Ready to whip up a dish that's both juicy and full of flavor? Garlic Butter Roasted Shrimp is your go-to! With just a few simple ingredients like garlic, butter, and fresh shrimp, you can create a meal that's sure to impress. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned pro, this recipe will delight your taste buds and leave everyone wanting more. Let’s dive into this easy, mouthwatering dish!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This garlic butter roasted shrimp recipe is ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings.
- Flavorful Combination: The rich garlic butter paired with smoked paprika and lemon brings a delightful depth of flavor that elevates the shrimp.
- Versatile Dish: These roasted shrimp can be served as an appetizer, main course, or even tossed in pasta for a complete meal.
- Healthy and Delicious: Shrimp is a lean protein that cooks quickly and is low in calories, making this dish both nutritious and satisfying.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Extras
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Garlic butter roasted shrimp uses simple, fresh ingredients. Start with large shrimp. I prefer using shrimp that are peeled and deveined. This saves prep time and makes cooking easier.
Next, melt unsalted butter. This adds richness to the dish. For the garlic flavor, use six cloves of minced garlic. Fresh garlic gives the best taste.
For seasonings, smoked paprika adds a warm, smoky flavor. It pairs well with shrimp. Don’t forget the lemon zest and juice. They brighten the dish and enhance the shrimp’s natural taste.
Finally, salt and pepper balance the flavors. Use them to your liking. Fresh parsley adds color and a touch of earthiness. It’s the perfect garnish.
Gather these ingredients for a dish that is both juicy and full of flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Shrimp
First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps the shrimp cook just right. Next, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This makes for easy cleanup later.
Making the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a large bowl, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Add in 6 cloves of minced garlic. Then mix in 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well until the sauce is smooth.
Roasting the Shrimp
Now, take your cleaned shrimp, about 1 pound, and place them in the bowl with the garlic butter sauce. Toss the shrimp until each one is well-coated. Spread the shrimp out on the baking sheet in a single layer. This is important so they cook evenly. Roast the shrimp in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. You know they are done when they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them. This keeps them juicy and tender.
Tips & Tricks
Selecting Fresh Shrimp
When you pick shrimp, look for bright shells. They should feel firm, not slimy. Fresh shrimp smell like the ocean, not fishy. I prefer large shrimp for this recipe. They taste better and have a nice bite. Also, check for sustainability. Buying shrimp from responsible sources helps our oceans.
Avoiding Overcooking
Shrimp cook quickly. They turn pink and opaque when done. If they curl tightly, it means they are overcooked. For large shrimp, aim for 8-10 minutes in the oven. Smaller shrimp may take less time. Keep an eye on them to avoid rubbery shrimp.
Presentation Tips
To serve, place the roasted shrimp on a big platter. Add lemon wedges for a fresh touch. Sprinkle extra parsley on top for color. Pair it with rice or a salad for a full meal. This dish looks great and tastes even better!
Pro Tips
- Fresh Shrimp is Key: For the best flavor and texture, always use fresh shrimp. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before marinating.
- Adjust the Garlic: If you're a garlic lover, feel free to add more minced garlic to the butter mixture for an extra punch of flavor.
- Watch Cooking Time: Shrimp cook quickly; keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. They should be pink and opaque when done, usually taking just 8-10 minutes.
- Enhance with Spices: Experiment with different spices like cayenne pepper or Italian herbs to customize the flavor profile of your garlic butter shrimp.
Variations
Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp
To make your shrimp spicy, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Just a pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat without losing flavor. If you like it hot, try a few dashes of hot sauce. Mix this with the garlic butter sauce. Taste as you go, and adjust the heat to your liking. This spicy twist makes the dish exciting and bold.
Lemon Herb Variation
You can freshen up your shrimp with herbs. I love using thyme or basil. Both herbs bring a bright taste to the garlic butter. Simply chop the fresh herbs and add them to the sauce. You can also mix and match herbs, like dill or oregano. Using fresh herbs gives your dish a garden-fresh feel.
Mediterranean Influence
Add a Mediterranean touch by using olives or feta cheese. Chopped olives give a salty bite that pairs well with the shrimp. Crumbled feta adds creaminess and tang. You can toss these ingredients in with the shrimp before roasting. This variation brings a new layer of flavor that is sure to impress.
Storage Info
Refrigerating Leftovers
To keep your garlic butter roasted shrimp fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps lock in flavor and moisture. Place the shrimp in the fridge right after they cool down. Cooked shrimp lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Enjoy your leftovers within this time frame for the best taste!
Freezing Instructions
If you want to save some shrimp for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the shrimp cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This will help prevent freezer burn. You can keep garlic butter shrimp in the freezer for up to 3 months.
For reheating, take the shrimp out of the freezer and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave on low power to reheat quickly. Just be careful not to overcook them, or they may become tough. Enjoy your flavorful shrimp again with ease!
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Start by thawing them safely. Place the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for about 15 to 20 minutes. This method works well and keeps the shrimp fresh. Once thawed, pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the garlic butter sauce stick better. If you need to save time, you can use shrimp straight from the freezer. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they cook through.
What can I serve with garlic butter roasted shrimp?
Garlic butter roasted shrimp pairs well with many sides. Here are some suggestions:
- Rice: White, brown, or even cauliflower rice works great.
- Salad: A fresh green salad adds a nice crunch.
- Pasta: Toss the shrimp with pasta and extra garlic butter for a hearty meal.
- Bread: Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Vegetables: Roasted or steamed veggies add color and nutrition to your plate.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
You can prep some parts of this dish in advance. Mix the garlic butter sauce ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. You can also peel and devein the shrimp early. Keep them in the fridge until you are ready to cook. If you want to cook the shrimp in advance, do so and store them in the fridge. They will last for about two days. Just reheat them gently to avoid overcooking.
This garlic butter shrimp recipe is simple and flavorful. You start by prepping shrimp and making a tasty sauce. Roasting brings out a beautiful color and taste. I shared tips for choosing fresh shrimp and avoiding overcooking. You can try different variations to switch things up too.
In the end, enjoy your meal fresh or store leftovers right. This dish impresses friends and family. Happy cooking!
