Imagine diving into a plate of succulent shrimp, glistening with golden butter and bursting with rich, aromatic garlic flavor that transports you straight to a coastal seafood paradise. This Butter Garlic Smoked Shrimp recipe is not just a meal—it's a culinary experience that combines simplicity with extraordinary taste, promising to elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary in just 25 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Seafood
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Make sure the shrimp are peeled and deveined. Mince the garlic cloves and set them aside. Measure out the butter, lemon juice, paprika, and have salt and pepper ready for seasoning.
- In a large skillet, melt the 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Allow it to melt completely, but do not let it brown.
- Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
- Next, add the shrimp to the skillet. Stir well to coat the shrimp with the garlic butter mixture. Cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes on one side until they start to turn pink and opaque.
- Flip the shrimp over and add the lemon juice and paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked through and have a nice pink color.
- Once the shrimp are cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Transfer the butter garlic smoked shrimp to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
- Serve immediately while hot, either on their own or alongside your choice of sides, such as rice or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Choose high-quality, fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture. Look for shrimp that are firm and have a clean, ocean-like smell.
- Don't overcook the shrimp! They cook quickly and can become rubbery if left too long in the pan. Remove them as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
- Use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced for the most vibrant flavor. Crush the cloves just before cooking to preserve their essential oils.
- For an extra smoky flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or quickly passing the shrimp through a smoker before finishing in the skillet.
- Always have your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking, as shrimp cook extremely fast.
- For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or with a fresh green salad. For a more indulgent meal, pair with crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 220mg
