Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe
Introduction
This Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe combines succulent shrimp with crispy bits of fried garlic, a smoky sweet sauce, and a zesty lemon touch.
It’s perfect for quick dinners or as a flavorful dish to impress guests. Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
1 ½ pounds raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails off
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
½–1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons chopped fresh garlic (6–8 cloves)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
¼ cup honey
1–2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
Prep the Shrimp:
If using frozen shrimp, thaw under cold running water and pat dry with paper towels.
In a bowl, combine the flour, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Toss the shrimp in the flour mixture until well coated. Set aside.
Fry the Garlic:
In a large skillet, add olive oil and garlic. Start cooking on medium heat, stirring constantly until the garlic turns golden brown (about 5 minutes).
Remove the garlic with a slotted spoon and set aside. Save the garlic-infused oil in the skillet.
Cook the Shrimp:
Heat the garlic oil in the skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 3 minutes on one side, flip, and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the shrimp are pink and curled.
Make the Sauce:
Add the softened butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in honey and lemon juice.
Mix the shrimp until evenly coated with the sauce.
Finish and Serve:
Sprinkle the shrimp with chopped parsley and garnish with the fried garlic.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges. Pair with jasmine rice, angel hair pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Tips and Variations
Adjust Spice: Add more or less cayenne pepper to suit your heat tolerance.
Substitute Proteins: Try chicken or salmon instead of shrimp for a different twist.
Make Ahead: Prepare the fried garlic ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a month.
Conclusion
This Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe is the perfect quick meal packed with bold flavors.
The crispy garlic bits, sweet honey, and tangy lemon elevate the shrimp to gourmet status.
Pair it with your favorite side dish for a delightful dinner in minutes. Enjoy!