Description
This Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe features succulent medium shrimp simmered in a rich and flavorful garlic butter sauce with hints of lemon and fresh parsley. Perfect for a quick and elegant meal that comes together in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp
- 1 1/2 pounds medium shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup chicken stock
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Instructions
- Season Shrimp: Season the peeled and deveined medium shrimp evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, ensuring the seasoning enhances the shrimp’s natural flavor.
- Cook Shrimp: Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, add the shrimp and cook, stirring occasionally, until they turn pink and are cooked through, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, approximately 1 minute, being careful not to burn the garlic to maintain a delicate flavor.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the chicken stock and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the liquid is reduced by half, about 1-2 minutes, concentrating the flavors of the sauce.
- Incorporate Butter: Gradually stir in the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter, adding 1 tablespoon at a time, stirring continuously until the butter is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and glossy.
- Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss them in the garlic butter sauce to ensure each piece is well coated and heated through.
- Serve: Serve the garlic butter shrimp immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley leaves for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- Serve over cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
- To save time, use pre-minced garlic, although fresh garlic will provide the best flavor.
- Ensure shrimp are not overcooked to keep them tender and juicy.
