Shrimp is a versatile shellfish, and it really doesn’t require a lot of work for it to taste and look good. You can use this as an appetizer or a main dish if you serve it with rice or noodles. By the way, this recipe works great with scallops and most white fish!
There is no question you can tinker with the ingredients but do so a little at a time. Butter is very rich, so you want to balance the flavors.
Shopping for Shrimp
When you think of shrimp, you probably visualize a pretty pink and white mouthful, often with cocktail sauce. However, there’s an entire world of shrimp from which to choose. Do you want fresh? Frozen? Tail on?
Then, there are the different varieties of shrimp. Brown ones are bold, while pink is sweet and mild. Royal shrimp are buttery. Now, the good news here is that you’re probably looking for tried and true shrimp from the supermarket, like Tiger Shrimp.
Because shrimp are delicate, it’s best to buy those that are individually frozen without the head. If you notice any smell akin to ammonia or notice black spots dotting head-on shrimp, they’re beyond peak freshness.
Saucy Buttered Shrimp Saucy Buttered Shrimp 100%
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ lb frozen shrimp
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Pinch of salt and pepper (to taste)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tsp parsley
- 1 lemon (sliced)
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp on both sides using paper towels so they are dry.
- From about 12” high, sprinkle the shrimp with salt and pepper (both sides)
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet turned to high.
- When the oil starts smoking, add the shrimp singly so they don’t touch. Do not crowd them.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side.
- Once they’re pink, remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Melt the butter in the pan.
- Add the minced garlic. Sautee it for 30 seconds.
- Stir in the lemon juice, paprika, and parsley. Turn the pan down.
- Move the shrimp into the herb and butter blend.
- Baste the sauce over the top of the shrimp.
- Garnish bowls or plates with lemon wedges.
- Serve immediately
What to Serve with Shrimp?
- How about rice pilaf, spinach salad, fruit sorbet, and a tall glass of cider?