Garlic Butter Tomato Shrimp

$- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter - 6 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Salt and pepper, to taste - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - Juice of 1 lemon - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - Shrimp substitutes: You can use scallops, chicken, or tofu for a different taste. - Butter alternatives: Try olive oil or ghee if you want a dairy-free option. - Other seasoning options: Add fresh herbs like basil or thyme for more flavor. When making this dish, I love to use fresh shrimp. They give the best taste. Always choose shrimp that are firm and smell like the ocean. For the butter, unsalted is best. It lets the flavors shine. If you want a healthier option, olive oil works great. Cherry tomatoes add a sweet touch and bright color. If they are out of season, use canned tomatoes instead. Just drain them well before using. For seasoning, red pepper flakes bring some heat. Adjust it based on your taste. Fresh parsley not only adds color but also a fresh taste. Lemon juice and zest brighten up the whole dish. You can never go wrong with these simple yet powerful ingredients. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. 2. Add 6 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté them for about 1-2 minutes until you smell their great aroma. Be careful not to let the garlic burn. 1. Toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for 3-4 minutes until they soften and release their juices. 2. Season the mix with salt, pepper, juice from 1 lemon, and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest. Stir well to blend all the flavors. 3. Add 1 pound of peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet. Cook them for 3-5 minutes, stirring often until they turn pink and opaque. 1. Once cooked, take the skillet off the heat. Adjust the seasonings if needed. 2. Garnish your dish with 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley before serving. How to avoid overcooking shrimp: To keep shrimp tender, cook them just until they turn pink. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. You can check by cutting one in half. If it is opaque all the way through, it's done. Remove them from heat right away to prevent overcooking. Best practices for sautéing garlic: When sautéing garlic, use medium heat. This helps to release its sweet flavor. Add the garlic after the butter melts. Stir it for 1-2 minutes until it smells great. Watch it closely, as burnt garlic can taste bitter. If you see it turning brown, lower the heat. Ideas for side dishes to complement the meal: Pair this dish with a fresh salad or steamed veggies. Rice or pasta also work well to soak up the garlic butter sauce. For a crunchy touch, serve with garlic bread or toasted baguette slices. Recommended wine pairings: A light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc fits well with shrimp. Its crisp taste complements the garlic and lemon flavors. Another good choice is a Pinot Grigio. Both wines enhance the meal without overpowering it. How to serve for the best visual appeal: Serve the Garlic Butter Tomato Shrimp in shallow bowls. This allows the colors to shine. Drizzle extra garlic butter sauce on top for a glossy finish. Add lemon wedges and more parsley to brighten the dish. Plating techniques for a gourmet look: For a gourmet touch, stack the shrimp and tomatoes. Place them in a circular pattern. Use a spoon to create a small well in the center for the sauce. This simple step adds elegance to your meal. Pro Tips Fresh Shrimp is Key: Always choose the freshest shrimp available for the best flavor and texture. If possible, buy shrimp that are still in their shells for maximum freshness. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly and become rubbery if overcooked. Watch for them to turn pink and opaque, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference. You can also add a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick! Use Quality Butter: Opt for high-quality unsalted butter to enhance the richness of the dish. It makes a significant difference in the overall flavor. {{image_2}} To make Garlic Butter Tomato Shrimp gluten-free, you can use gluten-free butter. Most butter is already gluten-free, but check the label. For a dairy-free option, swap the butter for olive oil or a dairy-free butter spread. This keeps the dish rich and tasty without dairy. For vegan adaptations, replace the shrimp with plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh. You can marinate the tofu in lemon juice and spices before cooking. This keeps the flavors bold while staying plant-based. To boost the flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme. These herbs add a fragrant note that brightens the dish. You can also sprinkle in spices like paprika or cumin for a unique twist. Incorporating vegetables is a great way to add nutrition. You might try adding spinach or bell peppers. These add color and extra vitamins without changing the dish's core flavor. For a Mediterranean flair, add olives or capers. These salty elements pair well with the shrimp and tomatoes. You can also drizzle with balsamic glaze for a sweet finish. If you want an Asian-inspired twist, use sesame oil instead of butter. Add some ginger and soy sauce for a flavorful kick. Top with green onions or sesame seeds to complete the dish. To store leftovers, place garlic butter tomato shrimp in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you want to enjoy it again, reheat gently. Use a skillet over low heat for a few minutes. This keeps the shrimp tender. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts until warm, stirring in between. Yes, you can freeze garlic butter shrimp! It keeps well for up to three months. To freeze, let the dish cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible. When you're ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of lemon juice to refresh the flavors. Enjoy your meal as if it were freshly made! How long does it take to cook shrimp? Cooking shrimp takes about 3 to 5 minutes. You want them to turn pink and opaque. Overcooking can make them tough. Keep an eye on them as they cook. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them first. You can do this by placing them in cold water for about 15 minutes. Pat them dry before cooking to avoid extra water in the dish. How to scale the recipe for more or fewer servings To scale the recipe, simply multiply or divide the ingredients. For example, for eight servings, use 2 pounds of shrimp and double the other ingredients. Adjust cooking time as needed. Substitutions for missing ingredients If you lack an ingredient, you can make swaps. Use olive oil instead of butter. If you do not have cherry tomatoes, you can use diced regular tomatoes. Fresh parsley can be swapped for basil for a different flavor. Overview of calories and macronutrients per serving One serving has about 300 calories. It includes around 20g of protein, 15g of fat, and 6g of carbs. This recipe is rich in flavor while providing good nutrition. Health benefits of the main ingredients Shrimp is high in protein and low in calories. Garlic has benefits for heart health. Tomatoes provide vitamins and antioxidants. Fresh parsley adds nutrients and flavor. Using lemon juice adds vitamin C and brightens the dish. This recipe shows how simple ingredients create a delicious garlic butter shrimp dish. Remember to choose fresh shrimp and adjust flavors to suit your taste. You can also try different proteins or spice levels to mix things up. Use these tips for great cooking and serving. Whether you're a novice or a pro, this dish can impress anyone. Enjoy your cooking adventure and taste test different variations to find your perfect dish!$

A delicious and quick shrimp dish cooked in garlic butter with cherry tomatoes.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Total Time 15

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet, sautéing for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 3-4 minutes, letting them soften and release their juices.
Season the mixture with salt, pepper, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir well to combine.
Add the shrimp to the skillet, cooking for about 3-5 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
Once cooked, remove from heat, adjust seasonings if necessary, and sprinkle fresh parsley over the top before serving.

Notes

Serve in shallow bowls with extra garlic butter sauce and lemon wedges.

Keyword butter, garlic, shrimp, tomatoes