Garlic Shrimp

Ingredients for Garlic Shrimp

• 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
• 4 tablespoons butter (or olive oil for a lighter option)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional: 1/4 cup white wine or chicken broth (for extra flavor)

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How to Make Garlic Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

1. If your shrimp aren’t already peeled and deveined, remove the shells and devein the shrimp. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.

Step 2: Cook the Garlic

1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat (or heat the olive oil if you prefer a lighter option).
2. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should be fragrant and lightly golden, not browned.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

1. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become rubbery.
2. If using wine or chicken broth, pour it into the skillet once you flip the shrimp. Let it simmer for a minute to deglaze the pan and infuse the shrimp with extra flavor.

Step 4: Finish with Lemon and Herbs

1. Once the shrimp are cooked through, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Serve

Serve the garlic shrimp immediately. They’re perfect on their own, or you can serve them with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up all that delicious garlic-butter sauce.

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