Delicious Garlic Butter Shrimp: A Quick and Easy Dinner Recipe

Garlic butter shrimp is a popular dish that can be enjoyed as a quick dinner or served as an appetizer. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also provides you with a delicious meal in under 30 minutes. The preparation time for this dish is approximately 25 minutes, and it serves four people generously.

To start, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 pound of large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 6 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• Paprika for garnish (optional)

Cooking this dish is straightforward, and the flavors are perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering. Begin by preheating your skillet or frying pan on medium heat. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter with olive oil in the pan until it's fully melted.

In a bowl, combine minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and remaining melted butter. Stir well to mix all ingredients thoroughly. Once the butter mixture is ready, add your shrimp pieces into the skillet carefully so that they don't overcrowd the pan. This will ensure even cooking without sticking together or burning.

Cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side before flipping each piece over gently. Continue cooking until the shrimps turn pink and opaque throughout - this should take another 2-3 minutes per side depending upon their size. Avoid overcooking as shrimp can become rubbery if cooked too long.

When done, remove from heat immediately after you see those lovely shades of pink across the shells! Transfer your perfectly cooked garlic butter shrimp onto plates or a serving platter. For extra flair and flavor garnish with paprika which adds color contrast as well as subtle heat depending on how much you add.

This recipe is perfect for those who are looking for simple yet flavorful meals that don't require too much effort or time. You could pair it up with some steamed vegetables like broccoli florets, or serve alongside a fresh salad to balance out the richness of the dish. Garlic butter shrimp is also delightful when served on top of rice or pasta.

For those who want to experiment further, here are a few variations you can try:

1. Herb Infused Butter: Add 1 teaspoon dried dill weed along with your minced garlic for an herbaceous twist.
2. Cheese Lover's Delight: Stir in some grated Parmesan cheese towards the end of cooking. It will melt into the sauce and give it a cheesy richness.
3. Risotto Companion: This recipe pairs wonderfully well with risotto or any creamy pasta dish like fettuccine alfredo; use this as your base sauce to add more depth!

The simplicity of garlic butter shrimp makes it ideal for beginners who are new to cooking. If you're hosting friends over, these can easily be prepared ahead of time while chatting away or prepped entirely and stored in the refrigerator until ready to go into the pan just before dinner starts.

Remember, proper seasoning is key when making any dish; taste your mixture during preparation to adjust saltiness according to your preference. Enjoy this light yet satisfying meal rich with umami from the perfect balance between garlic, butter, and lemon. Whether you're looking for something new or simply want a reliable standby, this recipe will delight everyone at your table.