Sauted Shrimp
There’s something undeniably delightful about a plate of perfectly sautéed shrimp. The aroma of garlic and spices filling the air, the vibrant colors, and the succulent, tender shrimp all come together to create an irresistible dish that can elevate any meal. Whether you’re serving it over a bed of pasta, tossing it into a salad, or enjoying it on its own, this sautéed shrimp recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home.
Sautéing shrimp is not only quick and easy, but it also allows you to infuse the shrimp with rich flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. With a handful of simple ingredients and just a few steps, you can whip up a stunning dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing
Sautéed shrimp is a versatile dish that appeals to a wide range of palates. Here are a few reasons why it’s a hit at any gathering:
- Quick to Prepare: Sautéing shrimp takes just a few minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining.
- Flavorful: With the right seasoning, shrimp can take on a rich, savory taste that complements a variety of cuisines.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spices and ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
- Healthy: Shrimp is a lean source of protein, low in calories, and packed with essential nutrients.
The Essentials
To create this delectable sautéed shrimp dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp: Fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing the flavor.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a depth of flavor and a hint of smokiness.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: For that irresistible garlicky aroma.
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin: Introduces a warm, earthy note.
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: For sautéing and adding richness.
- 1 tablespoon cold butter: To finish the dish with a luxurious touch.
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: For garnish and a pop of freshness.
- 1 large lemon, cut into wedges: For serving, to brighten the flavors.
Gear Checklist
Before you begin cooking, make sure you have the following equipment on hand:
- Large skillet: A non-stick or cast-iron skillet works best for even cooking.
- Spatula or tongs: For flipping and stirring the shrimp.
- Measuring spoons: To accurately measure your spices and oil.
- Serving plate: To beautifully present your sautéed shrimp.
Cooking Sauted Shrimp: The Process
Now that you have your ingredients and gear ready, let’s dive into the cooking process!
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by rinsing your shrimp under cold water if they are frozen. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Step 2: Season the Shrimp
In a large bowl, combine the shrimp with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and ground cumin. Toss until the shrimp are evenly coated with the spices.
Step 3: Heat the Skillet
Place your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the extra-virgin olive oil and allow it to heat until it shimmers.
Step 4: Sauté the Shrimp
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan; you may need to do this in batches. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink and opaque.
Step 5: Flip and Finish
Using a spatula or tongs, flip the shrimp and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on the other side. As they finish cooking, add the cold butter to the skillet, allowing it to melt and create a rich sauce. Stir to coat the shrimp in the buttery goodness.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the sautéed shrimp with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
International Equivalents
If you’re looking to explore how this dish is enjoyed around the world, here are some international equivalents:
- Gambas al Ajillo (Spain): Shrimp sautéed in olive oil with garlic and chili.
- Shrimp Scampi (Italy): Shrimp cooked in garlic butter sauce, often served with pasta.
- Spicy Garlic Shrimp (Southeast Asia): Shrimp sautéed with spicy chili and garlic sauce.
- Garlic Butter Prawns (Australia): Similar to sautéed shrimp, but often served with crusty bread.
Recipe Notes & Chef’s Commentary
- Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. If you prefer a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes.
- For a complete meal, serve your sautéed shrimp over shrimp fried rice or alongside a fresh salad.
- This recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings.
- For an even more vibrant flavor, try marinating the shrimp in the spices for 30 minutes before cooking.
How to Store & Reheat
To store leftover sautéed shrimp, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For reheating, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking. You can also add a splash of water or broth to help keep them moist.
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp in the refrigerator overnight or run them under cold water to defrost quickly before cooking.
What can I serve with sautéed shrimp?
Sautéed shrimp pairs beautifully with a range of sides, including pasta, rice, or even a light salad. You can also serve it as an appetizer with bread for dipping into the garlic butter sauce.
How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?
Cooked shrimp should be pink and opaque. If they appear gray or translucent, they need more time. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become rubbery.
Can I add vegetables to the sautéed shrimp?
Yes! Bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus are great additions. Just sauté them first until tender, then add the shrimp to the pan.
Cook This Next
- Easy Shrimp And Sausage Gumbo Recipe – A comforting, hearty dish perfect for any occasion.
- Shrimp Fried Rice – A quick and delicious way to use leftover shrimp.
Make It Tonight
There’s no need to wait for a special occasion to enjoy sautéed shrimp. This recipe is designed for a quick weeknight meal, yet it has the elegance to impress guests. The beauty of sautéed shrimp lies in its simplicity and versatility, making it a dish you’ll return to again and again.
Embrace the flavors, enjoy the process, and relish every bite of your delicious sautéed shrimp!
Sauted Shrimp
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by rinsing your shrimp under cold water if they are frozen. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a large bowl, combine the shrimp with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and ground cumin. Toss until the shrimp are evenly coated with the spices.
- Place your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the extra-virgin olive oil and allow it to heat until it shimmers.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan; you may need to do this in batches. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink and opaque.
- Using a spatula or tongs, flip the shrimp and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on the other side. As they finish cooking, add the cold butter to the skillet, allowing it to melt and create a rich sauce. Stir to coat the shrimp in the buttery goodness.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the sautéed shrimp with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. If you prefer a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes.
- For a complete meal, serve your sautéed shrimp over shrimp fried rice or alongside a fresh salad.
- This recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings.
- For an even more vibrant flavor, try marinating the shrimp in the spices for 30 minutes before cooking.
