Description
Ever wondered how to whip up a restaurant-quality shrimp dish in just minutes? Simple Garlic Shrimp is your answer! This recipe is bursting with zesty garlic, tangy lemon, and a hint of spice, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or fancy appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Shrimp:
- 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt, to taste
- 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon caper brine
- 2 tablespoons cold butter, cut into 4 equal pieces
- ⅓ cup chopped flat-leaf parsley, divided
- 1 teaspoon water, or as needed
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Olive Oil: Provides a light, fruity base for cooking the shrimp.
- Shrimp: The star of the dish, offering lean protein and a sweet, tender texture.
- Garlic: Adds bold, aromatic flavor that’s the heart of the dish.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Bring a gentle heat to balance the richness.
- Lemon Juice: Adds bright, tangy flavor to cut through the butter.
- Caper Brine: Provides a salty, briny kick that enhances the seafood.
- Butter: Creates a rich, silky sauce when melted into the pan.
- Parsley: Adds freshness and a pop of color for garnish.
Substitutions and Variations
- Shrimp: Use frozen shrimp (thawed) or swap with scallops or firm white fish like cod.
- Olive Oil: Replace with avocado oil or vegetable oil.
- Garlic: Use 1 teaspoon garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh garlic is best.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Skip for a milder dish or use fresh chili for more heat.
- Lemon Juice: Swap with lime juice for a different citrus twist.
- Caper Brine: Substitute with pickle brine or a splash of white wine vinegar.
- Butter: Use olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute for a dairy-free version.
- Parsley: Try cilantro or basil for a different herb flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Peel and devein 1 pound shrimp, if not already done.
- Mince 6 cloves garlic finely.
- Chop ⅓ cup flat-leaf parsley and divide into two portions.
- Cut 2 tablespoons cold butter into 4 equal pieces.
- Measure out lemon juice, caper brine, and red pepper flakes.
Tip: Prepping everything first makes this quick recipe even faster!
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
- Heat Oil: In a heavy skillet, heat 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil over high heat until it just begins to smoke.
- Add Shrimp: Place shrimp in an even layer in the pan. Cook for 1 minute without stirring.
- Season and Flip: Sprinkle shrimp with salt, then stir and cook for 1 more minute until they start to turn pink.
Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed to ensure even cooking.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
- Add Garlic and Spice: Stir in minced garlic and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes. Cook and stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Liquids and Butter: Stir in 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon caper brine, 1 piece of butter, and half the parsley. Cook for 1 minute until the butter melts.
- Finish the Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Add the remaining 3 pieces of butter, stirring until melted and the sauce is thick, about 2-3 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add 1 teaspoon water at a time.
Tip: Stir gently to keep the shrimp tender and the sauce smooth.
Step 4: Serve
- Remove Shrimp: Use a slotted spoon to transfer shrimp to a serving bowl.
- Finish Sauce: Continue cooking the sauce for 1-2 minutes, adding water if needed, until it’s thick and glossy. Season with salt to taste.
- Combine: Pour the sauce over the shrimp and sprinkle with the remaining parsley.