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- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 5 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for desired heat) - Juice and zest of 1 lemon - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped - Cooked rice or crusty bread, for serving In this dish, the shrimp take center stage. Start with 1 pound of large shrimp. They should be peeled and deveined for easy eating. The shrimp cook quickly, so they make a great choice for a fast meal. Next, we need 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. This butter brings rich flavor. It also serves as the base for our garlic butter sauce. Then, use 5 cloves of garlic, finely minced. Garlic adds a strong, fragrant taste. It pairs well with shrimp and bright lemon. For added heat, add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. You can adjust this amount based on your preference for spice. You'll also need the juice and zest of 1 lemon. This citrus adds brightness and balances the richness of the butter. Finally, season your dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. These simple seasonings elevate the flavors. To finish, chop 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley for garnish. It not only adds color but also freshness. Serve your shrimp over cooked rice or with crusty bread. This helps soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce. For the full recipe, check out the detailed cooking instructions. Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. You want it to bubble gently. This is where the magic begins. Next, add the finely minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir this mix for about one minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic. You want it fragrant and lightly golden. Now it's time for the shrimp. Add them in a single layer to the skillet. This helps them cook evenly. Let them sit for 2-3 minutes. You will see them turn a bright pink. Once they look good on one side, carefully flip each shrimp. This ensures they cook properly on both sides. After flipping, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp. This adds a bright flavor. Don't forget to sprinkle lemon zest on top! Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix these flavors well. Finally, remove the skillet from heat and fold in chopped parsley. This gives your dish a fresh look and taste. Serve your garlic butter shrimp hot over rice or with crusty bread. Enjoy your meal! For the full recipe, check the earlier section. How can you tell when shrimp are done? Look for a bright pink color. The shrimp should also curl into a C shape. If they turn opaque and firm, they are ready. Avoid overcooking them. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery and tough. Common mistakes to avoid include cooking shrimp on high heat. This can burn the garlic quickly and ruin the dish. Also, do not overcrowd the pan. Cook shrimp in batches if needed for even cooking. What additional spices can you consider? Try adding paprika for a smoky flavor. You can also use herbs like thyme or basil for freshness. Experiment with lemon zest for a bright touch. A splash of soy sauce adds umami. What should you pair with this dish? Serve garlic butter shrimp with steamed vegetables. Lightly sautéed asparagus or green beans work well. A fresh garden salad balances the meal. What side dishes can you suggest? Cooked rice is a classic choice. Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the sauce. You could also serve it with pasta for a filling meal. What are the best drinks to serve? A chilled white wine pairs nicely. Lemonade is a refreshing choice for a non-alcoholic option. Sparkling water with a slice of lemon can enhance the meal. Enjoy your 30-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp with these tips to make it shine! For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe above. {{image_4}} To make a mild version, skip the red pepper flakes. This way, even picky eaters will enjoy it. For a spicy twist, add more red pepper flakes. Just remember, a little goes a long way! You can swap shrimp for scallops or chicken. If you use scallops, cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. For chicken, cut it into small pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes or until fully cooked. Adjust the cooking time to avoid drying out the proteins. To boost nutrition, add veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. Chop them into small pieces for even cooking. Add them to the skillet right after the garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes before adding shrimp. This method helps both the shrimp and veggies cook perfectly together. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To store your garlic butter shrimp, first let it cool. This step prevents condensation in the container. Next, pack the shrimp in a clean, airtight container. Make sure to seal it tightly. Use a container that is suitable for refrigeration. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work great. If you want to freeze garlic butter shrimp, it’s best to act fast. Place the cooled shrimp in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. For the best texture, use the shrimp within three months. To thaw, place the shrimp in the fridge overnight. This keeps them from getting mushy. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, you have a few options. The best method is to reheat in a skillet. Heat the skillet over low to medium heat. Add a little butter or oil to prevent sticking. Cook the shrimp until warmed through, about 5 minutes. You can also use a microwave. If you choose this method, heat in short bursts. This keeps the shrimp from getting tough. Enjoy your flavorful dish just like when it was fresh! Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this dish. Here are some best practices: - Thawing: Always thaw shrimp properly. Place them in the fridge overnight or use cold water to soak them for about 15-20 minutes. - Cooking time: Frozen shrimp may take a minute longer to cook. Check for that bright pink color and opaque texture. - Quality: Use shrimp that are raw, peeled, and deveined for the best flavor. Avoid pre-cooked shrimp, as they can become tough when heated. Garlic butter shrimp will last in the fridge for about 3 days. Here are some storage tips: - Cool quickly: Allow the shrimp to cool at room temperature for no more than two hours. - Container: Use an airtight container to keep the shrimp fresh. - Reheat carefully: When you reheat, do it gently to avoid overcooking. Garlic butter shrimp pairs well with several dishes. Here are some recommended pairings: - Cooked rice: Fluffy jasmine or basmati rice absorbs the sauce well. - Crusty bread: Perfect for soaking up that rich garlic butter sauce. - Salad: A fresh green salad adds a nice crunch and balance. - Pasta: Toss the shrimp with your favorite pasta for a satisfying meal. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. This blog post guides you through making delicious garlic butter shrimp. You learned about essential ingredients, precise steps, and handy tips for perfect cooking. We explored variations to suit your taste. Proper storage and reheating ensure you enjoy leftovers without losing flavor. Overall, garlic butter shrimp is simple and satisfying. Keep experimenting with flavors and serving ideas to make it your own. Enjoy your culinary adventure!

- 30-Minute Garlic Butter Shrimp

Whip up a delicious meal in just 30 minutes with this Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe! Perfectly tender shrimp coated in rich garlic butter creates a simple yet flavorful dish that will impress your family and friends. Serve it over rice or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Check out the full recipe and cooking instructions to elevate your dinner tonight! Discover how easy and rewarding it is to create this tasty treat at home.
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

5 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for desired heat)

Juice and zest of 1 lemon

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Cooked rice or crusty bread, for serving

Instructions
 

Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the unsalted butter. Allow it to melt completely until it begins to bubble gently.

    Once the butter is melted and aromatic, stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for approximately 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning the garlic, until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden.

      Add the shrimp to the skillet, ensuring they lay in a single, even layer. Cook without stirring for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn a vibrant pink on one side. Then, carefully flip each shrimp to cook the other side.

        Squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and sprinkle the lemon zest on top. Season the dish generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting the amount to your preference.

          Continue to cook the shrimp for an additional 2-3 minutes or until they are fully cooked through and opaque, no longer showing any translucent areas.

            Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the chopped parsley, which will add a delightful freshness to the dish.

              Serve the garlic butter shrimp hot over a bed of cooked rice or alongside slices of crusty bread, perfect for soaking up the rich, flavorful sauce.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings