Imagine diving into a plate of succulent, glistening shrimp that's bursting with bold Asian-inspired flavors, where each bite promises a perfect harmony of garlic, butter, and a subtle kick of heat. This Asian Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe is your ticket to transforming an ordinary weeknight dinner into a restaurant-worthy experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. With just a handful of ingredients and a quick 20-minute cooking time, you'll create a dish so irresistible, it'll become your new go-to meal that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better searing and prevents steaming.
- Prepare all ingredients in advance: mince the garlic, chop green onions, and measure out soy sauce, honey, and red pepper flakes.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and allow it to melt completely and start to shimmer.
- Add minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Place shrimp in a single layer in the skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side until they turn pink and start to curl.
- Flip the shrimp and add remaining butter, soy sauce, honey, and red pepper flakes. Stir quickly to coat all shrimp evenly.
- Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until shrimp are completely opaque and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can become tough.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped green onions over the shrimp.
- Serve immediately, preferably over steamed rice or with a side of vegetables to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
Tips
- Always start with dry shrimp - pat them thoroughly with paper towels to ensure a perfect sear and prevent steaming.
- Use fresh garlic and mince it finely for the most intense flavor.
- Cook shrimp on high heat but watch carefully - they cook quickly and can become rubbery if overdone.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of sesame oil or garnishing with toasted sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the shrimp at peak tenderness and while the sauce is still hot and glossy.
- For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional steamed rice.
- Choose large or jumbo shrimp for the best texture and most impressive presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 23g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 145mg
