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- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice (for serving) The main stars of this dish are the shrimp, butter, and garlic. The shrimp should be large and fresh for the best flavor. I like to peel and devein them myself to ensure they are clean. The butter adds richness, while the garlic gives a nice kick. For extra flavor, I use lemon juice and zest. They brighten the dish and balance the richness. The red pepper flakes add a bit of heat, so you can adjust them based on your taste. Finally, I always season with salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. The fresh parsley adds color and freshness when sprinkled on top. I love serving this dish over quinoa or rice to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce. If you want to dive deeper, check out the Full Recipe for step-by-step instructions. - Prepare Ingredients: Rinse the shrimp under cool water and pat them dry. - Melt Butter: Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Keep an eye on it. - Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter. Sauté for about 1 minute. Be careful not to let it burn. - Cook Shrimp: Place the shrimp in the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. Watch for the shrimp to turn pink and opaque. - Add Lemon: Squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the shrimp. Sprinkle in the lemon zest. Stir to combine and cook for another minute. - Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning if needed. - Serve: Plate the cooked quinoa or rice. Top with the garlic butter shrimp and spoon any remaining sauce over the dish. Follow these steps, and you will create a delicious meal in just 30 minutes. For a detailed guide, check the Full Recipe. - Achieving Perfect Shrimp: Don’t overcook the shrimp. Cook them just until they turn pink. This takes about 2-3 minutes on each side. Overcooking makes shrimp tough and rubbery. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the heat as soon as they are done. - Flavor Enhancements: Using fresh garlic and lemon boosts the dish. Fresh garlic gives a strong flavor that dried garlic can't match. Use minced garlic for the best taste. Squeeze fresh lemon juice for a bright, zesty flavor. Add some lemon zest for extra aroma. - Presentation Ideas: Serve the shrimp hot with lemon wedges on the side. This not only looks nice but allows guests to add more lemon if they like. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness. - Ideal Pairings: Pair these shrimp with cooked quinoa or rice. Both sides soak up the tasty garlic butter sauce. You might also serve a light salad or steamed veggies to balance the meal. {{image_2}} You can easily change the protein in this dish. If you want to swap shrimp for chicken, use boneless, skinless pieces. For a plant-based option, try tofu. Just cut it into cubes and follow the same cooking steps. You can also change the fat. If you don’t have butter, olive oil works well. It gives a nice flavor too. Want to spice things up? You can add more red pepper flakes for heat. If you prefer a milder dish, use less. You can also boost the flavor by adding fresh herbs. Try thyme, basil, or cilantro. Each herb brings a unique taste that can change the whole dish. Grilling shrimp is a great option. Preheat your grill and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. This adds a nice smoky flavor. For a healthier choice, you can bake the shrimp. Place them on a baking sheet and cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 8-10 minutes. Baking keeps the shrimp juicy and tender. You can find the Full Recipe for more details on making this dish. Enjoy experimenting with these variations! For storing leftover garlic butter shrimp, use an airtight container. This keeps moisture in and flavors fresh. Let the shrimp cool to room temperature before sealing. Storing them properly helps maintain their taste. The shelf life of refrigerated garlic butter shrimp is about 2 to 3 days. Make sure to check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. If you notice anything odd, it is best to discard the shrimp. To freeze garlic butter shrimp, start by letting them cool completely. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. Label the bag with the date for easy tracking. When you are ready to eat, thaw the shrimp in the fridge overnight. For reheating, use a skillet over low heat. This keeps the shrimp tender and juicy instead of rubbery. You can also use a microwave, but be sure to reheat in short bursts to avoid overcooking. How to tell if shrimp is cooked properly? You can tell shrimp is cooked when it turns pink. The flesh should also be opaque. If the shrimp curls up tightly, it is often overcooked. For best results, aim for a firm texture without a rubbery feel. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place the frozen shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15 to 20 minutes. This way, they will cook evenly and taste fresh. What can I serve with garlic butter shrimp? Garlic butter shrimp pairs well with many sides. You can serve it with cooked quinoa or rice. Fresh vegetables or a light salad also make a nice addition. For a classic touch, include some crusty bread to soak up the sauce. How do I meal prep this dish for the week? To meal prep garlic butter shrimp, cook it as directed. Let it cool, then store it in airtight containers. Keep sides like rice or quinoa separate. This way, you can heat and enjoy them together all week. Can I use margarine instead of butter? Yes, margarine can be used instead of butter. It will change the flavor slightly, but it will still be tasty. Just ensure it is unsalted for the best results. What if I don’t have fresh garlic? Can I use garlic powder? Garlic powder is a good substitute for fresh garlic. Use about 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of fresh garlic. Just remember, fresh garlic provides a stronger taste. Adjust to your liking if you prefer more flavor. For the full recipe, check out the details provided earlier. This recipe highlights the joy of cooking garlic butter shrimp. You learned about key ingredients, easy steps, and smart tips. Perfect shrimp can shine on your table. Remember, cooking should be fun and simple. You can easily customize this dish with different proteins or flavors. Whether you grill or bake, there are many ways to enjoy it. Store your leftovers correctly for tasty meals later. Dive into cooking with confidence and share your delicious results!

- 30-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp

Prepare a mouthwatering Garlic Butter Shrimp meal in just 30 minutes! This easy recipe combines fresh shrimp, garlic, and butter for a flavor-packed dish that's sure to impress. Pair it with quinoa or rice, and elevate your dining experience. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this simple recipe will make you feel like a gourmet chef. Click to explore the full recipe and start cooking your new favorite meal today!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to preference)

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

1 cup cooked quinoa or rice (for serving)

Instructions
 

Prepare Ingredients: Rinse the shrimp under cool water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Set aside.

    Melt Butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Watch carefully to ensure it doesn't brown.

      Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

        Cook Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.

          Add Lemon: Squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and sprinkle in the lemon zest. Stir to combine and cook for an additional minute.

            Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.

              Serve: Divide the cooked quinoa or rice among plates and top with the garlic butter shrimp. Spoon any remaining sauce from the skillet over the dish.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side and a sprinkle of additional parsley for a vibrant touch.