Garlic Shrimp

### **How to Make Garlic Shrimp**

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, here’s how to prepare a scrumptious garlic shrimp dish in just a few simple steps:

#### **1. Prepare the Shrimp**
If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure they are fully thawed. You can do this by leaving them in the fridge overnight or by quickly defrosting them under cold running water. Once thawed, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, ensuring they cook evenly.

#### **2. Heat the Pan**
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. The oil will help prevent the butter from burning, while the butter adds richness to the sauce.

#### **3. Cook the Garlic**
Once the butter is melted and the oil is hot, add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. You just want it golden and aromatic.

#### **4. Add the Shrimp**
Now, add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink and opaque. Flip the shrimp over and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side until fully cooked through. The shrimp should curl up and be tender but not rubbery.

#### **5. Season the Shrimp**
Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the shrimp and season with salt and pepper to taste. For an added kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Stir everything together to coat the shrimp evenly with the garlic butter sauce.

#### **6. Garnish and Serve**
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle fresh parsley over the shrimp for color and freshness. Serve immediately!

### **Serving Suggestions for Garlic Shrimp**

Garlic shrimp is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in several different ways. Here are some ideas to pair it with:

– **Garlic Shrimp Pasta**: Toss the cooked shrimp with some pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine work well), and drizzle with the garlic butter sauce for a simple but delicious pasta dish.
– **Rice**: Serve the garlic shrimp over a bed of rice—whether white, brown, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
– **Salad**: For a lighter meal, serve garlic shrimp on top of a fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette dressing.
– **Bread**: Garlic shrimp pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping in the garlic butter sauce, making it an excellent choice for a casual dinner or appetizer.

### **Customization Ideas**

While the basic garlic shrimp recipe is already perfect as is, there are many ways to tweak it to suit your preferences:

– **Add Vegetables**: For a one-pan meal, you can add vegetables like asparagus, spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers. Simply sauté them along with the garlic for extra flavor and color.
– **Creamy Garlic Shrimp**: For a richer version, add a splash of heavy cream to the garlic butter sauce and simmer until the sauce thickens for a creamy garlic shrimp dish.
– **Wine Sauce**: Add a splash of white wine to the skillet after cooking the shrimp for a bit of acidity and extra depth of flavor. Allow the wine to reduce before serving.
– **Spicy Garlic Shrimp**: For those who love spice, consider adding some chopped jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or extra red pepper flakes to the dish.
– **Herbs**: You can switch up the fresh parsley with other herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano for different flavor profiles.

### **Why Garlic Shrimp is a Winner**

– **Quick and Easy**: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, this dish can be on the table in less than 20 minutes.
– **Full of Flavor**: The combination of garlic, butter, and shrimp is a match made in heaven, creating a dish that’s both savory and irresistible.
– **Healthy and Lean**: Shrimp is a great source of protein and low in calories, making garlic shrimp a healthy option for those watching their diet.
– **Impressive and Elegant**: Whether you’re serving it to a special guest or making a dinner for yourself, garlic shrimp always looks elegant and sophisticated, yet requires minimal effort to prepare.

### **Final Thoughts**

Garlic shrimp is the perfect dish for anyone who loves bold flavors and quick meals. With just a few ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Whether you enjoy it over pasta, rice, or a salad, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress. So, next time you’re craving something flavorful, don’t hesitate to make this simple, satisfying, and delicious garlic shrimp recipe!