Seafood lovers, rejoice! This Garlic Herb Butter Shrimp recipe is a delightfully simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors of garlic, butter, and aromatic herbs, this dish is a showstopper at dinner tables or quick weeknight meals. Whether served over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread, it’s bound to please your palate. The best part? It’s quick to make, requiring just a few ingredients and less than 30 minutes of your time. Let’s dive into the recipe that balances simplicity and gourmet taste effortlessly.
Preparation Time
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven ensures the shrimp cook evenly and retain their juicy texture.
2. Prepare the Shrimp
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on a baking dish. This ensures they cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the garlic butter sauce.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small pan over medium heat:
- Melt the butter and mix it with olive oil.
- Stir in the minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Allow the mixture to simmer for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and the spices are well incorporated.
4. Combine and Bake
Pour the prepared garlic butter sauce evenly over the shrimp in the baking dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked.
5. Garnish
Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the oven. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and drizzle with lemon juice to enhance the flavors and add a refreshing tang.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Serve the garlic herb butter shrimp immediately. Pair it with your choice of rice, creamy pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the luscious sauce. This dish can also be complemented with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.
Pro Tips for Perfect Garlic Herb Butter Shrimp:
- Shrimp Size: Large shrimp or prawns work best for this recipe as they hold up well during baking.
- Freshness: Use fresh shrimp when possible for the best flavor. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
- Flavor Boost: Add a splash of white wine to the garlic butter sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
- Cooking Time: Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become rubbery. Remove them from the oven as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
This Garlic Herb Butter Shrimp recipe is proof that gourmet doesn’t have to mean complicated. With a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dish that’s not only delicious but also visually stunning. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a quick yet satisfying meal, this recipe ticks all the boxes.
Prepare to impress your family and friends with this mouthwatering dish that celebrates the simplicity of shrimp paired with the richness of garlic butter and herbs. Give it a try and experience the flavors of this crowd-pleaser for yourself!
Bon appétit!