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- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust based on heat preference) - 1 lemon, juiced and zested - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach (optional, for added color and nutrition) - Cooked pasta or rice, for serving Fresh ingredients make a big difference in flavor. Use large, bright shrimp for the best taste. The garlic should be fresh and aromatic. It adds a punch to the dish. Use unsalted butter to control the salt level. Fresh herbs like parsley add color and freshness. - 1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped - 1/2 cup zucchini, sliced - 1 tablespoon capers for a briny kick These add-ins boost taste and nutrition. Swap bell pepper or zucchini for other veggies you love. For a dairy-free option, you can use olive oil instead of butter. Enjoy experimenting with these choices! Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Once it's hot, add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let it melt completely. This butter will bring rich flavor to the dish. Be careful with the garlic! After the butter melts, add 4 cloves of finely minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute. You want the garlic fragrant but not brown. Burnt garlic can spoil the taste, so keep an eye on it. Now, it’s time to add the star of the dish: 1 pound of large shrimp. Before you toss them in, season the shrimp with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Sprinkle generously for great flavor. Sauté the shrimp for 2-3 minutes. You’ll know they are done when they turn pink and opaque. Toss them occasionally for even cooking. It’s a good time to enjoy the amazing smell! Next, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup of fresh spinach if you want the color and nutrition boost. Sauté for an additional 2 minutes. Watch the spinach wilt and the tomatoes soften—this creates a lovely mix. Drizzle the shrimp and veggies with the juice of 1 lemon. Then, sprinkle some lemon zest over the top. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and stir until melted. This creates your luscious garlic butter sauce. Finally, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley on top. This adds a burst of color and flavor. For the full recipe, check above and enjoy your tasty garlic butter shrimp! To enhance the flavor of your garlic butter shrimp, here are some simple tips: - Use fresh ingredients. Fresh shrimp and garlic make a big difference. - Melt the butter slowly. This helps release its rich flavor without burning. - Sauté garlic carefully. Cook it just until fragrant. Avoid browning, as this can cause bitterness. - Season well. Don't be shy with salt and pepper. It brings out the shrimp's natural sweetness. - Cook shrimp properly. Watch for the color change. They should turn pink and opaque in about 2-3 minutes. Timing is key. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery. For perfect shrimp, work swiftly but carefully. You can save time by prepping some parts in advance: - Peel and devein shrimp. This can be done a day before and stored in the fridge. - Minced garlic can be prepared early. Keep it in a small container in the fridge. - Wash and chop veggies ahead. Store them in airtight bags for quick access. For quick meals, store leftover shrimp in an airtight container. It lasts about 2-3 days in the fridge. Reheat gently to keep the shrimp tender. For a fast meal, serve it over cooked pasta or rice. You can also freeze portions for later. Just remember, shrimp can lose some texture when frozen. {{image_4}} You can change up the protein in this dish easily. Instead of shrimp, try scallops or chicken. Both options cook well in the garlic butter. If you want a vegetarian meal, use mushrooms or tofu. They soak up the flavors nicely and add texture. For a vegan option, swap the butter for olive oil or vegan butter. Use firm tofu for protein and add some extra veggies. Zucchini or bell peppers work great. These swaps let everyone enjoy this tasty dish. You can also adjust the spice level to suit your taste. If you want more heat, add more red pepper flakes. For a milder dish, skip them entirely. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can also boost flavors. Sprinkle them in at the end for a fresh kick. Want to pair this dish with different cuisines? Serve it with rice for Asian flair or crusty bread for Italian vibes. You could also add a splash of soy sauce or sesame oil. These small tweaks create new flavor profiles, making your dinner exciting. For the full recipe, check out the Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet! To keep your garlic butter shrimp fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Place the container in the fridge. Your shrimp will stay good for up to three days. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze it. Just make sure to use freezer-safe bags or containers. In the freezer, it will last about three months. When reheating shrimp, avoid high heat. Use low to medium heat on the stove. This helps keep the texture nice. Add a splash of water or broth to help it steam. Cover the pan to keep moisture in. For the best flavor, add a little more fresh garlic or lemon juice while reheating. This will brighten up the dish and keep it tasty. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place them in cold water for about 20 minutes, or leave them overnight in the fridge. Once thawed, dry them with a paper towel before cooking. This helps your shrimp sear better in the skillet. If you add them straight from the freezer, they may release extra water and not cook evenly. Garlic butter shrimp pairs well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Cooked pasta: Spaghetti or fettuccine works great. - Rice: White or brown rice soaks up the sauce well. - Fresh salad: A light mixed green salad adds crunch. - Crusty bread: Perfect for dipping in the garlic butter sauce. These options complement the dish's rich flavors and make your meal more filling. Yes, you can easily make this dish dairy-free. Use olive oil instead of butter. You can also try vegan butter or coconut oil for a different flavor. To keep the taste rich, add more garlic or a squeeze of lemon juice. Try adding nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy. These swaps keep the dish creamy and delicious while meeting your dietary needs. This blog post covered the essential ingredients and step-by-step instructions for making Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet. We explored tips for cooking perfectly and how to customize the dish. You can adjust the flavor and ingredients based on your diet. Remember, fresh ingredients make a big difference in taste. With the right storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy this meal anytime. Dive into this recipe, and enjoy the rich, buttery flavors!

Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet

Indulge in a delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet that’s quick to prepare and bursting with flavor! This mouthwatering dish combines tender shrimp with fragrant garlic, zesty lemon, and vibrant cherry tomatoes, all simmered to perfection in a rich butter sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this easy recipe will impress everyone at the table. Click to explore the full recipe and make your next meal unforgettable!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust based on heat preference)

1 lemon, juiced and zested

Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh spinach (optional, for added color and nutrition)

Cooked pasta or rice, for serving

Instructions
 

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add 2 tablespoons of butter and allow it to melt completely.

    Incorporate the minced garlic and red pepper flakes into the melted butter, sautéing for approximately 1 minute or until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.

      Introduce the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning them generously with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, tossing occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.

        Add the halved cherry tomatoes and spinach (if using) to the skillet. Continue to sauté for an additional 2 minutes, letting the spinach wilt down and the tomatoes soften.

          Drizzle the mixture with freshly squeezed lemon juice and sprinkle the lemon zest over the top. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and stir until the butter is fully melted and the shrimp and vegetables are well coated in the luscious garlic butter sauce.

            Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle evenly with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the succulent garlic butter shrimp atop a generous bed of cooked pasta or rice. For an eye-catching garnish, add extra parsley and place a lemon wedge on the side, inviting guests to add more zesty freshness to their dish. Enjoy!