Garlic Shrimp
Whenever I think of a quick yet delicious meal, Garlic Shrimp comes to mind. This dish has been a staple in my kitchen for years, balancing simplicity and flavor in just about 20 minutes. Whether it’s a busy weekday or a relaxed weekend, the ease of preparation, combined with the vibrant taste of fresh shrimp, makes it a go-to recipe. I remember the first time I made it for friends; the aroma of sautéed garlic and shrimp filled the air, and they couldn’t wait to dig in. It’s a dish that brings people together, perfect for a cozy dinner or a fancy gathering.
Recipe Snapshot
35 mins
15 mins
20 mins
Medium
350 kcal
28 g
Vegan, Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
12 g
Skillet, Oven, Peeler, Chef’s Knife, Mixing Bowl, Wooden Spoon, Baking Sheet
Why This Garlic Shrimp Shines
Quick to Prepare
One of the best aspects of Garlic Shrimp is how quickly it comes together. When you’re short on time but still want something satisfying, this recipe will save the day. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a meal that looks and tastes gourmet.
Flavorful and Savory
This dish is packed with flavor. The combination of fresh garlic, zesty lemon juice, and buttery shrimp creates a symphony of taste that’s hard to resist. It’s savory, satisfying, and sure to impress.
Versatile Pairings
Garlic Shrimp is incredibly versatile. I love serving it over a bed of fluffy rice, but you can pair it with pasta, quinoa, or even a fresh salad. The options are endless, making it a great choice for any meal.
Healthy Protein
Shrimp is a fantastic source of protein, making this dish not only delicious but also nutritious. It’s low in calories and high in vitamins, making it ideal for those wanting to eat healthily without sacrificing flavor.
Impressive Presentation
Let’s face it, food that looks good often tastes better. With its vibrant colors and elegant presentation, Garlic Shrimp will make you feel like a chef, even if you’re just starting in the kitchen.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, Garlic Shrimp fits the bill. It’s easy enough for a casual meal yet impressive enough to serve guests at a dinner party. Anytime you want to create a memorable dining experience, this dish will shine.
Key Ingredients for Garlic Shrimp
When it comes to crafting the perfect Garlic Shrimp, the ingredients play a crucial role in flavor and texture. Each component complements the others, creating a delightful dish that you’ll want to make over and over again. The key players include fresh shrimp, aromatic garlic, and a splash of lemon juice that brings everything to life.
- 2 cups cauliflower, florets – This adds a delightful crunch and a healthy touch to your meal.
- 2 cups broccoli, florets – Another nutritious addition that enhances both flavor and texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – Used to drizzle over veggies for roasting, adding a rich flavor.
- 1 cup brown rice, raw – A hearty base that absorbs all the wonderful flavors of the dish.
- 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil – Extra oil for cooking the shrimp and garlic, ensuring everything is deliciously moist.
- 4 cloves garlic – Essential for that irresistible aroma and flavor.
- 12 ounces shrimp, peeled and deveined – The star of the dish, packed with protein and flavor.
- ¼ cup lemon juice – Adds brightness and balances the richness of the butter.
- 3 tablespoons butter, unsalted – For a rich, luscious sauce that brings it all together.
- ⅓ cup parsley, fresh, chopped – For garnish, adding a burst of color and freshness.
- 1 teaspoon water – Helps thicken the sauce at the end.
- 2 cups grapes – A refreshing side that adds sweetness and contrast.
Garlic Shrimp Instructions
Cooking Garlic Shrimp is a joy! With just a few simple steps, you can create a dish that’s packed with flavor and ready in no time. Follow these instructions for a delicious meal.
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. This step is essential for roasting the veggies perfectly.
- Prepare your baking sheet by placing bite-size pieces of cauliflower and broccoli on it. Make sure they are spread out to allow even roasting.
- Drizzle the veggies with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. This will enhance their flavor and help them caramelize.
- Time to roast! Bake the vegetables for about 15 to 20 minutes or until they are soft when pierced with a fork.
- While the veggies are roasting, prepare your brown rice according to the package instructions. It should be fluffy and ready by the time the shrimp is done.
- As the rice cooks, heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This oil will be used for the shrimp.
- Once the oil is hot, mince the garlic and set it aside. You want it fresh and aromatic for the next step.
- Place the shrimp in the skillet in one layer, cooking them for about 1 minute. This allows them to sear nicely.
- After a minute, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir it together and cook for another minute until the garlic is fragrant.
- Add in the lemon juice, butter, and parsley. Allow the butter to melt while you continuously stir. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the shrimp turn pink and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Using a fork or slotted spoon, remove the shrimp from the skillet, setting them aside. You can leave the butter sauce in the pan.
- With the remaining butter mixture, add 1 teaspoon of water to the skillet. Stir it to thicken the sauce and cook for 1 minute longer.
- Serve the shrimp over the cooked brown rice, drizzling it with the butter sauce. Pair with the roasted veggies and fresh grapes on the side.
Things Worth Knowing
- Always work with fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture. Frozen shrimp can be used, but they should be thoroughly thawed before cooking.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp. They cook quickly and should be removed from heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
- If the sauce is too thin, let it cook a little longer to thicken up. Adding a splash of water can help if it’s too thick.
- Experiment with the vegetables! You can add others like bell peppers or zucchini to change the flavor profile.
Tips and Variations
There’s always room for creativity in the kitchen! Here are some tips to make your Garlic Shrimp even better:
- Storage: Leftover Garlic Shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen, but it’s best to do so before adding the sauce. Reheat and add the sauce fresh when serving.
- Pairing: Serve with a side of steamed asparagus or a light garden salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Flavor Boost: For an added punch, try adding crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the shrimp.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like cilantro or basil for a unique twist on the flavor.
Serve This Garlic Shrimp With
When it comes to serving Garlic Shrimp, the options are endless! Here are some ideas:
- Fluffy Rice: Pair with brown rice or jasmine rice to soak up the delicious buttery sauce.
- Pasta: Serve over your favorite pasta for an Italian flair, making it a comforting meal.
- Seasonal Salads: A fresh salad with seasonal greens can balance the richness of the dish.
- Crusty Bread: Offer some crusty bread on the side to mop up the flavorful sauce.
- Occasions: This dish is perfect for casual dinners, date nights, or even special occasions like family gatherings.
- Storing Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them separately to maintain the integrity of the ingredients.
FAQ
Conclusion
In conclusion, Garlic Shrimp is a dish that effortlessly combines flavor and convenience. It’s perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions. I encourage you to give it a try; you’ll find it’s a meal that not only satisfies your taste buds but also brings joy to your dining table.
Garlic Shrimp
Equipment
- Skillet
- Oven
- Peeler
- Chef's Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 2 cups cauliflower florets
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup brown rice raw
- 1.5 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic
- 12 ounces shrimp peeled and deveined
- 0.25 cup lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons butter unsalted
- 0.33 cup parsley chopped, fresh
- 1 teaspoon water
- 2 cups grapes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. This step is essential for roasting the veggies perfectly.
- Prepare your baking sheet by placing bite-size pieces of cauliflower and broccoli on it. Make sure they are spread out to allow even roasting.
- Drizzle the veggies with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. This will enhance their flavor and help them caramelize.
- Time to roast! Bake the vegetables for about 15 to 20 minutes or until they are soft when pierced with a fork.
- While the veggies are roasting, prepare your brown rice according to the package instructions. It should be fluffy and ready by the time the shrimp is done.
- As the rice cooks, heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This oil will be used for the shrimp.
- Once the oil is hot, mince the garlic and set it aside. You want it fresh and aromatic for the next step.
- Place the shrimp in the skillet in one layer, cooking them for about 1 minute. This allows them to sear nicely.
- After a minute, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir it together and cook for another minute until the garlic is fragrant.
- Add in the lemon juice, butter, and parsley. Allow the butter to melt while you continuously stir. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the shrimp turn pink and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Using a fork or slotted spoon, remove the shrimp from the skillet, setting them aside. You can leave the butter sauce in the pan.
- With the remaining butter mixture, add 1 teaspoon of water to the skillet. Stir it to thicken the sauce and cook for 1 minute longer.
- Serve the shrimp over the cooked brown rice, drizzling it with the butter sauce. Pair with the roasted veggies and fresh grapes on the side.
Notes
- Tip 1: Leftover Garlic Shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Tip 2: This dish can be frozen, but it's best to do so before adding the sauce. Reheat and add the sauce fresh when serving.
- Tip 3: Serve with a side of steamed asparagus or a light garden salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Tip 4: For an added punch, try adding crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the shrimp.
- Tip 5: Experiment with different herbs like cilantro or basil for a unique twist on the flavor.
