Garlic Butter Shrimp
Serves 4 servings
Juicy shrimp quickly seared with garlic, butter, lemon, and a touch of smoked paprika for a simple meal loaded with flavor. Shrimp is naturally lean and protein-rich, while the quick high-heat cooking method makes this an easy weeknight meal that's equally at home in a skillet or sizzling across a hot outdoor griddle.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp very dry with paper towels and season with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high to high heat. For a Blackstone, create a hot cooking zone and a slightly cooler finishing zone.
- Add the olive oil to the hot cooking surface, then spread the shrimp into a single layer with enough room between them to sear rather than steam.
- Cook for about 2 minutes without disturbing, then flip and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until pink and nearly opaque.
- Move the shrimp to the cooler section of the griddle or reduce the skillet heat to medium.
- Add the butter and minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, tossing the shrimp through the garlic butter until fragrant.
- Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and toss once more to coat.
- Remove from the heat immediately, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve.
Notes & Tips
- The Blackstone is an excellent cooking method for this recipe because the large hot surface lets the shrimp sear without overcrowding.
- Dry the shrimp thoroughly before cooking; excess moisture will cause them to steam instead of developing color.
- Add the butter and garlic only after moving to a cooler zone so the butter and garlic do not burn.
- Avoid overcooking the shrimp; remove them as soon as they are pink and opaque.
- Serve with roasted or griddled vegetables, cauliflower rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad.
- For extra heat, add crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic.
Nutrition:
245 cal • 35g protein • 10g fat • 3g carbs