If you’re searching for a quick and flavorful dish that brings the taste of the ocean right to your kitchen, look no further! Our Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lemon and Fresh Parsley is a delightful meal that combines the richness of buttery shrimp with zesty lemon and fresh herbs. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining guests, offering a sophisticated taste without the fuss. Let’s dive into the details of this delicious recipe that is sure to become a staple in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something inherently luxurious about shrimp dishes, and when you add creamy garlic butter, it becomes a culinary treat that you can’t resist. Here are just a few reasons why you’ll love making Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lemon and Fresh Parsley:
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic, lemon, and fresh parsley elevates the shrimp to a whole new level.
- Versatile: Serve it over pasta, rice, or enjoy it on its own for a low-carb meal.
- Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors of the dish make it a showstopper for any dinner table.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Shrimp is high in protein and low in calories, while the addition of parsley provides essential vitamins.
This dish is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. The creamy sauce clings beautifully to the shrimp, and the bright lemon and parsley add a pop of color that makes the dish irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will have you feeling like a culinary expert!
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Cooking at home allows for creativity and personalization. By trying out our Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lemon and Fresh Parsley recipe, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. Here are some compelling reasons to give it a go:
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need a handful of ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a date night, this dish fits perfectly.
- Customize It: Feel free to adjust the seasoning or add veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition.
- Impress Your Guests: Your friends and family will be amazed at how delicious and elegant this dish is!
Plus, making this creamy garlic butter shrimp dish is a great way to learn some essential cooking techniques, such as sautéing shrimp perfectly and creating a rich, creamy sauce. You’ll gain confidence in your cooking skills, which will inspire you to try even more gourmet recipes!
Ingredients and Utensils Needed
To prepare this delightful meal, you’ll need the following ingredients and utensils:
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or frozen shrimp work well, but ensure they are thawed if using frozen.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness to the sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic provides the best flavor.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: This creates the creamy texture of the sauce.
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced: Offers a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a bit of heat.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Adds freshness and color.
- Cooked pasta or rice, for serving: Choose your favorite type to accompany the shrimp.
Recommended Utensils
- Large skillet: A non-stick skillet is ideal for cooking shrimp.
- Spatula: For stirring and flipping the shrimp without breaking them.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure precise ingredient amounts.
- Citrus juicer or zester: For easy lemon zesting and juicing.
- Serving plates: For plating your delicious meal.
Having all your ingredients and tools ready before you start cooking will help ensure a smooth cooking process. The fewer distractions you have, the better your dish will turn out!
Detailed Recipe Steps
Now that you have all your ingredients and utensils ready, let’s walk through the steps to create the Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lemon and Fresh Parsley.
Step 1: Melt the Butter
In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Make sure to keep an eye on the butter to prevent it from browning. Once melted, add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant but not browned. This step is crucial as burnt garlic can impart a bitter flavor to your dish.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Next, add the 1 pound of large shrimp to the skillet. Season them with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink. Flip the shrimp and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until they are fully cooked. Remember, shrimp cooks quickly, so keep an eye on them! Overcooking can make them tough.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
Once the shrimp are cooked through, reduce the heat to low. Pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream, along with the juice and zest of 1 lemon. Stir to combine all the ingredients, allowing the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. This creamy sauce is the star of the dish, so make sure to stir it well to incorporate all the flavors.
Step 4: Add Fresh Parsley
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley. This not only adds flavor but also a beautiful color contrast to your dish. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5: Serve
Serve your Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp over cooked pasta or rice. Garnish with additional parsley and lemon wedges for an extra pop of flavor and presentation. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the fridge for a couple of days if you have leftovers.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to consider when making Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lemon and Fresh Parsley:
- Vegan Option: You can substitute shrimp with tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based version. Replace the butter with vegan butter and the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure that the pasta or rice you are using is gluten-free. Many rice varieties are naturally gluten-free.
- Extra Veggies: Feel free to add in vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers to the dish for added nutrients and flavor.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference, or try adding a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick!
- Common Mistakes: Avoid overcooking the shrimp, as they will become rubbery. Also, be careful not to burn the garlic; it should remain fragrant and lightly golden.
Nutritional Values and Benefits
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional values per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 27g
- Total Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
The ingredients used in this recipe offer various health benefits. Shrimp is an excellent source of protein and provides essential nutrients like vitamin B12 and selenium. Heavy cream, while rich in fat, also contains fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K. Lemon juice adds vitamin C and antioxidants, while parsley is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make the shrimp less fishy tasting?
To reduce the fishy taste, ensure that you buy fresh shrimp and soak them in milk for about 30 minutes before cooking. Rinse and pat them dry before using them in your recipe.
Can I substitute heavy cream?
Yes! You can use half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream if you prefer a lighter or dairy-free option.
What can I serve with creamy garlic butter shrimp?
This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or a fresh green salad. You can also serve it with garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While shrimp is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Cook the shrimp just before serving for the best texture.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and shrimp separately and store them in airtight containers. Just reheat when ready to serve.
Conclusion
In summary, our Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lemon and Fresh Parsley is a fantastic dish that is easy to prepare, loaded with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and quick cooking time, you can impress your family and friends without breaking a sweat. We hope you enjoy trying out this recipe as much as we do! If you make this dish, please leave a comment and share your experience. Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later use!
For more delicious shrimp recipes, check out our Sweet Chili Shrimp with Garlic Sauce and Crispy Garlic Shrimp. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
For more creative recipes, visit our collection on Pinterest.
Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Lemon and Fresh Parsley
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant but not browned.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fully cooked.
- Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the creamy garlic butter shrimp over cooked pasta or rice, garnished with additional parsley and lemon wedges if desired.
