Description
Ever wondered how just a handful of ingredients can turn into a dish that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant? Imagine plump, juicy shrimp coated in a garlicky, buttery sauce with a zesty kick of lemon and a hint of spice.
Ingredients
Each ingredient in Simple Garlic Shrimp plays a key role in creating its vibrant, savory flavor. Substitutions make it easy to adapt to your pantry.
- Olive Oil (1 ½ tbsp): For cooking the shrimp and adding richness. Substitution: Avocado oil or vegetable oil.
- Shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined, medium size): The star of the dish, juicy and quick-cooking. Substitution: Scallops or firm white fish like cod.
- Salt (to taste): Enhances the shrimp’s natural flavor. Substitution: Reduce for low-sodium diets or use a salt-free seasoning.
- Garlic (6 cloves, finely minced): Brings bold, aromatic depth. Substitution: 1 ½ tsp garlic powder (but fresh is best).
- Red Pepper Flakes (¼ tsp): Adds a gentle heat. Substitution: Cayenne pepper or omit for no spice.
- Lemon Juice (3 tbsp): Brightens the dish with tangy freshness. Substitution: Lime juice or white wine vinegar.
- Caper Brine (1 tbsp): Adds a briny, tangy kick. Substitution: Pickle juice or a splash of vinegar.
- Cold Butter (2 tbsp, cut into 4 pieces): Creates a silky, rich sauce. Substitution: Vegan butter or olive oil for dairy-free.
- Flat-Leaf Parsley (â…“ cup, chopped, divided): Adds fresh, herby flavor and color. Substitution: Cilantro or green onions.
- Water (1 tsp, or as needed): Thins the sauce if too thick. Substitution: Broth or white wine.
Why These Ingredients Matter:
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- Shrimp are high in protein and low in calories, making this a healthy choice.
- Garlic and lemon juice provide antioxidants and vitamin C.
- Butter and olive oil add richness without overpowering the dish.
- Caper brine and red pepper flakes give a restaurant-style zing.
Instructions
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- Prep Your Ingredients (5 minutes):
- Peel and devein 1 lb shrimp, if not already done.
- Finely mince 6 garlic cloves, chop â…“ cup parsley, and cut 2 tbsp butter into 4 equal pieces.
- Measure out lemon juice, caper brine, and other ingredients. Tip: Prep everything first since the cooking process is fast.
- Cook the Shrimp (2 minutes):
- Heat 1 ½ tbsp olive oil in a heavy skillet over high heat until it just begins to smoke.
- Add shrimp in an even layer and cook without stirring for 1 minute.
- Season with salt and stir, cooking for 1 more minute until shrimp start to turn pink. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking.
- Add Flavor (1 minute):
- Add minced garlic and ¼ tsp red pepper flakes to the skillet.
- Cook, stirring, for 1 minute until fragrant. Tip: Watch the garlic closely—it burns easily and can turn bitter.
- Build the Sauce (2 minutes):
- Stir in 3 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp caper brine, 1 piece of butter, and half the parsley (about 2 ½ tbsp).
- Cook, stirring, for 1 minute until the butter melts. Tip: Keep stirring to emulsify the butter into the sauce.
- Finish the Sauce (2-3 minutes):
- Reduce heat to low and add the remaining 3 pieces of butter, one at a time, stirring until melted.
- Cook until the sauce is thick and the shrimp are pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes.
- If the sauce is too thick, add 1 tsp water (or more, as needed) and stir. Tip: The sauce should coat the shrimp without being gloopy.
- Serve (2 minutes):
- Remove shrimp with a slotted spoon and transfer to a serving bowl.
- Continue cooking the sauce for 1-2 minutes if needed to thicken, then pour over the shrimp.
- Season with salt to taste and sprinkle with the remaining parsley. Tip: Serve immediately to enjoy the shrimp at their juiciest.
