Jumbo Shrimp in Butter Garlic Sauce

Jumbo Shrimp in Butter Garlic Sauce is a quick and delicious dish featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a rich, buttery garlic sauce with a hint of lemon and fresh herbs. This versatile recipe works well as an appetizer, over pasta, or served with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: Ready in under 20 minutes.
• Flavorful and aromatic: Rich garlic butter sauce with fresh herbs.
• Versatile: Serve as an appetizer, main dish, or over pasta.
• Elegant yet simple: Perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.
• Great for seafood lovers: Tender, juicy shrimp every time.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 ½ pounds jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¼ cup white wine (or chicken broth)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Directions

this recipe

Prepare the Shrimp

1. Pat Dry the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and black pepper.

Cook the Shrimp

2. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until melted and bubbly.
3. Sauté the Shrimp: Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

4. Add Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
5. Add Wine and Lemon Juice: Pour in the white wine and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
6. Season and Finish the Sauce: Stir in the red pepper flakes (if using) and lemon zest.

Combine and Serve

7. Add Shrimp Back: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat them in the sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Make It Creamy: Add ¼ cup of heavy cream to the sauce for a creamy garlic butter sauce.
• Spicy Twist: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Herb Swap: Use fresh basil, dill, or thyme instead of parsley.
• Parmesan Garlic Shrimp: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the shrimp before serving.
• Cajun Style: Add 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning for a flavorful twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat until just warmed through. Avoid overcooking the shrimp.
• Freezing: Not recommended as cooked shrimp can become rubbery when reheated from frozen.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, if using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.

How do I prevent shrimp from being overcooked?

Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery, so keep an eye on them!

Can I make this dish without wine?

Yes, substitute white wine with chicken broth or vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic option.

What should I serve with Butter Garlic Shrimp?

Serve over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A fresh green salad or roasted vegetables also complement this dish well.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

It’s best to use raw shrimp for this recipe. Pre-cooked shrimp can become rubbery when reheated. If using pre-cooked shrimp, reduce the cooking time and add them just to warm through.

How do I make this dish dairy-free?

Use dairy-free butter or olive oil instead of regular butter for a dairy-free version.

What type of white wine works best for this recipe?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay pairs well with the garlic butter sauce.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for extra color and nutrition.

How do I keep the garlic from burning?

Cook the garlic on medium heat and stir constantly. Burnt garlic can make the sauce taste bitter.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Shrimp is best served fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead of time to make cooking quick and easy.

Conclusion

Jumbo Shrimp in Butter Garlic Sauce is a delicious and elegant dish that offers rich, buttery flavors with a burst of fresh lemon and herbs. Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for quick weeknight meals or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. Whether served as an appetizer, over pasta, or with crusty bread, this shrimp dish delivers a satisfying and flavorful experience every time. Try it and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!

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