Shrimp is a versatile and delicious seafood that’s perfect for a variety of dishes. One of the easiest and most flavorful ways to prepare shrimp is by sautéing it. In this article, I’ll walk you through an easy garlic butter sautéed shrimp recipe that can be made in less than 10 minutes. With just a few basic ingredients like butter, garlic, and lemon, you can create a restaurant-quality seafood dish right in your kitchen.
1. 10 Minutes Sauteed Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) shrimp ( peeled and deveined )
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
If your shrimp are not already peeled and deveined, start by peeling them and removing the vein (the dark line that runs along the back of the shrimp). You can keep the tails on for presentation, or remove them if you prefer. Then pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
Step 2: Heat the Butter
In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt completely and become slightly foamy, but be careful not to let it burn.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté the garlic for 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be sure to keep an eye on the garlic to prevent it from burning, as burnt garlic can turn bitter.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Add the prepared shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on the first side, until they turn bright pink and begin to curl slightly.
Flip the shrimp using tongs or a spatula, and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the second side. The shrimp are done when they are opaque throughout and have a firm, slightly springy texture.
Step 5: Add Lemon Juice and Season
Once the shrimp are fully cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and squeeze the juice of 1 lemon over the shrimp and garlic butter sauce.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. The lemon juice adds a bright, zesty flavor that balances the richness of the butter.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
For added freshness and color, you can garnish the shrimp with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. These herbs complement the garlic and lemon flavors beautifully.
Serve the garlic butter sautéed shrimp immediately while they’re hot and juicy.
2. Tips for Best Sautéed Shrimp
Dry the Shrimp: Patting the shrimp dry before cooking. This helps ensure they cook evenly and develop a nice sear.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, and overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery. Be sure to only cook them until they’re just opaque and pink, which usually takes 3-5 minutes total.
Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic has a stronger, more vibrant flavor than pre-minced garlic from a jar. For the best results, mince your garlic just before cooking.
3. How to Serve With Sautéed Shrimp
This garlic butter shrimp is incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways. Here are a few ideas:
On Pasta: Toss the shrimp and garlic butter sauce with your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine. You can add a bit of extra olive oil or a splash of white wine for a more luxurious sauce.
Over Rice: Serve the shrimp over a bed of white rice, brown rice, or even quinoa for a hearty, protein-packed meal.
With a Salad: Add the shrimp to a fresh green salad, along with vegetables like avocado, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with a light vinaigrette for a healthy, refreshing meal.
In Tacos: Use the garlic butter shrimp as a filling for tacos. Serve them in warm tortillas with toppings like coleslaw, avocado, pico de gallo, and a squeeze of lime.
As an Appetizer: Serve the shrimp with toothpicks as an elegant appetizer for a dinner party or casual gathering. Pair them with a dipping sauce like garlic aioli or cocktail sauce.
4. How to Store and Reheat Leftover
Storing: Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Shrimp are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be refrigerated and eaten cold or reheated.
Reheating: To reheat, place the shrimp in a skillet over medium-low heat with a small amount of butter or olive oil. Sauté gently until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp when reheating, as they can become tough.
This 10 Minutes Sauteed Shrimp Recipe is a quick and delicious way to enjoy shrimp at home. With just a few ingredients like butter, garlic, and lemon, you can create a flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
So, the next time you’re looking for a simple yet elegant seafood dish, give this garlic butter shrimp recipe a try. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make—and how quickly it disappears from the table!
