Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried Crispy Garlic Butter Shrimp, you’re seriously missing out! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, full of flavors that just dance on your taste buds. I remember the first time I made it; I was looking for something quick but still fancy enough to impress my friends. The aroma of garlic sautéing in butter filled my kitchen, and I couldn’t wait to dive in! It’s super simple but tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you get that crispy texture and rich garlic flavor, you’ll want to make it again and again. This recipe has become a staple in my house, and I bet it’ll find a special place in yours too!

Ingredients List

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish

How to Prepare Crispy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Making Crispy Garlic Butter Shrimp is as easy as pie, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip this up! Let’s dive into the steps and get your kitchen smelling incredible!

Step 1: Heat the Butter

First things first, grab your favorite skillet and set it over medium heat. Add those glorious 4 tablespoons of butter and let it melt slowly. This step is crucial because you want the butter to be bubbling, but not burnt. Just a medium heat will do the trick, creating a luscious base for all that garlic goodness to shine!

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

Once your butter is melted and shimmering, it’s time to add in the minced garlic. Give it a quick stir and let it sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Oh wow, this is where the magic begins! The aroma of garlic wafting through your kitchen is just heavenly! Just be careful not to let it brown too much—burnt garlic can be a bit bitter, and we want all that deliciousness!

Step 3: Add the Shrimp and Seasonings

Now comes the fun part! Toss in your pound of shrimp along with the paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together so the shrimp are well coated in that buttery, garlicky goodness. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they turn a beautiful pink and start to get crispy. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re opaque and have a lovely golden crust!

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once your shrimp are cooked to perfection, it’s time to plate up! Sprinkle some chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve this delightful dish right away with a side of rice or pasta to soak up that incredible garlic butter sauce. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about the numbers behind this scrumptious dish! For each serving of Crispy Garlic Butter Shrimp, you can expect the following nutritional values:

Calories: 250
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 150mg
Sodium: 600mg

Keep in mind, these values can vary slightly based on the size of your shrimp and how much butter you like to use. But regardless, it’s a deliciously satisfying dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor while still being relatively light. So, whether you’re counting calories or just enjoying a delightful meal, Crispy Garlic Butter Shrimp fits the bill beautifully!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: You can whip up this dish in just 20 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
Incredible Flavor: The combination of garlic and butter creates a mouthwatering sauce that’s hard to resist.
Healthy and Satisfying: Packed with protein and low in carbs, this dish keeps you feeling full without the guilt.
Gluten-Free: Great for anyone with dietary restrictions, making it a versatile option for gatherings.
Impressive Presentation: The vibrant pink shrimp and green parsley make for a stunning plate that’s sure to wow your guests.
Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these ingredients in your pantry already, making it super convenient!
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite spices or veggies to make it your own!

Tips for Success

To make sure your Crispy Garlic Butter Shrimp turns out absolutely perfect every time, here are some of my favorite tips that I swear by!

Fresh is Best: Always opt for fresh shrimp if you can. They’ll have a much better texture and flavor compared to frozen ones. If using frozen, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to avoid extra moisture.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give those shrimp some space! If you crowd the skillet, they’ll steam instead of getting that lovely crispy texture. Cook in batches if needed!
Adjust Garlic to Taste: If you’re a garlic lover like me, feel free to up the ante and add an extra clove or two! Just remember to keep an eye on it while sautéing to prevent burning.
Experiment with Spices: While paprika gives a nice color and flavor, you can play around with other spices too! A pinch of cayenne will add some heat, or try Italian seasoning for a different twist.
Let Them Rest: After cooking, let the shrimp rest for a minute before serving. This helps them retain their juices and stay tender!
Perfect Pairings: Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest to brighten up the dish. It really elevates the flavors and makes everything pop!
Leftover Love: If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’re great in salads or wraps the next day!

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of Crispy Garlic Butter Shrimp. Happy cooking!

Variations

One of the best things about Crispy Garlic Butter Shrimp is how versatile it is! You can easily switch things up based on what you have on hand or what flavors you’re craving. Here are some of my favorite variations that you might want to try!

Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. It gives the shrimp a delightful zing that pairs perfectly with the buttery garlic.
Veggie Boost: Toss in some colorful veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or snap peas during the last few minutes of cooking. They’ll add some crunch and freshness to the dish!
Citrus Zing: Squeeze some fresh lemon or lime juice over the shrimp just before serving. You can even add a bit of zest for an extra burst of flavor that brightens everything up.
Herb Infusion: Swap out or add fresh herbs such as basil, cilantro, or dill for a fresh twist. They’ll bring a whole new layer of flavor that you’ll absolutely love!
Asian Inspired: Replace the butter with sesame oil and add soy sauce, ginger, and scallions for an Asian-inspired version. Serve it over rice or noodles for a delicious fusion meal.
Garlic Butter Pasta: For a heartier dish, serve your crispy shrimp over a bed of pasta tossed in garlic butter sauce. You can even add some parmesan cheese for a rich finish!
Skewered Delight: Thread the shrimp onto skewers and grill them for a smoky flavor. They make for an impressive presentation at barbecues or gatherings!

Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your own perfect version of Crispy Garlic Butter Shrimp. The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait for you to find your favorite way to enjoy this dish!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

So, if you happen to have any Crispy Garlic Butter Shrimp leftovers (which I find hard to believe!), you’ll want to make sure you store them properly to keep that deliciousness intact!

First, let the shrimp cool down a bit before transferring them to an airtight container. This is super important because if they’re still warm, the steam can create moisture inside, making them less crispy when you reheat them. I usually pop them in the fridge right away if I know I’m going to eat them later.

For storage, your shrimp will be happy in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just remember, they’re best eaten fresh, so try to enjoy them sooner rather than later! If you’re feeling adventurous and want to save them for longer, you can freeze them! Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in a freezer-safe container. They should be good for about a month.

Now, when it comes time to reheat, you have a couple of options. The best way to bring back that crispy texture is to heat them in a skillet over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, turning them occasionally. This will help them regain that lovely crunch! You can also pop them in the microwave if you’re in a hurry, but be careful not to overdo it—30-second bursts should do the trick. Just know that the microwave may make them a little less crispy than the skillet method.

And there you have it! With these simple steps, you can enjoy your Crispy Garlic Butter Shrimp even after the first serving! Happy eating!

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. This helps get that lovely crispy texture we’re after. If they’re still a bit wet, they might steam rather than sauté!

How do I know when the shrimp are done cooking?
Great question! The shrimp are perfectly cooked when they turn a lovely pink color and are opaque in the middle. The edges should also be slightly crispy. It usually takes about 3-4 minutes, but keep an eye on them—they cook quickly!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While I recommend enjoying Crispy Garlic Butter Shrimp fresh for the best texture, you can prep the ingredients in advance. Just store the cleaned shrimp in the fridge and have your garlic and seasonings ready to go. When you’re ready to eat, it’ll take no time to whip it up!

What should I serve with the shrimp?
Oh, so many options! I love serving them with rice or pasta to soak up that delicious garlic butter sauce. You can also pair them with a fresh salad or some crusty bread to complete the meal. Whatever you choose, it’s sure to be a hit!

Can I adjust the garlic in this recipe?
For sure! If you’re not a huge garlic fan, feel free to reduce the amount to suit your taste. But if you love garlic like I do, you can totally add more! Just keep an eye on it while sautéing to avoid burning.

For more delicious shrimp recipes, check out Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp or Garlic Butter Salmon Foil Packets!

Crispy Garlic Butter Shrimp: 7 Steps to Irresistible Flavor

Author: [email protected]
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Crispy garlic butter shrimp is a flavorful dish featuring shrimp sautéed in garlic butter until crispy.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Add shrimp, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Cook shrimp until they turn pink and crispy, about 3-4 minutes.
Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Use fresh shrimp for best results.
Adjust garlic according to taste.
Serve with rice or pasta for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 250
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: Crispy Garlic Butter Shrimp

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