Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this incredible recipe! Plump, succulent shrimp are coated in a rich, fiery, and deeply flavorful garlic butter sauce, making for a dish that's both elegant and incredibly simple to prepare. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer that will have everyone asking for more!
📜 Ingredients
1 pound large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails on or off
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
6-8 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Juice of 1/2 a lemon
2-3 whole dried red chilies, for garnish (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
📝 Instructions
- Pat the shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels. This helps them sear beautifully.
- In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Remove the cooked shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Stir in the red chili flakes, paprika, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt. Cook for another minute, allowing the spices to bloom in the butter. If using whole dried red chilies for extra spice and visual appeal, add them now.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss gently to ensure all the shrimp are evenly coated.
- Squeeze the lemon juice over the shrimp and give it one final gentle toss.
- Remove from heat immediately. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro before serving.
💡 Chef's Tips
- Don't Overcook! Shrimp cooks very quickly. Overcooked shrimp becomes rubbery, so keep a close eye on it and remove it from the heat as soon as it's opaque.
- Serving Suggestion: This delicious shrimp is fantastic served with fluffy basmati rice, crusty bread to soak up all that amazing sauce, or even tossed with your favorite pasta for a complete meal.
