Description
Succulent Jumbo Shrimp in Butter Garlic Sauce brings Mediterranean coastal flavors to home kitchens. Rich butter, fresh garlic, and tender shrimp create a simple yet elegant dish you can savor with crusty bread and crisp white wine.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined (16–20 count)
- 4 tbsps unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) chicken broth (or white wine)
- 2 tbsps fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped
- Cooked pasta
- Rice
- Crusty bread
- Extra lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preparation: Pat shrimp completely dry with absorbent paper, then season comprehensively with salt and cracked black pepper to amplify inherent maritime flavors.
- Aromatic Foundation: In a spacious skillet, melt butter over medium heat, introducing minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté until garlic releases its fragrant essence without scorching, creating a rich flavor base.
- Shrimp Transformation: Arrange shrimp in a precise single layer across the heated skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, observing the elegant pink metamorphosis and translucent texture that indicates perfect culinary execution.
- Sauce Enhancement: Deglaze the skillet with chicken broth or white wine, integrating freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest. Allow the liquid to simmer, reducing slightly to concentrate flavors and create a luxurious, glossy coating for the succulent shrimp.
- Finishing Touch: Immediately remove from heat, garnish generously with fresh parsley to introduce a vibrant herbaceous contrast. Plate alongside preferred accompaniments like pasta, rice, or crusty artisan bread to capture every nuanced drop of the exquisite sauce.
Notes
- Perfectly Dry Shrimp: Pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels to achieve golden searing and prevent steaming, ensuring crispy exterior and rich flavor development.
- Prevent Garlic Burning: Cook garlic on medium-low heat, stirring constantly to release aromatics without scorching, which can create bitter undertones and ruin the delicate sauce.
- Optimal Cooking Time: Monitor shrimp closely during cooking, removing precisely when they turn opaque and pink – approximately 2-3 minutes per side – to prevent rubbery texture and maintain tender, succulent quality.
- Sauce Enhancement Techniques: Use fresh citrus elements like lemon zest and juice to brighten the butter sauce, cut through richness, and add complexity without overwhelming the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 220mg