Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp

This Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe transforms simple shrimp into a restaurant-quality dish in just 12 minutes! The dish combines juicy shrimp sautéed in rich harissa butter sauce with garlic and bright lemon, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressive appetizers. With its bold flavors and easy preparation, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: In just 12 minutes, you can have a delicious meal ready to serve, making it ideal for busy evenings.
• Bold Flavors: The combination of garlic, harissa, and lemon creates a rich and spicy flavor profile that elevates the shrimp.
• Versatile Serving Options: Whether as an appetizer or main dish, this recipe fits any occasion perfectly.
• One-Pan Wonder: Enjoy easy cleanup with minimal dishes required for cooking.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and fresh herbs, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious.

Tools and Preparation

To make Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp efficiently, having the right tools on hand is essential. Prepare your kitchen by gathering these key items.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Paper towels
• Tongs or spatula
• Measuring spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Provides ample space for cooking the shrimp evenly without overcrowding.
• Paper towels: Essential for drying the shrimp properly before cooking to achieve that golden color.
• Tongs or spatula: Useful for flipping the shrimp without breaking them apart during cooking.

Ingredients

To create this flavorful Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp dish, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 pound raw shrimp (peeled and deveined (31-44 per pound size))
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 teaspoons harissa paste (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (finely chopped)

How to Make Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as wet shrimp won’t achieve that nice golden color we’re aiming for. Season them with salt and pepper while your pan heats up.

Step 2: Heat the Skillet

Heat your large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the butter and let it melt completely but avoid letting it brown.

Step 3: Add Harissa Paste

Stir in the harissa paste and cook for about 30 seconds. You should start to smell a smoky, spicy aroma.

Step 4: Sauté Garlic

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it; burnt garlic can ruin the dish.

Step 5: Cook the Shrimp

Add the seasoned shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding them. Cook for about 2 minutes without moving them to allow one side to get beautifully golden.

Step 6: Flip and Finish Cooking

Flip the shrimp over and cook for another 2 minutes until they are opaque and pink all the way through.

Step 7: Add Lemon Juice & Parsley

Remove the pan from heat immediately after cooking. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped parsley.

Step 8: Serve Immediately

Toss everything together until the shrimp are evenly coated in that luscious spicy garlic butter sauce. Serve hot while everything is still silky!

How to Serve Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Serving Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp can elevate your dining experience, whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or an elegant gathering. Here are some delicious ways to serve this dish:

With Fresh Greens

• Mixed Green Salad: Toss together fresh greens like arugula or spinach with a light vinaigrette for a crisp contrast.
• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad pairs well with the rich flavors of the shrimp, adding creaminess and crunch.

Over Rice or Grains

• Fluffy Jasmine Rice: Serve the shrimp over fluffy jasmine rice to soak up all that spicy garlic butter sauce.
• Quinoa: For a healthier option, consider serving it over quinoa, which adds a nutty flavor and is packed with protein.

As Tacos

• Shrimp Tacos: Load the spicy shrimp into warm corn tortillas and top with shredded cabbage and avocado for a fun twist.
• Lettuce Wraps: Use large lettuce leaves as wraps for a low-carb alternative that’s still bursting with flavor.

With Crusty Bread

• Garlic Bread: Pair with warm garlic bread to dip into the spicy butter sauce for a delightful treat.
• Sourdough Baguette: A sliced sourdough baguette complements the dish beautifully and is perfect for soaking up juices.

How to Perfect Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp

To achieve the best results when preparing Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Bold seasoning: Make sure to season your shrimp liberally with salt and pepper before cooking for enhanced flavor.
• Pat dry thoroughly: Drying the shrimp well prevents steaming and allows them to caramelize nicely in the pan.
• Monitor heat carefully: Cooking over medium-low heat ensures that the butter melts without browning, keeping flavors intact.
• Watch cooking time: Avoid overcooking by keeping a close eye on the shrimp; they should be opaque and pink within four minutes total.
• Add citrus last: Stir in lemon juice and zest at the end to maintain their bright flavors without cooking off their freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Complementing your Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp with side dishes can enhance your meal. Here’s a list of great options:

1. Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds color and crunch while being easy to prepare.
2. Couscous Salad: A light couscous salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and parsley offers refreshing contrast.
3. Roasted Asparagus: Roasting asparagus brings out its natural sweetness, making it a delightful pairing.
4. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn complements the spice perfectly; grill it for added smokiness.
5. Zucchini Noodles: For a lower-carb option, spiralized zucchini noodles tossed in olive oil work beautifully alongside.
6. Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl: Combine quinoa with olives, cucumbers, and feta (or plant-based cheese) for added texture and flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When cooking Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp, it’s easy to encounter a few pitfalls. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Not drying the shrimp – Wet shrimp won’t sear properly. Always pat them dry with paper towels before cooking for that perfect golden finish.
• Overcrowding the pan – When you overcrowd the shrimp, they steam instead of sear. Cook them in batches if necessary to ensure they get the right texture.
• Burning the garlic – Garlic can burn quickly and become bitter. Keep an eye on it and add it after the harissa has cooked for a short while to prevent burning.
• Skipping seasoning – Under-seasoning can lead to bland shrimp. Make sure to season both sides of the shrimp with salt and pepper for full flavor.
• Not using fresh ingredients – Fresh garlic, lemon juice, and herbs elevate the dish. Opt for fresh over dried or bottled ingredients whenever possible.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Freezing Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp

• Place cooled shrimp in a freezer-safe container or a resealable bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat the shrimp uncovered until warm, about 10 minutes.
• Microwave – Use a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring between each until warmed through.
• Stovetop – Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to retain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp.

What type of shrimp is best for Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp?

Fresh or frozen raw shrimp works best. Look for large size (31-44 per pound) for an impressive presentation.

Can I make Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp without harissa paste?

Yes, you can substitute harissa with other spicy sauces like sriracha or chili paste based on your heat preference.

How long does it take to prepare Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp?

The total time is approximately 12 minutes, making it perfect for quick meals or last-minute entertaining.

Can I customize the spice level in Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp?

Absolutely! Adjust the amount of harissa paste according to your taste preferences, or add more spices if you like it spicier.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe is not only quick but incredibly versatile, perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it by adding vegetables like bell peppers or serve it over rice or pasta. Don’t hesitate to try this dish; it’s bound to impress!