This Double Garlic Brown Butter Shrimp is the ultimate indulgence for anyone who loves rich, buttery flavors. The garlic provides a perfect balance with the brown butter, creating a tantalizing sauce that coats each succulent shrimp. With a splash of lemon juice and fresh parsley for brightness, this dish offers an amazing burst of flavor in every bite.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a flavorful dish to impress guests, this recipe delivers. It’s a simple yet sophisticated way to enjoy shrimp, combining easy-to-find ingredients with a gourmet touch. Serve it with pasta, rice, or a light salad, and it will be the star of your meal.
Full Recipe:
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1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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3 tbsp unsalted butter
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6 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
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1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 2 minutes, or until fragrant.
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Stir in the red pepper flakes and cook for another 30 seconds, allowing the butter to brown slightly.
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Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
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Stir in the parsley and lemon juice, mixing well.
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Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Kcal: 235 kcal | Servings: 2 servings
Double Garlic Brown Butter Shrimp: A Flavorful Feast
If you’re a seafood lover, then the Double Garlic Brown Butter Shrimp is a dish that will tantalize your taste buds and elevate your dining experience. This dish combines the rich, indulgent flavors of brown butter and the punchy, aromatic goodness of garlic, resulting in a shrimp dish that’s both simple and sophisticated. With just a few ingredients, it delivers a burst of flavor that is sure to impress guests or satisfy a craving for something delicious and quick.
The Origins of Double Garlic Brown Butter Shrimp
While shrimp have long been a staple in many cuisines worldwide, the method of cooking them in brown butter has become increasingly popular in recent years. Brown butter, or “beurre noisette” as it is known in French cuisine, adds a deep, nutty flavor that complements seafood beautifully. Garlic, an herb cherished across many cultures for its strong flavor and health benefits, is used to enhance the richness of the butter, creating a perfect balance of savory and aromatic notes.
The Double Garlic Brown Butter Shrimp has no single origin but likely emerged as a result of the widespread appreciation for garlic butter shrimp dishes. The addition of brown butter brings a refined twist to the more commonly known garlic butter shrimp, adding complexity and depth to the flavor profile.
The Flavor Profile of Double Garlic Brown Butter Shrimp
What sets Double Garlic Brown Butter Shrimp apart from other shrimp dishes is its intense, layered flavor. The first and most dominant flavor comes from the garlic, which is aromatic, savory, and slightly sweet when sautéed. This is balanced perfectly with the nutty and slightly caramelized taste of brown butter, which adds a richness that coats the shrimp beautifully.
The shrimp themselves are naturally sweet and tender, and when combined with the garlic and brown butter, they soak up the flavors like a sponge. The result is a delicious contrast between the crisp, succulent shrimp and the smooth, rich sauce. The lemon juice and parsley are added to introduce a zesty and fresh note that cuts through the richness, making the dish well-balanced and satisfying.
Preparation Tips for the Perfect Shrimp
The key to making the perfect Double Garlic Brown Butter Shrimp lies in the technique. First, it’s important to use fresh, high-quality shrimp. Larger shrimp tend to work best as they can stand up to the bold flavors of the garlic and butter. Peel and devein the shrimp to make them easy to eat and cook evenly.
When preparing the brown butter, patience is key. You need to heat the butter over medium heat until it melts and begins to bubble. As it cooks, the milk solids in the butter will begin to turn golden, and eventually, brown. This process creates the nutty, toasted flavor that is the hallmark of brown butter. Be sure to watch it closely, as it can go from golden to burnt very quickly.
Garlic should be minced finely to ensure it cooks evenly and releases its aromatic oils into the butter. Sauté the garlic in the browned butter for a short time to avoid bitterness, just long enough to soften and infuse the butter with flavor.
Lastly, when cooking the shrimp, don’t overcrowd the pan. This ensures they cook evenly and achieve the perfect sear on each side. Shrimp cook quickly, so avoid overcooking them to keep them tender and juicy. They should turn pink and opaque when done.
Creative Variations to Try
One of the great things about Double Garlic Brown Butter Shrimp is that it can be easily customized to suit your preferences. Here are a few variations you can try to make this dish your own.
Add some heat – If you enjoy a spicy kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or a touch of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter sauce. This will give the dish a subtle heat that complements the rich flavors of the butter.
Herb it up – While parsley is a classic herb to finish this dish, you can experiment with other fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or cilantro for a unique flavor profile. Fresh thyme pairs especially well with the brown butter, adding a savory note.
Make it creamy – For a creamier version of the dish, you can add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk to the brown butter sauce. This will turn the dish into a velvety, indulgent treat.
Serve it with pasta – To make this dish a more substantial meal, try serving the shrimp over a bed of pasta. The garlic brown butter sauce makes for an excellent pasta dressing, and the shrimp add a delightful protein boost.
Add vegetables – If you’d like to incorporate more vegetables into the dish, consider sautéing some spinach, asparagus, or zucchini alongside the shrimp. These vegetables pair wonderfully with the rich garlic butter sauce.
How to Serve Double Garlic Brown Butter Shrimp
This dish is incredibly versatile when it comes to pairing. It can be served on its own as an appetizer, or you can create a well-rounded meal by serving it with side dishes like rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. The rich, savory flavors of the shrimp make it an ideal companion for a light salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
Another fantastic way to serve this dish is with a warm, crusty baguette or garlic bread to soak up all the leftover brown butter sauce. If you’re looking for a more substantial meal, consider pairing it with pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine, and a side of garlic bread. The buttery sauce, combined with the shrimp, makes for a truly indulgent meal.
Conclusion: Why You Should Try This Dish
Double Garlic Brown Butter Shrimp is a must-try for anyone who loves seafood and rich, flavorful dishes. It’s an easy recipe to prepare but delivers a meal that feels indulgent and gourmet. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, looking for a quick weeknight meal, or simply craving a flavorful seafood dish, this recipe will surely satisfy your taste buds.
The combination of garlicky, nutty brown butter and succulent shrimp makes for a flavor-packed dish that is sure to impress. The versatility of the recipe allows for customization, making it easy to add your personal touch. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, you can create a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try, and experience the deliciousness for yourself!