If you love seafood that bursts with flavor and comes together in a flash, this Garlic Butter Tiger Shrimp Recipe is an absolute must-try. The tender, juicy tiger shrimp cooked in a luscious garlic butter sauce, kissed by a hint of lemon and a touch of red pepper flakes, creates an irresistible combination that’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick dinner or impressing friends over a casual get-together, this recipe is both comforting and downright delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Garlic Butter Tiger Shrimp Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role to build layers of flavor, color, and texture without overwhelming the dish. From the richness of butter and olive oil to the fresh brightness of lemon and parsley, these essentials come together effortlessly.
- 1 lb tiger shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails on: Choosing tiger shrimp gives you a meaty texture that’s perfect for a main dish.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds a creamy richness that marries beautifully with garlic.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is the heart of the dish, giving that aromatic punch.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the shrimp cook evenly and adds a subtle fruity note.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brings a bright, tangy contrast that balances the butter.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle heat if you want a little extra kick.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Offers a fresh, herbaceous finish and a pop of green color.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- Lemon wedges for serving: A final squeeze of lemon brightens each bite beautifully.
How to Make Garlic Butter Tiger Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Shrimp
Start by patting your tiger shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure they sear nicely rather than steam. Then, lightly season both sides with salt and black pepper. This simple seasoning sets the stage for all those other wonderful flavors to shine through.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Butter and Olive Oil
In a large skillet set over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter together with olive oil. Once melted and shimmering, add the minced garlic. Sauté it carefully for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—watch closely so it doesn’t brown or burn, as that could bring bitterness to your shrimp.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Lay the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet, giving them enough space to cook evenly. Let them cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on the first side until their flesh turns pink and opaque. Then flip them over for the second side.
Step 4: Add Lemon Juice and Red Pepper Flakes
After flipping the shrimp, pour in the fresh lemon juice and sprinkle in the red pepper flakes if you’re using them. These ingredients add brightness and a gentle heat that make the dish so memorable. Cook the shrimp for another 2 minutes or until they’re cooked through but still tender.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Parsley and Serve
Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley for a lovely pop of color and a burst of herbal freshness. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Tiger Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
The final touches can make all the difference. Fresh parsley is classic, providing a nice contrast both in look and flavor. Lemon wedges are essential—they brighten the buttery richness with each squeeze, bringing the dish to life.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Butter Tiger Shrimp Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides that soak up the luscious garlic butter sauce. Think crusty artisan bread for dipping, fluffy rice to make it a complete meal, or even a light pasta tossed with olive oil and herbs for a satisfying plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress a crowd? Serve these shrimp over a bed of creamy risotto or on warm, buttery grits for a Southern twist. Alternatively, use skewers and grill them briefly for outdoor entertaining, or pile the shrimp over fresh greens for a seafood salad bursting with flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers from your Garlic Butter Tiger Shrimp Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to two days, making for a quick and tasty meal the next day.
Freezing
While fresh is best, you can freeze cooked shrimp if needed. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container with as much air removed as possible. They’ll keep well for about two months, so you can enjoy this recipe anytime you crave it.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently to avoid overcooking and drying out the shrimp. A quick sauté in a hot pan or warming in the microwave for short bursts works well—just add a splash of butter or olive oil to keep everything moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to get that perfect sear and avoid excess moisture.
Is this recipe spicy if I add red pepper flakes?
Only mildly. The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth, but you can easily adjust the amount to suit your heat preference or skip them altogether.
Can I use other types of shrimp?
Yes, other shrimp varieties like jumbo or white shrimp work great here. Tiger shrimp are just particularly meaty and flavorful.
How do I know when the shrimp are done?
The shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and opaque all the way through. This usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes total depending on size, but be careful not to overcook.
What can I do with the leftover garlic butter sauce?
This sauce is fantastic! Drizzle it over steamed vegetables, toss it with pasta, or use it as a dipping sauce for bread to savor every drop.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Tiger Shrimp Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special yet comes together effortlessly. The combination of rich butter, fragrant garlic, and fresh lemon creates a flavor combination that’s simply irresistible. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it a new favorite in your kitchen!
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Garlic Butter Tiger Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick and flavorful Garlic Butter Tiger Shrimp recipe featuring succulent tiger shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon and parsley, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or impressive seafood appetizer.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb tiger shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails on
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: Pat the tiger shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and black pepper to enhance their natural flavor before cooking.
- Heat butter and oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter together with olive oil to create a rich base for sautéing the shrimp.
- Sauté garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, ensuring you do not burn it to keep the flavor delicate and aromatic.
- Cook shrimp first side: Place the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes on one side until they turn pink and opaque, indicating they are nearly done.
- Flip shrimp and add flavor: Turn the shrimp over, then add the lemon juice and red pepper flakes if using, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the shrimp to finish cooking.
- Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle the chopped parsley over the shrimp, and serve immediately with lemon wedges for an extra burst of freshness.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the shrimp in a bit of olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice for 15 minutes before cooking.
- Serve over pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
