Description
Garlic Butter Shrimp is a quick and flavorful seafood dish featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a rich garlic and butter sauce with a hint of lemon juice and fresh parsley. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp
- 1 1/2 pounds medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken stock
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Instructions
- Season the Shrimp: Season the peeled and deveined shrimp evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
- Cook the Shrimp: Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking and stirring occasionally until the shrimp turn pink, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and stir continuously until fragrant, about 1 minute, ensuring the garlic does not burn.
- Add Stock and Lemon Juice: Pour in the chicken stock and freshly squeezed lemon juice, bringing the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the liquid reduces by half, about 1 to 2 minutes, concentrating the flavors.
- Incorporate Butter: Stir in the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter gradually, adding one tablespoon at a time. Stir until the butter is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss them in the garlic butter sauce to coat them evenly and warm through.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the garlic butter shrimp immediately, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley to add a bright, fresh note and appealing color.
Notes
- Use medium shrimp for best texture and flavor; large shrimp can also be used but cooking times may vary.
- Ensure the garlic is not burned by stirring constantly when sautéing.
- Serve with crusty bread or over pasta to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic.
- Chicken stock can be substituted with vegetable stock for a lighter option.
