There are numerous delicious shrimp recipes that are quick and easy to make. Here are some popular shrimp recipes with details and instructions for each method.
1. Garlic Butter Shrimp
This recipe combines the rich flavor of butter with garlic to create a delicious dish that takes only minutes to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 lemon (juiced)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until shrimp are pink and opaque (about 2-3 minutes per side).
- Squeeze lemon juice over the shrimp, toss to combine, and garnish with parsley before serving1.
2. Easy Shrimp Scampi
A classic dish that combines shrimp with a buttery garlic sauce, served over pasta.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 4 tbsp butter
- 3-4 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup dry white wine (optional, substitute with chicken broth)
- 1 lemon (juiced)
- Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (to taste)
- 8 oz angel hair pasta (cooked according to package instructions)
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (1 minute).
- Add shrimp, season, and cook until pink (around 2-3 minutes per side).
- Add wine and lemon juice, simmer for a minute until reduced.
- Toss with cooked pasta and serve with fresh parsley2.
3. Honey Garlic Shrimp
This dish features a sweet and savory marinade that caramelizes beautifully when cooked.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Green onions (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, and olive oil in a bowl.
- Marinate shrimp in half of the mixture for 15 minutes.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add shrimp (discard used marinade).
- Cook shrimp until pink (around 1-2 minutes per side).
- Drizzle with remaining marinade before serving, garnished with green onions3.
4. Garlic Shrimp (Spanish Style – Gambas al Ajillo)
This Spanish-inspired dish is super quick and flavorful, often served as a tapa.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 4 cloves garlic (thinly sliced)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- Chili flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until golden.
- Add shrimp, season with paprika and chili flakes, and cook until shrimp are opaque (about 3-4 minutes).
- Serve garnished with freshly chopped parsley4.
5. Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp
A simple and easy recipe with minimal cleanup, perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- Salt, pepper (to taste)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Toss shrimp with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
- Roast shrimp for about 8 minutes until pink.
- Add butter and garlic directly to the baking sheet, stir until the butter is melted.
- Serve with lemon wedges5.
6. Pan-Seared Shrimp
A very simple method to get perfectly seared shrimp with just a few ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Pat the shrimp dry and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add shrimp in a single layer and cook until golden and cooked through (2-3 minutes per side).
- Garnish with parsley before serving6.
These recipes showcase the versatility and deliciousness of shrimp, making it easy to prepare a quick meal. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and styles
TIPS
Key Preparations
- Thawing: If you’re using frozen shrimp, it’s essential to thaw them properly. The best method is to run cold water over them for about 10-20 minutes or leave them to thaw overnight in the refrigerator1.
- Cleaning: Ensure the shrimp are deveined for better texture and taste. To devein, make a shallow cut along the back and remove the dark vein1.
- Dry Brining: A quick dry brine with salt and baking soda (1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda per pound) can improve the shrimp’s moisture retention and firm up the texture1.
Cooking Methods
Sautéing
- Method: Heat olive oil in a hot pan. Add the shrimp in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd (this causes steaming instead of searing). Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side, then flip and cook until pink and opaque, typically around 4-6 minutes duration in total1.
- Tip: Pat the shrimp dry before cooking to achieve a good sear1.
Grilling
- Method: Marinate shrimp with seasonings and oil, then skewer if desired to prevent them falling through the grill grates. Grill on medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side1.
- Pro Tip: Cooking with the shell on helps to keep the shrimp moist and adds flavor1.
Baking
- Method: Arrange seasoned shrimp in a baking tray and bake at a high temperature (about 450°F) for approximately 6-10 minutes, or until they turn bright pink1.
- Easy Variation: You can broil shrimp instead of baking them, for even quicker results1.
Boiling
- Method: Bring salted water to a boil and add the shrimp. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until they turn opaque1.
- Tip: This method is particularly good if you plan to chill the shrimp for salads or cocktails.
Steaming
- Method: Add the shrimp to a steamer basket over boiling water, cover, and steam for about 4-6 minutes1.
- Advantage: This method retains moisture and enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
Flavoring Tips
- Seasonings: Shrimp have a mild flavor that absorbs spices well. Consider using garlic, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, and fresh herbs1.
- Combining Ingredients: Pair with vegetables, pasta, or rice for a complete meal. For a quick dish, try garlic butter or lemon-herb shrimp1.
Serving Suggestions
- Pairing: Serve shrimp with a variety of sides such as rice pilaf, salads, or even in tacos1.
- Sauces: Complement with dipping sauces or integrate into main sauces, like a creamy pasta sauce1.
Final Note
Practice makes perfect, and the more you experiment with different spices and cooking techniques, the better you’ll understand how to achieve the perfect shrimp. Whether you choose to sauté, grill, bake, or steam, ensure that you monitor the cooking time closely to prevent overcooking, which leads to rubbery shrimp1.
By following these tips and methods, you will be well-equipped to create quick, flavorful shrimp dishes that are sure to delight.
