Introduction
This delightful recipe for garlic lime shrimp is a fantastic way to showcase the fresh flavors of shrimp, enhanced by a zesty garlic and lime sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for entertaining, this meal is both easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 pounds jumbo shrimp, cleaned and deveined
12 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chardonnay or dry white wine
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
Lime wedges and additional cilantro for garnish
Prep Time
The preparation time for this dish is approximately 15 minutes, which includes gathering all your ingredients and dredging the shrimp.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
The cooking process takes about 15 minutes, resulting in a total time of 30 minutes. This recipe yields around 4 servings, making it ideal for a small gathering or a family dinner.
Enjoy this delicious garlic lime shrimp served over rice, with toasted bread, or alongside pasta for a complete meal!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Flour Mixture
In a shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Step 2: Heat the Pan
Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the olive oil and allow it to heat up for a minute.
Step 3: Dredge and Cook the Shrimp
Dredge the cleaned and deveined jumbo shrimp in the flour mixture, ensuring they are well-coated. Cook the shrimp in batches in the hot pan for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn opaque and are fully cooked. Use tongs to turn the shrimp occasionally for even cooking. Once done, transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté Garlic
Reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet. Allow it to melt completely, then add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the garlic is translucent and fragrant.
Step 5: Create the Sauce
Slowly pour in the chardonnay (or dry white wine) and freshly squeezed lime juice. Add the finely chopped cilantro and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors.
Step 6: Incorporate Butter
Whisk in the remaining unsalted butter, adding it a little at a time. Allow each piece to melt completely before adding more butter to create a smooth and creamy sauce.
Step 7: Toss the Shrimp
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing them gently in the sauce to coat evenly. Sprinkle with additional chopped cilantro for a fresh flavor.
Step 8: Serve
Serve the shrimp hot, garnished with lime wedges and additional cilantro. Pair your dish with rice, toasted bread, or pasta for a complete meal.
Notes
Tip for Cooking Shrimp
Ensure that the shrimp are not overcrowded in the pan while cooking; this allows for even cooking and helps to achieve a nice golden color.
Wine Alternatives
If you prefer not to use wine, consider substituting with chicken or vegetable broth for a different flavor profile.
Cilantro Substitution
Fresh parsley can be used as an alternative to cilantro if desired, for a milder taste.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain texture and flavor.
Cook techniques
Dredging
Dredging involves coating ingredients, in this case, shrimp, with a mixture of flour and seasoning. This technique helps create a light crust when the shrimp are cooked, enhancing texture and flavor.
Sautéing
Sautéing is a cooking method where food is cooked quickly in a small amount of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. In this recipe, the shrimp and garlic are sautéed to develop a rich flavor and achieve a slight caramelization.
Deglazing
Deglazing involves adding a liquid (like wine) to a pan to loosen and dissolve the browned bits stuck to the bottom. This technique enhances the sauce’s flavor and creates a richer dish.
Emulsifying
Emulsifying is the process of combining two liquids that usually don’t mix well, such as butter and the sauce’s liquid components. Gradually adding butter to the sauce while whisking helps create a creamy texture.
Garnishing
Garnishing is adding finishing touches to a dish for presentation and flavor. Using lime wedges and fresh cilantro not only makes the dish visually appealing but also adds a burst of freshness.
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before dredging and cooking.
What can I substitute for chardonnay or dry white wine?
If you don’t have wine, you can use chicken broth or a mixture of vinegar and water as a substitute to achieve a similar acidity.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced fresh chili peppers into the sauce before adding the shrimp.
Can I use other herbs besides cilantro?
Yes, you can substitute cilantro with parsley or basil, depending on your flavor preference.
What sides pair well with this shrimp dish?
This shrimp dish pairs well with rice, pasta, or toasted bread, as they can soak up the delicious sauce.
Conclusion
This garlic butter shrimp recipe is a delightful combination of flavors that showcases the succulent taste of jumbo shrimp. The white wine, lime juice, and fresh cilantro elevate the dish, making it a perfect option for dinner parties or a cozy night in. Pairing it with rice, pasta, or toasted bread offers a satisfying meal that is sure to impress.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Garlic Butter Lobster
Substitute shrimp with lobster for an indulgent twist, following the same cooking method for a rich and buttery dish.
Cilantro Lime Chicken
Use chicken thighs instead of shrimp and marinate in lime juice and chopped cilantro, then grill or sauté for a fresh and zesty meal.
Spicy Shrimp Tacos
Season the shrimp with chili powder and cumin, and serve in corn tortillas with lime wedges and cilantro for a vibrant taco night.
Garlic Butter Scallops
Replace shrimp with scallops to create a luxurious seafood dish, maintaining the garlic, butter, and lime combination for delicious flavors.
Vegetable Stir-Fry
For a vegetarian option, stir-fry seasonal vegetables with garlic, olive oil, and lime juice, and serve over rice or noodles for a light meal.
Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce
Toss cooked pasta with garlic butter sauce and shrimp, adding a sprinkle of cheese for a comforting Italian-inspired dish.
