If you're looking for a fast and tasty dinner, Garlic Butter Herb Shrimp is a winner! This easy weeknight meal packs flavor and takes just minutes to make. With simple ingredients like shrimp, butter, and fresh herbs, you’ll impress your family or guests without breaking a sweat. Join me as I guide you through this delicious recipe that will surely become your go-to dish for busy nights!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner guests.
- Flavorful Sauce: The garlic butter sauce is rich and aromatic, perfectly complementing the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the herbs and spices to suit your taste, whether you prefer it mild or with a kick.
- Impressive Presentation: Serve it with lemon wedges and fresh herbs for a dish that looks as good as it tastes!
Ingredients
To make Garlic Butter Herb Shrimp, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Using quality ingredients matters. Fresh shrimp gives the best flavor. Choose large shrimp for nice texture. Unsalted butter adds richness. Fresh herbs, like parsley and thyme, bring bright taste. Garlic adds an aromatic touch.
Lemon juice brightens the dish. It balances the butter and garlic. Red pepper flakes add heat but are optional. Adjust salt and black pepper to your liking.
Keep some lemon wedges nearby. They add zest when serving. This simple list makes a tasty, quick meal. You can find these ingredients at your local market or grocery store.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Melting the butter
Start by placing a large skillet on medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Watch as it melts and bubbles. This step adds rich flavor to the shrimp.
- Sautéing garlic
Next, add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the melted butter. Sauté for 1-2 minutes. Stir it often. You want the garlic to smell great, but don’t let it burn.
- Cooking the shrimp
Increase the heat to medium-high. Carefully add 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Let the shrimp cook for 2-3 minutes on one side. When they turn pink and opaque, flip them over. Cook the other side for 1-2 minutes.
- Adding herbs and seasoning
Once the shrimp are fully cooked, take the skillet off the heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley, 1 tablespoon of chopped thyme, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Mix well to coat the shrimp in the buttery sauce. Taste it and add more salt or pepper if needed. Serve right away with lemon wedges on the side for extra flavor.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
- How to know when shrimp is cooked
Shrimp cooks fast. Look for a pink color. It should be opaque and firm. This means it is done. Overcooked shrimp can be rubbery. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side, then flip for another 1-2 minutes.
- Avoiding burnt garlic
Garlic burns quickly. Keep an eye on it while cooking. Sauté it for only 1-2 minutes. If it turns brown, it’s too late. You’ll lose the sweet flavor. Use medium heat to keep it golden and fragrant.
- Adjusting the heat for perfect texture
Start with medium heat to melt the butter and sauté the garlic. Then, switch to medium-high for the shrimp. This helps them sear nicely. Adjust the heat as needed. You want them cooked but still soft.
Serving Suggestions
- Pairing with sides
Garlic Butter Herb Shrimp pairs well with rice or veggies. Steamed rice soaks up the buttery sauce. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables for a fresh touch. Try asparagus or broccoli for color and crunch.
- Beverage pairings
A crisp white wine complements this dish well. Look for Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. If you prefer cocktails, a light gin and tonic works. The citrus notes match the lemon in the shrimp. Enjoy your meal with the perfect drink!
Pro Tips
- Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh herbs and garlic for the best flavor. Dried herbs can be used in a pinch, but fresh will elevate the dish significantly.
- Don't Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly; overcooking can make them tough. Remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
- Adjusting Spice Level: If you prefer less heat, omit the red pepper flakes or use them sparingly. You can always add more at the table if desired.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this dish over a bed of rice, pasta, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
You can switch things up easily with this dish. If you want to try different proteins, scallops work great. They cook fast and soak up the garlic butter flavor. Chicken is another option. Just cut it into small pieces. Cook it for a bit longer until it’s fully done.
You can also change the herbs. Fresh basil adds a sweet touch. Cilantro gives a fresh, bright flavor. Both will make your meal unique. Just chop them finely and mix them in at the end.
Spicy Variations
If you love heat, add more red pepper flakes to the shrimp. This simple change boosts the flavor. You can also use hot sauce or sriracha. Just drizzle it in while cooking. Make sure to taste as you go. This way, you control the spice level to fit your taste.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
After cooking, let the shrimp cool down. Place it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. For freezing, use a freezer-safe bag or container. Shrimp can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Make sure to label and date the container for easy tracking.
Reheating Tips
To reheat shrimp, use a skillet over low heat. Add a little butter or oil to keep it moist. Heat for about 2-3 minutes, stirring gently. You can also use the microwave. Place shrimp in a bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds. Check often to avoid overcooking. Enjoy your flavorful shrimp just like the first time!
FAQs
Common Questions
How long does it take to cook shrimp? Cooking shrimp takes about 5 to 6 minutes. You cook them until they turn pink and opaque. It’s quick! Start with a medium heat. Sauté the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on one side. Then flip them and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place them in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water. Once thawed, peel and devein if needed. This way, you’ll still get that fresh taste in your Garlic Butter Herb Shrimp.
What to serve with Garlic Butter Herb Shrimp? Garlic Butter Herb Shrimp pairs well with many sides. You can serve it with fluffy rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. Pasta is also a great choice. You can mix the shrimp right into the pasta for a tasty dish. Don’t forget some lemon wedges for extra zing!
This blog covers how to prepare delicious Garlic Butter Herb Shrimp. You learned about the key ingredients and easy cooking steps. I shared tips to avoid burnt garlic and ensure the shrimp is perfectly cooked. You also got ideas for variations and how to store leftovers.
Remember, cooking shrimp can be simple and fun. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and serving options. You’ll impress your friends and family with tasty meals. Keep these tips in mind for your next cooking adventure!
