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- Shrimp: You need 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. This size helps them cook fast and stay juicy. - Butter: Use 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. It adds richness to the dish. - Garlic: You will need 4 cloves of garlic, minced. Fresh garlic gives a strong and bright flavor. - Olive Oil: A tablespoon of olive oil helps to sauté the garlic and shrimp. - Lemon: Use the zest and juice of 1 large lemon. This brings a zesty freshness. - Red Pepper Flakes: One teaspoon adds heat. You can adjust this to your taste. - Parsley: A ¼ cup of fresh parsley, chopped, adds a pop of color and flavor. - Seasoning: Use salt and pepper to taste. These enhance all the flavors in the dish. - Lemon Wedges: Serve with lemon wedges for extra zest at the table. These ingredients work together to create a bright and flavorful dish that is quick to make. Each component adds its own special touch, making this garlic butter lemon shrimp a standout meal. 1. Skillet Heating and Butter Melting Technique: Start by heating your large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Wait until the butter melts completely. This step makes sure the flavors mix well. 2. Sautéing Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes Tips: Next, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir them for about 1-2 minutes. You want the garlic to smell nice but not turn brown. This keeps it sweet and fresh. 3. Proper Cooking Times for Shrimp for Optimal Flavor: Now, it’s time to add your 1 pound of large shrimp. Sprinkle salt and pepper on them. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on one side. When they turn pink, flip them over. This way, they cook evenly and stay juicy. 1. Combining Lemon Zest and Juice with Shrimp: After flipping the shrimp, lower the heat. Add the zest and juice from 1 large lemon. Then, mix in the last 2 tablespoons of butter. This makes a rich, zesty sauce. 2. Final Cooking Instructions to Ensure Shrimp are Juicy and Coated: Cook for another 2-3 minutes. Stir well until the shrimp are fully cooked. You want them coated with that tasty garlic butter sauce. 1. Best Methods for Plating and Garnishing: Serve the shrimp in a large, shallow bowl. Drizzle the sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges. This makes your dish look bright and inviting. 2. Suggested Sides to Complement the Dish: Pair your garlic butter lemon shrimp with a light salad or garlic bread. Both sides enhance the meal and make it more filling. Enjoy your delicious creation! To avoid overcooked shrimp, watch the color closely. When shrimp turn pink, they are nearly done. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. If you see they curl up too much, take them off the heat right away. Adjusting spice levels is easy. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. For milder flavor, use less. You can also skip them entirely if you prefer. Always taste your dish as you cook. That way, you can find the right balance for you. For the best skillet options, use a large non-stick skillet. It helps cook the shrimp evenly. Cast iron skillets also work great for this dish. They hold heat well and add nice flavor. To simplify preparation, a garlic press makes minced garlic easy. A good set of measuring spoons helps with accuracy. You might also want a flat spatula to flip the shrimp gently. This keeps them from breaking apart and helps with even cooking. {{image_2}} You can easily swap out shrimp for other seafood like scallops or fish. Just adjust cooking times based on the seafood you choose. For a fun twist, use crab meat or lobster for a touch of luxury. If you want a vegetarian option, try using mushrooms or zucchini instead of shrimp. These ingredients soak up the garlic butter well. You can cut them into bite-sized pieces to mimic the shrimp. To boost the flavor, add herbs like basil or thyme. They bring fresh notes that mix well with garlic and lemon. You could also throw in some dill for a tangy twist. Adding vegetables can make the dish more colorful and nutritious. Consider bell peppers, spinach, or cherry tomatoes. Sauté them with the garlic for extra taste and texture. Just remember to cook them until they are tender but still vibrant. To keep your garlic butter lemon shrimp fresh, follow some simple steps. First, let the shrimp cool to room temperature. Then, place it in a shallow, airtight container. This helps it cool evenly and stay fresh. Garlic butter lemon shrimp can last in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the shrimp may lose its flavor and texture. Always check for any off smells or changes in color before eating leftovers. To reheat your shrimp, choose a method that keeps it juicy. The best way is to use a skillet. Heat it on low and add a splash of water or broth. This keeps the shrimp moist. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until heated through. You can also use the microwave. Place the shrimp in a microwave-safe dish with a lid. Heat it in short bursts, about 30 seconds each time, checking in between. This way, you avoid overcooking the shrimp. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place them in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Once thawed, drain and pat them dry. This step is key to getting a nice sear. What is the best way to peel and devein shrimp? Peeling shrimp is easy. Start by holding the shrimp in one hand. Use your other hand to remove the shell. Begin at the head and pull it off. To devein, look for the dark line on the back. Use a small knife to make a shallow cut. Pull out the vein with your fingers or the knife. How can I reduce the fat content in this recipe? To cut the fat, use less butter. Swap two tablespoons of butter with a little olive oil. You can also use a light butter spread. This keeps the dish tasty while making it lighter. What can I substitute if I don’t have lemon on hand? If you lack lemon, try lime juice. It gives a nice tang too. Another option is vinegar; just use less, as it is stronger. You can also use a splash of white wine for flavor. In this blog post, we explored how to make garlic butter lemon shrimp. We covered essential ingredients, preparation steps, and serving tips. I shared techniques for perfecting your shrimp and offered variations to suit your taste. Remember, cooking shrimp requires attention to avoid overcooking, and leftovers can be delicious if stored well. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and swaps! Transform your kitchen into a hub of fresh cooking. This dish is easy to master and always impresses. Happy cooking!

Garlic Butter Lemon Shrimp

Get ready to delight your taste buds with this zesty garlic butter lemon shrimp recipe! Perfectly cooked shrimp are combined with buttery garlic goodness and a burst of fresh lemon flavor, resulting in a dish that’s quick, easy, and irresistibly delicious. In just 15 minutes, you can serve this crowd-pleaser for dinner or special occasions.
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

Zest and juice of 1 large lemon

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions
 

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until melted.

    Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.

      Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side, until they start to turn pink, then flip them over.

        Reduce the heat to low and add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until shrimp are fully cooked and coated in the sauce.

          Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

            Serve the shrimp hot with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zesty flavor.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 15 mins | 4 servings

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the shrimp in a large, shallow bowl, drizzled with the garlic butter sauce. Garnish with additional parsley and lemon slices for a colorful and inviting dish.