Honey Butter Garlic Shrimp is a tasty dish that combines sweet honey and rich butter with juicy shrimp. The garlic adds a punch of flavor, making it a quick and delightful meal!
Cooking this dish is so easy, and the smell is amazing! I love serving it over rice or noodles. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds! 🍤✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best results. If shrimp isn’t available, you can substitute it with chicken or tofu for a different take on the recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Butter: Unsalted butter enhances the flavor but if you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. They can provide a different, yet tasty, flavor profile.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is key here. If you have garlic powder on hand, you could use that in a pinch, but fresh garlic will always give you the best taste.
Honey: If you need a vegan option, maple syrup or agave nectar works great as a substitution. Both still provide that sweet touch needed for this dish.
How Can I Ensure My Shrimp Is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky if you’re not careful. Under-cooked shrimp is rubbery, while overcooked shrimp can become tough. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Cook shrimp for about 2 minutes on one side without moving them, until they turn pink and slightly golden.
- Flip the shrimp and add garlic for flavor. Cook for another minute, but watch it closely so the garlic doesn’t burn.
- Once they turn opaque and are curled into a C shape, they are perfectly cooked!
Remember to remove them from heat as soon as they’re done to keep them tender. Enjoy your cooking! 🍽️
Honey Butter Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, as preferred)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika or regular paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of half a lime
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked white rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and cook. In just a short time, you’ll have a tasty meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water. Then, pat them dry with paper towels. It’s important to remove as much moisture as possible. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and paprika over the shrimp to season them well.
2. Heat the Skillet:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Wait until the butter is melted and bubbling before moving to the next step.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Let them cook for about 2 minutes without stirring. You want them to turn pink and get a little golden brown on one side. Then flip them over.
4. Add Garlic:
As soon as you flip the shrimp, add the minced garlic to the pan. Be careful not to let the garlic burn! Stir it around for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant.
5. Create the Sauce:
Turn the heat down to medium. Now, pour in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the honey. Stir everything together to coat the shrimp in that sweet, garlicky sauce.
6. Finish with Lime:
Next, squeeze the juice of half a lime over the shrimp. Stir it to mix well. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked and the sauce thickens slightly.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the shrimp immediately over a bed of cooked white rice. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and a few lime wedges on the side for that extra zing!
Your Honey Butter Garlic Shrimp is ready to be enjoyed! This dish pairs wonderfully with rice and is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the shrimp first. You can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or quickly in a sealed bag submerged in cold water. Pat them dry before seasoning for best results!
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you enjoy some heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño along with the garlic. You can also serve it with a spicy dipping sauce on the side!
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. You may want to add a splash of water or a little extra honey to refresh the sauce.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the shrimp and sauce in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Just combine and cook them together right before serving for optimal flavor and texture!