Pan-fried shrimp is a go-to dish that packs a punch of flavor in just a few minutes for a dinner party, looking for a quick mid-week meal, serve it alongside a fresh salad, over a bed of pasta.
Why You’ll Love This Pan-Fried Shrimp Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 10 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Bursting with Flavor: Garlic, butter, and lemon combine to create a delicious, savory taste.
- Versatile: Serve it over pasta, rice, or a fresh salad.
- Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: A great option for those watching their carbs.
- High in Protein: Shrimp is a fantastic source of lean protein, making this dish a nutritious choice.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Pan-Fried Shrimp
- Dry Your Shrimp: Removing excess moisture is key to getting that beautiful golden sear.
- Hot Pan Equals Crisp Shrimp: Make sure the pan is hot before adding shrimp. This helps to lock in juices and develop that perfect crust.
- Butter at the End: Adding butter at the end prevents it from burning, allowing it to add a rich, savory flavor without turning brown.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you add too many shrimp at once, they’ll steam rather than sear. Cook in batches if needed.
- Watch the Color: Shrimp cook very quickly, and as soon as they turn pink and opaque, it’s time to remove them from the heat to avoid overcooking.
Variations on Pan-Fried Shrimp
Pan-fried shrimp is endlessly customizable. Here are a few delicious variations to try:
- Spicy Cajun Shrimp: Toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning before cooking. This adds a smoky, spicy kick to your dish.
- Garlic-Honey Shrimp: After frying, add 2 tablespoons of honey for a sweet and savory twist.
- Herb-Infused: Add a handful of fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs to the pan while cooking to infuse the shrimp with herbaceous notes.
- Asian-Inspired: Use sesame oil instead of olive oil and finish with soy sauce, fresh ginger, and green onions for an umami-packed variation.
How to Serve Pan-Fried Shrimp
Pan-fried shrimp pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Here are some serving ideas:
- Over Pasta: Toss with your favorite pasta and a simple sauce, like Alfredo or garlic butter.
- With Rice or Quinoa: Serve over a bed of jasmine rice, brown rice, or quinoa for a hearty meal.
- On a Salad: Add to a fresh green salad with avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette.
- As an Appetizer: Serve with a dipping sauce like garlic aioli or cocktail sauce for an easy starter.
- In Tacos: Make shrimp tacos with shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, and a drizzle of lime crema.
How to Store and Reheat Pan-Fried Shrimp
Storing: Place any leftover shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool shrimp to room temperature before sealing.
Reheating: To maintain the best texture, reheat shrimp in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil or butter. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 1-2 minutes, though this can cause them to become rubbery.
Freezing: Pan-fried shrimp can be frozen in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Pat them dry to ensure they sear nicely.
What size shrimp is best for pan-frying?
Large or jumbo shrimp work best for pan-frying, as they are less likely to overcook. Aim for 16-20 shrimp per pound for the ideal size.
How do I know when my shrimp are done?
Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque, and their tails curl into a “C” shape. Overcooked shrimp will curl tightly into an “O” and become rubbery.
What should I do if my shrimp release a lot of water while cooking?
This can happen if your pan isn’t hot enough or the shrimp were not properly dried. If this occurs, increase the heat and allow the water to evaporate before adding butter and garlic.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative like vegan butter or extra olive oil.
Pan-Fried Shrimp
Pan-fried shrimp is a go-to dish that packs a punch of flavor in just a few minutes for a dinner party, looking for a quick mid-week meal, serve it alongside a fresh salad, over a bed of pasta.
Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 pound peeled and deveined bay shrimp
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, divided
- 1 pinch garlic salt (to taste)
- Salt and ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over high heat. Add the shrimp and cook, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown, about 2 minutes.
- Lower the heat to medium-low, then stir in 1 1/2 teaspoons of lemon juice, garlic salt, salt, and pepper.
- Let the shrimp cook until they are heated through, about 1 minute.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 1/2 teaspoons of lemon juice.
- This extra step adds a rich, velvety finish to the dish.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 341Total Fat 25gSaturated Fat 15gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 300mgSodium 1428mgCarbohydrates 2gFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 26g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Pan-fried shrimp is a simple yet impressive dish that can elevate any meal. With a few tips and tricks, you can master the art of searing shrimp to perfection. Whether you stick with the classic garlic butter version or experiment with the variations, you’re in for a treat. Remember, the key is to keep it quick and keep it hot, ensuring that your shrimp stay tender and juicy with every bite. Happy cooking!
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