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To make spicy garlic butter shrimp, you need these fresh ingredients: - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a role in bringing out the flavor. Shrimp offers a sweet and tender bite. Butter gives a rich, creamy texture. Garlic adds depth and aroma. Red pepper flakes give heat, while lemon juice brightens the dish. You can easily swap some ingredients. If you don’t have large shrimp, use medium or even small shrimp. If you want a lighter option, replace butter with margarine or a vegan alternative. Instead of lemon juice, you can use lime juice for a different zing. For a milder dish, use less red pepper flakes or skip them altogether. Fresh parsley can be swapped with cilantro or even chives for a fresh herb touch. This dish is not only tasty but also offers good nutrition. Here’s a breakdown per serving: - Calories: 300 - Protein: 25g - Fat: 20g - Carbohydrates: 5g - Fiber: 0g - Sugar: 0g Shrimp is low in calories and high in protein. Butter adds healthy fats, while garlic provides antioxidants. Enjoy in moderation for a delightful, healthy meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering your ingredients. You will need: - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Make sure your shrimp is thawed if frozen. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Mince the garlic finely. This step helps release more flavor. Chop the parsley for garnish later. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Pour in the olive oil and let it warm. Add the butter next. Swirl the pan to mix the butter and oil as it melts. This gives the shrimp a rich flavor. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté this mix for about 1-2 minutes. You want the garlic to smell great and turn a light golden color. Now, raise the heat to medium-high. Add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook them for 2-3 minutes on one side. Watch for their color to change to pink and opaque. Flip the shrimp over. Now, add the lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir gently and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked. They should look firm and pink all over. Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the fresh parsley on top for a lovely touch. Serve your spicy garlic butter shrimp right away while hot. This dish pairs well with crusty bread. The bread helps soak up the tasty sauce. You can also serve it over a bed of rice for a filling meal. Feel free to add a side salad for freshness. This helps balance the spicy flavors. Enjoy the burst of taste with every bite! To cook shrimp just right, start with fresh shrimp. Look for shrimp that feel firm and smell clean. Heat your skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil first, then butter. This method helps the butter not burn. When the butter melts, add garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for a minute. This is where the flavors begin. Next, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on one side. When they turn pink and opaque, flip them over. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes. Shrimp cook fast, so keep an eye on them. You want them tender, not rubbery. For extra flavor, you can experiment. Try adding a splash of white wine with the shrimp. This adds depth to the dish. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro also work well. They brighten up the flavors. If you like heat, adjust the red pepper flakes. Add more for a stronger kick. You can also toss in some diced tomatoes or bell peppers. These add sweetness and color. Lastly, serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. One common mistake is overcooking the shrimp. Shrimp cook quickly, so watch the time. Cooking them too long makes them tough. Another mistake is not using enough seasoning. Salt and pepper enhance the dish's flavor. Do not crowd the skillet. If you add too many shrimp at once, they will steam instead of sear. This can change the texture and flavor. Lastly, don’t skip the lemon juice. It balances the richness of the butter and adds brightness. Pro Tips Freshness Matters: Always use the freshest shrimp you can find for the best flavor and texture. Control the Heat: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference, adding more for extra heat. Don't Overcook: Shrimp cook quickly; remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque to prevent rubbery texture. Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed right after cooking, so have your sides ready to go! {{image_2}} You can add vegetables to your spicy garlic butter shrimp. This makes the dish colorful and healthy. Try bell peppers, zucchini, or snap peas. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces. Sauté the veggies in olive oil first. Cook them until they are tender but still crisp. Then, add the shrimp and continue with the recipe. The vegetables soak up the garlic flavor and add a nice crunch. For a Mediterranean twist, swap the spices. Use fresh herbs like oregano and basil. Add olives and sun-dried tomatoes for more flavor. You can also sprinkle feta cheese on top before serving. This adds a creamy, salty taste that pairs well with the shrimp. The lemon juice will still brighten the dish, making it vibrant and fresh. Experiment with herbs and spices to create your own version. Add cilantro or dill for a unique taste. If you like more heat, toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a smoky flavor, try smoked paprika. Each herb or spice gives a different touch. This way, you can make the dish match your mood or the season. Play around with flavors to find your favorite mix. After you enjoy your spicy garlic butter shrimp, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to let the shrimp cool completely before sealing. This helps keep them fresh. Place the container in the fridge. They will stay good for 2 to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. When you're ready to eat leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use a skillet on low heat. Add a little butter or olive oil to keep them moist. Stir and heat for about 5 minutes, or until they are hot. You can also use the microwave. Place the shrimp in a microwave-safe dish, cover it, and heat for 1 minute. Check if they are warm, and heat for another 30 seconds if needed. Freezing is a great way to save spicy garlic butter shrimp for later. To freeze, first, let them cool completely. Then, place the shrimp in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bag with the date. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. To use, just thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy the same great flavors later! Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. You can place them in cold water for about 15 minutes. After thawing, pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps the shrimp cook evenly and keeps them from getting soggy. The best way to reheat garlic butter shrimp is on the stove. Place the shrimp in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep them moist. Stir gently until they are warm. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the shrimp tough. This recipe has a medium spice level. The red pepper flakes add a nice kick. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less. If you prefer mild, use just a pinch. For extra heat, double the red pepper flakes. Taste as you go to find your perfect heat. In this post, we covered key ingredients, cooking steps, and handy tips for shrimp dishes. I shared ways to tweak recipes and avoid common errors. Remember, perfectly cooked shrimp is just a few steps away. With these ideas, you can add your twist and enjoy tasty meals. Always store and reheat leftovers smartly for the best flavors. Enjoy cooking, and have fun experimenting with shrimp!

Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp

A quick and flavorful shrimp dish with a spicy garlic butter sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Seafood
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the butter and let it melt completely, swirling the pan to mix.
  • Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden.
  • Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink and opaque.
  • Flip the shrimp and add the lemon juice, along with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fully cooked through.
  • Remove from heat and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the shrimp for garnish.
  • Serve immediately while hot, with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.

Notes

Serve with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.
Keyword butter, garlic, shrimp, spicy