Perfect Sauteed Shrimp

Name: Perfect Sauteed Shrimp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 3 min
Ingredients: 1 lb shrimp; ¼ cup butter (½ stick); 1 tsp smoked paprika; ¼ tsp cumin; 2 cloves garlic (sliced); ¼ tsp onion powder; salt and pepper to taste; ½ lemon; 2 tbsp chopped parsley

One of the most delicious ways to prepare shrimp, cooked in creamy butter and seasoned with smoked paprika, cumin, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Serve perfect sauteed shrimp as an appetizer or a side.

I’ve done shrimp in several different ways but I keep coming back to this recipe. As healthy as I try to be, cooking shrimp in butter makes my mouth water every time.

I usually sautée them when I am expecting company and want something for a hot appetizer. (This is the reason why I leave the tails on when cooking the shrimp — makes it easier to pick up and eat!) Plus, the shrimp are so tasty, I don’t want to obscure that taste with other ingredients. Let’s give the shrimp a chance to shine, you know!

I’ve included the seasoning and spices I like to add to the shrimp but this is by no means the only way for you to do them. Add your faves and adjust to suit your taste buds or complement whichever other food you happen to be serving them with. Enjoy!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

The smoked paprika adds a delicious smoky flavor that you will love.
A tasty and healthy protein that you can add to lots of different dishes, serve as an appetizer for when you have guests over, or put it in the spotlight as a main.
So quick and easy and only uses two dishes.
The butter gives the shrimp a creamy finish that will make them irresistible to the whole family.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes
Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients

Just a handful of ingredients and you’re ready to make perfect sautéed shrimp!

1 lb of shrimp
¼ cup of butter (½ stick)
1 tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp of cumin
2 cloves of garlic, sliced
¼ tsp of onion powder
salt and pepper, to taste
½ lemon
2 tbsp of chopped parsley

Instructions

Deshell the shrimp. I leave the tail on if I intend on serving the shrimp as an appetizer, though this is up to you.
Use paper towel to pat the shrimp dry. They should be completely thawed and dried before sautéing.

Sprinkle the shrimp with smoked paprika, cumin, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure all the shrimp are coated with the spices.

Heat a pan on MED-HIGH. Melt the butter completely. Add the shrimp and garlic to the pan and cook. Use a spoon or spatula to keep the shrimp moving. If the excess liquid from the shrimp is released, drain it from the pan and continue sautéing. The shrimp should cook for about 2 to 3 minutes.

Squeeze the juice from the lemon over the cooked shrimp. Sprinkle with chopped parsley.

Variations

Lemon Butter Shrimp: If lemon is your thing, don’t limit yourself to just the juice. Add some lemon zest for a citrus boost. The lemon goes particularly well with the butter so now would be a good time to experiment with the amount used to attain a luscious sauce.

Mediterranean-style Shrimp: Season the shrimp with a blend of oregano, basil, and thyme. While the shrimp cook, add sliced cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives for extra flavor. Top with a sprinkle of feta cheese and chopped parsley.

Asian-inspired Shrimp: Use soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil. If you’d like to counterbalance the saltiness of the soy with something sweet, use honey or brown sugar. To complete the look, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Serving Suggestions

Baked Sweet Potato: If you are treating the shrimp as the main dish, add as a side a baked sweet potato — easy to do and slight sweetness of the spud blends well with the buttery shrimp.

Orzo Pasta: Add the shrimp as the protein to these grains of pasta.

Oven-Baked Chicken Tacos: Make these tacos but replace the chicken with the sauteed shrimp.

FAQs

Could I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Yes, garlic powder works well!

My shrimp turn out dry, why?

Remember that shrimp not only cook incredibly quickly, they also keep cooking in their residual heat. You may be tempted to cook them for longer than 2-3 minutes but don’t. Remove them from the pan once you hit that mark.

Can I use olive oil instead of butter?

Yes, it is really yummy with olive oil — not as decadent, but healthy.

How to Store Sauteed Shrimp

Let the shrimp cool completely. Place in an airtight container then store in the fridge. They should keep for up to 3 days. After that, their texture will turn rubbery and they will lose a bit of their savory taste. You can eat reheat them on a skillet over MEDIUM heat. Stir occasionally but be careful you don’t overheat them, as their texture will be compromised.