Buttered Shrimp Recipe

Introduction

Buttered Shrimp is a delicious and elegant dish that combines succulent shrimp with a rich, creamy butter sauce. This simple yet flavorful recipe is perfect for seafood lovers and is versatile enough to be served as a main course, appetizer, or even a side dish. The butter sauce, infused with garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs, complements the natural sweetness of the shrimp, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.

Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion, a weeknight dinner, or preparing a casual meal, Buttered Shrimp is a surefire way to impress your guests. The dish comes together quickly, making it an ideal choice for busy days when you want something indulgent but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. This guide will walk you through the preparation process, provide tips for perfecting the dish, and offer some fun variations to try.

Why You’ll Love Buttered Shrimp

• Rich, Flavorful Sauce: The butter sauce is the star of the dish. Infused with garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs, it elevates the shrimp and provides a rich, creamy texture that is irresistible.
• Quick and Easy: Buttered Shrimp is a fast recipe that can be made in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick yet decadent meal.
• Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: The shrimp are perfectly cooked, tender, and juicy, not overdone or rubbery. The combination of butter and seasoning ensures they are packed with flavor.
• Versatile: You can serve this dish on its own, over pasta, with rice, or with a side of crusty bread for sopping up the delicious butter sauce.
• Impressive and Elegant: Despite being simple to prepare, Buttered Shrimp is an elegant dish that looks as good as it tastes, making it perfect for entertaining.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 300-350 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 300-350 kcal
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 4-6g
• Protein: 25-30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1-2g

Ingredients

For the Buttered Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme if preferred)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp

Begin by preparing the shrimp. If they’re not already peeled and deveined, do so carefully, leaving the tails on if desired. Make sure to rinse the shrimp under cold water to remove any debris, and then pat them dry with paper towels. Dry shrimp cook more evenly and get a better sear when sautéing.

2. Season the Shrimp

In a bowl, toss the shrimp with a pinch of salt, pepper, and paprika. The paprika will add a subtle smokiness and color to the shrimp. If you prefer a little more heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes at this stage. Toss until the shrimp are evenly coated in the seasoning.

3. Cook the Shrimp

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the shrimp in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if necessary, cook the shrimp in batches. Let the shrimp cook for 1-2 minutes on the first side until they turn pink and slightly golden.

Flip the shrimp over to cook the other side for an additional 1-2 minutes. Shrimp cook quickly, so be careful not to overcook them. They should be opaque and tender, not tough or rubbery. Once done, transfer the shrimp to a plate and set them aside.

4. Make the Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Allow it to melt and become foamy, swirling the pan to ensure it doesn’t burn. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as it can become bitter.

Next, add the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and dried thyme to the skillet, stirring well to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. You can also add a splash of white wine or chicken broth at this point for extra depth of flavor.

5. Return the Shrimp to the Skillet

Once the butter sauce is ready, return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing them gently to coat in the sauce. Allow the shrimp to cook for another 1-2 minutes, ensuring they’re heated through and well-coated in the buttery, garlicky sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.

6. Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish the shrimp with freshly chopped parsley. This adds a bright, fresh flavor that contrasts nicely with the rich butter sauce. If desired, serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus.

Serve the Buttered Shrimp immediately, either on its own or over a bed of pasta, rice, or a salad. This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping in the flavorful butter sauce.

Tips for Perfect Buttered Shrimp

• Use Fresh or Frozen Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will always yield the best flavor, but frozen shrimp are a great option for convenience. Just make sure to thaw the shrimp thoroughly before cooking to avoid excess water when sautéing.
• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, so it’s important to keep an eye on them. Overcooking will result in tough, rubbery shrimp. Remove them from the skillet as soon as they’re opaque and slightly firm to the touch.
• Adjust the Sauce: The butter sauce can be easily adjusted to your liking. Add more garlic for a stronger flavor, more lemon juice for brightness, or a touch of cream for a richer sauce. You can also add a little white wine or chicken broth for more depth.
• Use Quality Butter: Since butter is the key component of the sauce, use high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor. If you prefer, you can substitute some of the butter with olive oil for a lighter version.
• Add Spice: For a spicy kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to the butter sauce.

Variations of Buttered Shrimp

• Garlic Parmesan Buttered Shrimp: Add grated Parmesan cheese to the butter sauce for a rich, cheesy flavor. Stir in about ¼ cup of cheese along with the garlic for an extra indulgent touch.
• Lemon Garlic Buttered Shrimp with Asparagus: Toss in some asparagus or your favorite green vegetable to the pan for a one-pan meal. The asparagus adds crunch and complements the shrimp perfectly.
• Spicy Buttered Shrimp: For a heat-packed version, add some diced jalapeños or a tablespoon of sriracha sauce to the butter sauce for a spicy kick.
• Butter Shrimp Scampi: Transform this recipe into a shrimp scampi by adding some white wine and serving it over pasta. The white wine adds acidity, making it a perfect pairing with a simple pasta dish.
• Herb-Infused Buttered Shrimp: Use a variety of fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary instead of thyme for a different flavor profile. Fresh herbs bring a fragrant, aromatic touch to the dish.

Storage and Shelf Life

Buttered Shrimp is best served fresh, but you can store leftovers if needed. Here’s how to store and reheat:

• Refrigeration: Place any leftover shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a small amount of butter or oil to prevent drying out.
• Freezing: You can freeze cooked shrimp for later. Arrange the shrimp on a baking sheet and freeze them individually before transferring to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw the shrimp in the refrigerator overnight and warm them in a skillet over low heat.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Buttered Shrimp

While Buttered Shrimp is delicious on its own, pairing it with complementary sides can elevate the meal:

• Garlic Bread: A classic pairing, garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the rich butter sauce and adds a crunchy, flavorful contrast to the shrimp.
• Pasta: Serve the shrimp over pasta like linguine or spaghetti for a hearty, satisfying meal. Toss the pasta with some of the butter sauce for added flavor.
• Steamed Vegetables: Pair the shrimp with a side of steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for a light, healthy side.
• Rice: Buttered shrimp pairs wonderfully with a bed of fluffy white rice, jasmine rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• Salad: A crisp, fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette is a great way to balance the richness of the shrimp.

Print

Conclusion

Buttered Shrimp is a simple yet elegant dish that is perfect for any occasion. The rich butter sauce, combined with perfectly cooked shrimp, creates a flavorful, indulgent meal that everyone will love. With its quick cooking time and minimal ingredients, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions when you want to impress your guests with minimal effort.

Whether served on its own, over pasta, or with a side of vegetables, Buttered Shrimp is a versatile and delicious dish that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Experiment with different variations, adjust the seasoning to your taste, and enjoy this delectable seafood dish in countless ways. Enjoy the buttery, garlicky goodness that is Buttered Shrimp—your taste buds will thank you!