I remember the first time I made this dish, inspired by a trip to a coastal town where seafood was always fresh and abundant. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the natural flavors to shine, and every bite is a little burst of joy. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or entertaining friends, the Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp Ingredients

The ingredients for Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp are all about balance and flavor. Each component plays a vital role in creating that sumptuous experience. The key players here are the fresh shrimp, which is the star of the show, and the vibrant garlic and harissa, which elevate the dish with their bold flavors.

• 1 pound (450g) raw shrimp – Peeled and deveined (31-44 per pound size). These little gems are quick-cooking and provide a wonderful texture.
• 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter – Adds richness and a creamy finish to the dish.
• 3 cloves garlic – Minced, for that aromatic flavor that pairs so well with shrimp.
• 2 teaspoons harissa paste – Adjust to taste, this spicy paste brings a kick and depth to the dish.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors of the shrimp and other ingredients.
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper – Adds a hint of warmth and complements the garlic.
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice – Brightens the dish with a fresh tang.
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest – Intensifies the citrus flavor and aroma.
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley – Finely chopped, for garnish and a touch of freshness.

How to Cook Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Cooking Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp is a breeze, and you’ll love how it fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. The following steps will guide you through making this quick, delicious dish in no time!

1. Start by heating a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the unsalted butter to the skillet and let it melt slowly. This will create a flavorful base for your shrimp.
2. Once the butter has melted, stir in the harissa paste. Cook for about 30 seconds, allowing the spices to bloom and fill your kitchen with an enticing aroma.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for another 30 seconds, ensuring the garlic becomes fragrant but doesn’t brown.
4. Next, it’s time to add the star of the dish: the raw shrimp. Season them with salt and ground black pepper. Let them cook for approximately 2 minutes on one side.
5. Flip each shrimp over and allow the other side to cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until they turn opaque and are fully cooked.
6. Once the shrimp are perfectly cooked, stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest. This step brightens the dish and adds a refreshing touch that complements the shrimp beautifully.
7. To finish, add the chopped parsley and toss everything gently in the skillet to coat the shrimp evenly.
8. Serve immediately for the best flavor and enjoy your Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp with your favorite sides!

Recipe Notes about Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Here are some helpful tips for perfecting your Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp experience:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently in the skillet or microwave.
• Freezing: You can freeze cooked shrimp for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Pairing: This dish goes beautifully with a side of garlic bread or a fresh garden salad to balance the richness of the butter.
• Customize: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for added color and nutrition.
• Prepping Ahead: You can prepare the garlic and chop the parsley ahead of time to save on prep when you’re ready to cook.

Serve This Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp With

• Rice or Quinoa: Serve your shrimp over a bed of fluffy rice or nutty quinoa to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
• Fresh Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the shrimp.
• Garlic Bread: For a comforting side, nothing beats warm garlic bread to enjoy with your shrimp.
• Perfect for Summer Evenings: This dish is perfect for al fresco dining, making it a go-to for summer gatherings.
• Seasonal Vegetables: Pair with seasonal vegetables like asparagus or zucchini for a delightful, colorful plate.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp is a delightful dish that combines quick preparation with bold flavors, making it a perfect choice for both casual dinners and special occasions. I encourage you to try this recipe tonight; it’s an easy way to impress your family or guests with minimal effort. You’ll love how the shrimp soak up the spicy garlic butter, leaving you craving more. Enjoy every bite of this delicious creation!

Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp

The ultimate comfort food packed with flavor! Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp is an easy weeknight dinner that comes together in minutes. Perfectly cooked shrimp are bathed in a spicy garlic butter sauce that will have you craving more. Make it tonight!

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 minutes mins

Total Time 12 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Seafood

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound raw shrimp peeled and deveined (31-44 per pound size)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 teaspoons harissa paste adjust to taste
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15ml)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped

Equipment

• Skillet or saute pan

Method

 

1. Start by heating a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the unsalted butter to the skillet and let it melt slowly. This will create a flavorful base for your shrimp.
2. Once the butter has melted, stir in the harissa paste. Cook for about 30 seconds, allowing the spices to bloom and fill your kitchen with an enticing aroma.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for another 30 seconds, ensuring the garlic becomes fragrant but doesn't brown.
4. Next, it’s time to add the star of the dish: the raw shrimp. Season them with salt and ground black pepper. Let them cook for approximately 2 minutes on one side.
5. Flip each shrimp over and allow the other side to cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until they turn opaque and are fully cooked.
6. Once the shrimp are perfectly cooked, stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest. This step brightens the dish and adds a refreshing touch that complements the shrimp beautifully.
7. To finish, add the chopped parsley and toss everything gently in the skillet to coat the shrimp evenly.
8. Serve immediately for the best flavor and enjoy your Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp with your favorite sides!

Notes

Instead of Harissa, use any kind of hot sauce, or try ground cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. Anything that adds a bit of heat can be used to make this easy shrimp recipe!

Shrimp Size: I’m cooking medium (31-44 per pound) shrimp today, which take about 2 minutes per side to cook. If your shrimp are larger, they’ll need a little bit of extra time.

Use a large skillet that is wide enough to hold all of your shrimp in one shot. If you only have a small pan, cook the shrimp in batches so that they aren’t overlapping.

Have your side dishes ready. This shrimp cooks in just a few minutes, so I suggest having any side dishes ready before you even start cooking it.

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Meet Fiona Lewis

I love cooking with the seasons and keeping things rustic and real. I believe the best meals are the ones shared with friends and family. I had so much fun creating this recipe, and I can't wait to hear what you think of it!