Wowza! 5-Ingredient Garlic Butter Shrimp: The Easiest, Most Delicious Dish You’ll Ever Make!”

Wowza! 5-Ingredient Garlic Butter Shrimp: The Easiest, Most Delicious Dish You’ll Ever Make!”

Summary:
If you’re looking for a dish that delivers bold, rich flavors with minimal effort, then this 5-Ingredient Garlic Butter Shrimp is your answer! With just five basic ingredients, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal in no time. The shrimp is cooked in a luscious garlic butter sauce that’s packed with flavor, making it the perfect option for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or a satisfying snack. This simple recipe is guaranteed to impress, and it only takes 15 minutes to make. Keep reading for the full recipe, tips, and variations to make it your own!

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per Serving: 250 calories

Courses: Main Course, Appetizer
Cuisines: American, Mediterranean

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Equipment:

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Tongs or spatula
• Knife and chopping board
• Zester or lemon juicer (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prep the Shrimp:

   • Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp if they are not pre-prepped. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear when cooking. This step helps to get rid of any excess moisture.

2. Melt Butter:

   • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the butter to the pan. Allow it to melt completely, swirling the pan to ensure the butter coats the bottom evenly. The key to this recipe is the richness of the garlic butter sauce, so don’t skimp on the butter!

1. Cook the Garlic:

   • Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic in the butter for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn, as this could make it taste bitter. The garlic should turn a light golden brown.

2. Add Shrimp to the Pan:

   • Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season them with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on one side, until they begin to turn pink. Then, flip each shrimp over and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side, until they are fully cooked and opaque.

3. Add Lemon and Parsley:

   • Once the shrimp is cooked through, add fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. Stir everything together, making sure the shrimp is evenly coated with the garlic butter sauce. This last step brightens up the dish and adds a pop of freshness.

4. Serve:

   • Transfer the shrimp to a serving plate and pour the garlic butter sauce over the top. Garnish with extra parsley if desired, and serve immediately with a side of rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Recipe Variations:

• Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp: Add red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili peppers to the garlic butter sauce for a spicy kick. This variation is perfect for those who love a bit of heat in their dishes.

• Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta: Make this dish into a complete meal by tossing the garlic butter shrimp with your favorite pasta. The shrimp and sauce will coat the pasta perfectly, creating a rich, satisfying dish.

• Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers: For a fun, summery twist, thread the shrimp onto skewers before grilling or broiling them. Brush with the garlic butter sauce during grilling for an irresistible charred flavor.

• Coconut Garlic Butter Shrimp: For a tropical twist, add a tablespoon of coconut milk to the garlic butter sauce. This will add a silky texture and a subtle coconut flavor that pairs wonderfully with shrimp.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can do this by placing them in a bowl of cold water for 15-20 minutes, or by defrosting them in the refrigerator overnight.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While this garlic butter shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to cook, simply reheat the sauce and cook the shrimp as directed.

3. Can I use another type of seafood?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with scallops, lobster tail, or even fish fillets. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the seafood you’re using.

4. How do I know when shrimp is fully cooked?
Shrimp is fully cooked when it turns from translucent to opaque and forms a “C” shape. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough and rubbery.

Notes:

• Garlic Butter Sauce: The key to making this dish irresistible is the garlic butter sauce. Don’t rush it! Let the garlic cook slowly in the butter to develop the rich flavors.

• Lemon Juice: The lemon juice adds a burst of freshness and cuts through the richness of the butter. For an extra lemony kick, you can also zest the lemon and sprinkle the zest over the finished dish.

• Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, rice, or pasta. You could also serve it alongside a fresh green salad for a light, balanced meal.

Nutritional Info (per serving):

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 24g
• Fat: 17g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Cholesterol: 180mg

Conclusion:

If you’re looking for a dish that’s full of flavor but takes minimal effort to prepare, then this 5-Ingredient Garlic Butter Shrimp is the answer. It’s rich, garlicky, and perfectly balanced with a touch of lemon and fresh parsley. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, cooking for a loved one, or just treating yourself to something special, this recipe is sure to impress. With only five ingredients, you’ll have a meal that tastes complex and luxurious without spending hours in the kitchen. Try it today and get ready to say “Wowza!” after every bite.