If you’re craving a quick and tasty meal, you’ve come to the right place! My Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp is perfect for busy nights or special occasions. With just a few simple ingredients, like shrimp, garlic, and cream, this dish packs big flavor in little time. Join me as I guide you through making this creamy delight that will impress anyone at your table. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon butter
Seasoning and Garnish
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– 1 lemon, juiced
In this dish, shrimp are the star. I love using large shrimp because they stay juicy and tender when cooked. Make sure to peel and devein them for a better texture.
Garlic adds a punch of flavor. In this recipe, we use four cloves, minced finely to release their aroma.
The sauce comes from heavy cream. It makes the dish rich and smooth. I choose heavy cream for its creamy texture, but you can try alternatives too.
Olive oil and butter create a great base for cooking. The butter gives a nice flavor while the oil helps prevent burning.
For seasoning, a teaspoon of paprika adds warmth. Adjust the salt and pepper to suit your taste.
Fresh parsley not only looks nice but adds a fresh taste. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens every bite.
You can find the full recipe above to enjoy this creamy garlic shrimp dish at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
First, let’s prepare the shrimp. I like to start by peeling and deveining the shrimp. This makes them clean and ready to cook. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp, but thaw frozen shrimp beforehand. Next, mince the garlic finely. This step is crucial since garlic adds great flavor. Finally, chop the parsley for garnish. It adds a lovely touch to your dish.
Cooking Process
Now, heat a tablespoon of olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Wait until the butter melts and starts bubbling. This is when you add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic; you want it fragrant.
Next, increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp to the skillet. Sprinkle paprika, salt, and pepper over them. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque when done.
After that, reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir it all together. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes. You want the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to keep everything mixed well.
Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the skillet. This adds a nice brightness to the dish. Stir it well and taste the sauce. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
Finishing Touches
Finally, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish your dish with the fresh parsley you chopped earlier. This adds color and flavor. Serve your creamy garlic shrimp warm. Enjoy your meal with some crusty bread or over pasta for a complete dish. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier sections.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
– Optimal shrimp cooking time: Cook your shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Look for a pink color and opaque look. This shows they are done. Overcooking will make them tough. Watch closely for perfect shrimp!
– How to prevent overcooking garlic: Sauté garlic for only 1-2 minutes. You want it fragrant, not brown. Burnt garlic can ruin your dish. Stir it well and keep an eye on it!
Sauce Tips
– Achieving the perfect creamy consistency: Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer. Stir occasionally. This helps it thicken just right. You want a rich, smooth sauce that clings to the shrimp.
– Flavor adjustments with additional spices: Add spices like cayenne for heat or herbs for freshness. Consider a splash of white wine for added depth. Taste as you go to find your perfect blend.
These tips will help you master the Easy Creamy Garlic Shrimp recipe. If you need more details, check the Full Recipe!
Variations
Ingredient Swaps
You can easily switch up the proteins in this dish. If you prefer something different, try using scallops or chicken. Both options cook well and soak up the creamy sauce nicely. For a lighter choice, shrimp remains the star, but scallops add a sweet touch.
If you want a vegan option, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. It provides a rich texture and a hint of coconut flavor. Tofu is another great alternative; it absorbs flavors well. Just be sure to cube it and sauté it until golden for the best taste.
Flavor Enhancements
Adding more veggies can boost the dish’s nutrition and taste. Spinach wilts beautifully in the creamy sauce and adds color. Bell peppers give a nice crunch and sweetness. Simply toss them in with the shrimp to cook until tender.
Herbs can elevate your creamy garlic shrimp even more. Fresh basil adds a sweet, aromatic touch, while thyme gives an earthy flavor. You can sprinkle them in right before serving for the best results. They offer a fresh contrast to the rich creaminess of the dish.
For the full recipe, check out the complete guide to making this dish.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
Store leftover creamy garlic shrimp in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure it cools down before putting it away. This helps prevent bacteria growth.
Freezing Instructions
For longer storage, you can freeze creamy garlic shrimp. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can last in the freezer for up to three months.
When you’re ready to eat it, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently on the stove over low heat. Stir often to keep it creamy and prevent sticking. You can also add a splash of cream if it seems too thick. Enjoy the rich flavors again! For the full recipe, check out the link above.
FAQs
Common Questions
How to make creamy garlic shrimp from scratch?
Making creamy garlic shrimp is easy. Start by heating olive oil and butter in a skillet. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Next, add shrimp and season with paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until shrimp turn pink. Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer. Finally, add lemon juice and garnish with parsley. For the full recipe, check the earlier section.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them first. You can do this overnight in the fridge or quickly in cold water. Once thawed, pat them dry before cooking.
What can I serve with creamy garlic shrimp?
Creamy garlic shrimp pairs well with many sides. You can serve it over pasta, rice, or quinoa. It also goes great with garlic bread or a fresh salad.
About Substitutions
Can I use a different type of cream?
Absolutely! You can use half-and-half or even sour cream. Just remember that using lighter cream may change the dish’s richness.
What can replace shrimp in this recipe?
If you want to replace shrimp, try scallops or chicken. Tofu is a great vegan option too. Just adjust the cooking times to ensure everything cooks through.
This blog post showed you how to make creamy garlic shrimp. You learned about the main ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. You can swap ingredients to suit your taste. Whether you want to store it or serve it, our guide has you covered.
Now, it’s time for you to make this dish. Enjoy the flavors and impress your friends!
