Simple Garlic Shrimp
+7 photos

Simple Garlic Shrimp

4 servings
This garlic shrimp recipe from Chef John is tasty and easy; shrimp are pan-seared with lots of garlic and topped with a perfectly lemony, buttery sauce.

Ingredients

  • olive oil
    1 ½ tbsp
  • shrimp

    peeled and deveined

    1 lb
  • salt to taste
  • garlic

    finely minced

    6 cloves
  • red pepper flakes
    ¼ tsp
  • lemon juice
    3 tbsp
  • caper brine
    1 tbsp
  • cold butter

    cut into 4 equal pieces, divided

    2 tbsp
  • 3334326744 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley

    divided

    ⅓
  • water

    or as needed

    1 tsp

Directions

  1. 1

    Gather all ingredients.

    Step 1
  2. 2

    Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over high heat until it just begins to smoke. Place shrimp in an even layer on the bottom of the pan and cook for 1 minute without stirring.

    Step 2
  3. 3

    Season shrimp with salt; cook and stir until shrimp begin to turn pink, about 1 minute.

    Step 3
  4. 4

    Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook and stir for 1 minute.

    Step 4
  5. 5

    Stir in lemon juice, caper brine, 1 piece of butter, and 1/2 of the parsley; cook until butter has melted, about 1 minute.

    Step 5
  6. 6

    Reduce heat to low and stir in remaining 3 pieces butter. Cook and stir until butter has melted, sauce is thick, and shrimp are pink and opaque, 2 to 3 minutes.

    Step 6
  7. 7

    Remove shrimp with a slotted spoon and transfer to a bowl; continue to cook butter sauce, adding water, 1 teaspoon at a time, if too thick, about 2 minutes.

    Step 7
  8. 8

    Season with salt to taste; serve shrimp topped with the pan sauce and remaining parsley. Enjoy!

    Step 8
Simple Garlic Shrimp
+7

Simple Garlic Shrimp

25 min4 servings196 cal

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About this Recipe

Craving a delicious, restaurant-quality meal without the fuss? Chef John's Simple Garlic Shrimp recipe delivers a remarkably tasty and easy dish that comes together quickly, perfect for any weeknight dinner.

The brilliance of this recipe lies in its elegant simplicity and bold flavors. Pan-seared shrimp are infused with abundant garlic, then finished with a vibrant, perfectly lemony, buttery sauce. This method ensures each shrimp is tender and succulent, coated in a rich, bright sauce that truly sings.

You'll discover plump, perfectly cooked shrimp, deeply flavored by the generous amount of garlic and a subtle warmth from red pepper flakes. The real star is the bright, luscious sauce, balanced by the tang of lemon juice and the unique savory depth of caper brine, all enriched by cold butter. It's a remarkably easy dish to prepare, yielding a sophisticated flavor profile that belies its minimal effort, making it a fantastic choice for a satisfying dinner. Each serving offers a delightful experience, crafted with simple ingredients to bring big flavor to your table.

Customization & Variations

For those who prefer less heat, you can easily reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them entirely. Conversely, if you enjoy more spice, a little extra will wake up the flavors. The fresh flat-leaf parsley adds a vibrant finish and can be adjusted to your preference.

Serving & Context

This Simple Garlic Shrimp makes for a fantastic dinner. Its rich, garlicky, and lemony sauce is designed to be savored, offering a satisfying and flavorful main course.

Frequently Asked Questions