Garlic-Lemon Butter Shrimp Delight
This Garlic-Lemon Butter Shrimp Delight combines the succulent flavors of perfectly seared shrimp with a rich garlic-lemon butter sauce, creating a dish that is both elegant and easy to prepare. Inspired by a tested recipe from America's Test Kitchen, this meal is a quick solution for busy weeknights yet impressive enough to serve at gatherings or special occasions. The zesty brightness of lemon, the fragrance of garlic, and the freshness of parsley elevate the natural sweetness of shrimp, making this low-carb recipe a significant hit with family and friends alike. Serve it over a bed of greens or with zoodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
3 tablespoons (softened)
garlic
1 medium clove (minced)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
fresh parsley leaves
2 tablespoons (chopped)
salt
1/8 teaspoon (to taste (for the butter mixture))
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (for cooking)
shrimp
1.5 lbs (peeled and deveined (21/25 count))
salt
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
sugar
1/8 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, blend the softened butter with a fork until it becomes light and fluffy. Incorporate the minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped parsley, and 1/8 teaspoon salt, stirring until smoothly combined. Set this garlic-lemon butter aside.
2
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over high heat until it begins to smoke. While the skillet is warming, place the peeled and deveined shrimp into a medium bowl. Season the shrimp with 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon sugar, tossing gently to coat.
3
Once the oil is hot, add half of the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for about 1 minute, or until the shrimp are spotty brown and the edges start to turn pink. Remove the skillet from heat and, using tongs, carefully flip each shrimp. Allow them to sit in the residual heat for about 30 seconds until they are nearly cooked through.
4
Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and transfer them to a large plate. Use the remaining tablespoon of oil to repeat the process with the second batch of shrimp.
5
After the second batch has been flipped and cooked off heat as well, return the first batch of shrimp to the skillet. Add the prepared garlic-lemon butter and toss everything together to evenly coat the shrimp. Cover the skillet and allow it to stand for 1 to 2 minutes to ensure the shrimp are fully cooked through.
6
Serve the shrimp hot, garnished with additional parsley and lemon wedges if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Garlic-Lemon Butter Shrimp Delight?
It is a dish that combines succulent seared shrimp with a rich garlic-lemon butter sauce, inspired by America's Test Kitchen recipes.
How long does it take to prepare this shrimp recipe?
This is a quick 30-minute meal solution perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings.
What size of shrimp should I use?
The recipe recommends using 1.5 lbs of shrimp with a 21/25 count.
How should the shrimp be prepared before cooking?
The shrimp should be peeled and deveined, then tossed with salt, pepper, and a small amount of sugar.
Is this recipe low-carb?
Yes, this is a low-carb recipe that can be served over greens or zoodles.
Why is sugar added to the shrimp seasoning?
A small amount of sugar (1/8 teaspoon) helps the shrimp develop a spotty brown sear during the high-heat cooking process.
How do I make the garlic-lemon butter?
Blend softened butter with minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt until light and fluffy.
What type of oil is best for cooking the shrimp?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, which has a high smoke point suitable for high-heat searing.
Should I cook all the shrimp at once?
No, you should cook the shrimp in two batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, ensuring they sear properly.
How hot should the skillet be?
The skillet should be heated over high heat until the oil begins to smoke before adding the shrimp.
How long do the shrimp need to cook on the first side?
Cook the shrimp for about 1 minute until they are spotty brown and the edges start to turn pink.
What is the secret to not overcooking the shrimp?
After flipping the shrimp, remove the skillet from the heat and let them sit in the residual heat for about 30 seconds.
When do I add the garlic-lemon butter?
Add the butter after both batches of shrimp are cooked and returned to the skillet together.
How long should the shrimp stand after adding the butter?
Cover the skillet and let it stand for 1 to 2 minutes to ensure the shrimp are fully cooked through and coated.
What are the suggested serving options?
It is delicious served over a bed of greens, with zoodles, or alongside lemon wedges.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
The recipe specifies freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best zesty brightness.
What kind of parsley is recommended?
Fresh parsley leaves, chopped, are used both in the butter mixture and as a garnish.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, it is described as a significant hit with both family and friends.
How many cloves of garlic are needed?
One medium clove of minced garlic is used for the butter mixture.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe uses softened butter and adds 1/8 teaspoon of salt; if using salted butter, you may want to reduce the added salt.
What is the texture of the garlic butter?
The butter should be blended until it is light and fluffy before adding the other ingredients.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients listed (shrimp, butter, garlic, lemon, oil, and spices) are naturally gluten-free.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of softened butter.
What type of skillet should I use?
A large skillet is recommended to accommodate the shrimp in a single layer.
Can I substitute the vegetable oil?
While vegetable oil is suggested for its high smoke point, other high-heat oils like avocado oil could be used.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 10 ingredients, including seasonings like salt, pepper, and sugar.
Is this recipe suitable for gatherings?
Yes, it is elegant enough to serve at gatherings or special occasions.
What should the shrimp look like when done?
They should be spotty brown on the outside and pink on the edges, indicating they are nearly cooked through before the final rest.
Does this recipe include nutritional information?
The provided raw data does not specify calories or macro counts, though it is noted as a low-carb dish.
How do I garnish the final dish?
Garnish with additional fresh parsley and lemon wedges before serving hot.