Name: Brown Butter Spicy Garlic Shrimp
Prep time: 3 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter; 1 pound Shrimp (Peeled and deveined); Salt and Pepper; 3 cloves Minced Garlic; 1 juice Lemon; ¼ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes; 2 tablespoons Chopped Parsley

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There’s something incredibly satisfying about a dish that combines the richness of brown butter with the vibrant kick of spice, and that’s precisely what you get with Brown Butter Spicy Garlic Shrimp. This dish has a special place in my heart—it’s a recipe that I often turn to when I want to impress family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen. Just the thought of succulent, perfectly cooked shrimp bathed in a nutty, aromatic sauce makes my mouth water. I remember the first time I made this; I was hosting a small dinner party, and I wanted to serve something that would wow my guests. As soon as I plated the shrimp and the aroma wafted through the air, I knew I had struck gold.

The combination of flavors is simply irresistible—smooth, rich butter, fragrant garlic, and a touch of heat from the red pepper flakes. It’s a dish that not only tastes fabulous but also looks stunning on the plate, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, Brown Butter Spicy Garlic Shrimp is sure to steal the show. And the best part? It comes together in mere minutes, allowing you more time to enjoy the company of your loved ones. So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe and whip up a batch that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
10 mins

Prep Time:
3 mins

Cook Time:
7 mins

Difficulty:
Easy

Calories:
320 kcal

Protein:
25 g

Diet:
Keto, Gluten-Free

Fat:
24 g

Tools Used:
Chef’s Knife, Skillet, Frying Pan, Peeler

What’s Great About This Brown Butter Spicy Garlic Shrimp

Rich and Nutty Flavor

One of the first things you’ll notice about Brown Butter Spicy Garlic Shrimp is the deep, nutty flavor that brown butter brings to the dish. When you take the time to brown the butter, it develops a complex flavor that elevates the shrimp beyond the ordinary. The toasty notes impart a richness that you simply can’t achieve with regular melted butter.

Quick and Easy to Prepare

This dish shines in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal cooking time, you can have a gourmet meal on the table in no time. I love recipes that don’t require hours of preparation, and Brown Butter Spicy Garlic Shrimp is a perfect fit. It’s ideal for those busy weeknights when you want something special but don’t have the energy to slave away in the kitchen.

Endless Versatility

While this recipe is fantastic as is, it lends itself to many variations. You can toss in your favorite vegetables, serve it over a bed of pasta or rice, or even add some fresh herbs to brighten up the flavor. The possibilities are endless, making it a great recipe to customize based on what you have on hand.

Perfectly Cooked Shrimp

The method of cooking shrimp in this recipe ensures they come out perfectly tender, not overcooked and rubbery. Cooking them just until they turn pink is key to achieving that ideal texture. Each bite of shrimp is juicy and full of flavor, making for a delightful meal.

Impressive Presentation

Let’s not forget how visually appealing Brown Butter Spicy Garlic Shrimp is. The glossy, golden shrimp glistening in the brown butter sauce, garnished with fresh parsley, is enough to impress any guest. It’s a dish that looks as good as it tastes, which is a win-win in my book!

A Flavorful Experience

Finally, the combination of ingredients—garlic, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes—creates a harmonious balance of flavors. The garlic adds a fragrant depth, the lemon juice brightens everything up, and the red pepper flakes introduce a gentle heat that ties it all together beautifully. This recipe offers a flavor experience that you and your guests will remember long after the meal.

Ingredients Required for Brown Butter Spicy Garlic Shrimp

In creating the Brown Butter Spicy Garlic Shrimp, we rely on a collection of ingredients that work harmoniously together to create a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Each ingredient plays a role in building flavor and texture, from the rich unsalted butter to the fresh shrimp and zesty lemon juice. Together, they come together to create a dish that is greater than the sum of its parts.

4 tablespoons unsalted butter: The star of the show, brown butter adds a nutty richness that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
1 pound large peeled and deveined shrimp: These lovely morsels are the focal point, soaking up all the flavors of the sauce.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
3 cloves minced garlic: Provides aromatic depth and is a classic pairing with shrimp.
Juice of one lemon: Adds brightness and acidity, balancing the richness of the butter.
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Gives a pleasant kick and complements the garlic beautifully.
2 tablespoons chopped parsley: Freshness and color to garnish the dish.

Making Brown Butter Spicy Garlic Shrimp

Cooking up Brown Butter Spicy Garlic Shrimp is a breeze, and I’m excited to guide you through the steps. This recipe is all about timing and technique, ensuring that the shrimp are cooked just right. Follow along, and before you know it, you’ll have a delicious plate ready to serve!

Start by heating a medium-sized skillet over medium-low heat. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the pan. As the butter melts, keep a close watch on it. You want it to foam and start turning a golden brown, which usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent it from burning. This process is crucial as it develops that wonderful nutty flavor.
Once your butter has turned a lovely brown color, it’s time to add the 1 pound of large peeled and deveined shrimp. Make sure they’re well-seasoned with salt and pepper before they hit the pan. Turn the heat up to medium-high. You should hear a satisfying sizzle when the shrimp touch the skillet—it’s a sign that they’re cooking perfectly!
After about 2 minutes, add 3 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. The aroma will be intoxicating! Stir gently to combine the garlic, making sure it doesn’t burn. Keep cooking the shrimp until they turn a beautiful pink color, about 2 minutes more on each side. Watch closely, as shrimp can become chewy if overcooked.
Next, squeeze in the juice of one lemon and sprinkle in ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. These will add a vibrant brightness and a pleasant kick to the dish. Stir everything together, ensuring that the shrimp are well coated in the flavorful sauce.
Finally, right before serving, garnish with 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley. This not only adds a pop of color but also freshness to the dish. If you like, you can toss the shrimp with pasta for a hearty meal or serve them simply with a side of crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce.

Things Worth Knowing

This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the shrimp at their freshest and the sauce at its peak flavor.
Feel free to add vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers for a colorful twist.
If you prefer less heat, you can skip the red pepper flakes or reduce the amount used.
Brown butter can go from perfect to burnt quickly, so be attentive when melting it.

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

There are plenty of ways to make Brown Butter Spicy Garlic Shrimp your own. Here are some tips to explore:

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to preserve the flavors.
Freezing: While it’s best fresh, you can freeze cooked shrimp for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Pairing: Serve with a side of garlic bread or a light salad to balance the richness of the dish.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute shrimp with sautéed mushrooms for a delightful vegetarian dish.
Herb Variations: Try different fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for a unique twist.

Serving Options for Brown Butter Spicy Garlic Shrimp

When it comes to serving Brown Butter Spicy Garlic Shrimp, there are countless delightful options to consider:

Pasta Pairing: Serve the shrimp over a bed of linguine or spaghetti, allowing the sauce to coat the noodles beautifully.
With Rice: A side of fluffy white rice or jasmine rice complements the dish perfectly, soaking up the richness of the sauce.
Salad Inclusion: Toss the shrimp on a mixed green salad for a light and refreshing meal.
Crusty Bread: Pair it with some crusty bread for soaking up the sauce, making every bite count.
Special Occasions: This dish is perfect for romantic dinners or special gatherings, impressing guests with its flavor and presentation.
Seasonal Touch: In summer, serve with grilled vegetables for a fresh and seasonal touch.

FAQ

Brown butter is simply butter that has been cooked until it turns a golden brown color. As it cooks, the milk solids in the butter caramelize, which gives it a rich, nutty flavor. To make brown butter, place unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Stir it frequently until it foams and then turns golden brown. Be careful not to burn it! Once it reaches the desired color, remove it from the heat immediately.

While Brown Butter Spicy Garlic Shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare some components ahead of time. For example, you can clean and devein the shrimp and even mix the garlic and lemon juice together. However, I recommend cooking the shrimp just before serving to maintain their tender texture and the freshness of the flavors.

This dish is incredibly versatile! You can serve Brown Butter Spicy Garlic Shrimp over pasta for a hearty meal, alongside rice for a satisfying option, or on top of a fresh salad for a lighter fare. Crusty bread is also a great choice for soaking up the delicious sauce. Pair it with a glass of iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing drink!

Cooking shrimp requires a keen eye! The best way to tell if shrimp are cooked is by their color. They should turn from a translucent gray to a vibrant pink. Typically, shrimp will take about 2 to 3 minutes on each side to cook thoroughly. Ensure they are opaque all the way through; overcooking can make them tough.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Brown Butter Spicy Garlic Shrimp is a dish that beautifully balances rich flavors with easy preparation. It’s perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a gourmet meal at home. I encourage you to give it a try; you won’t be disappointed. Enjoy the delightful experience of cooking and savoring this wonderful dish!