Grilled shrimp with garlic butter is a dish that is both familiar and new. No matter how many times you eat it, its flavor remains as appealing to diners as the very first time they tasted it. If you’re looking for a recipe to prepare this delicious dish, don’t miss the method shared below.
Shrimp is a type of seafood rich in protein and calcium. For grilling, you should buy either shrimp or tiger prawns as they are the best. Prawns are more expensive but have more meat, are firm, and naturally flavorful. Tiger prawns are moderately priced; while smaller, they become incredibly appealing when grilled. When preparing grilled shrimp with garlic butter, you should take note to choose fresh shrimp, clean them carefully, and mix a rich and flavorful marinating sauce.
Tiger prawns are a low-energy food yet extremely rich in nutrients, particularly a very high protein content. It’s estimated that 100g of fresh tiger prawns contains up to 18.4g of protein, along with essential minerals like vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and more. These nutrients are effective in promoting strong bones, brain development, and cancer prevention.
For all types of shrimp, the first essential condition when selecting them is that they must be alive. Whether the shrimp is alive or dead is easy to tell by observing its eyes and color.
When buying shrimp:
- You should choose those with a firm, shiny shell.
- When lightly pressed on the belly, it should not feel slimy.
- The upper back and eyes of the shrimp should look clear and freshly bright.
- Furthermore, you should look carefully: if the head is fresh and green but the body is soft, the legs and claws are incomplete, the antennae are tightly curled, and it has a reddish color, do not buy it, as it is stale.
Grilled shrimp with garlic and butter
Description
This recipe, shared by Mate Restaurant and Coffee Hoi An, is a simple but flavorful preparation of shrimp that's ready in minutes.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Start Low and Slow
Place a pan over low heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil. Once warm, add the prepared shrimp and pan-fry gently.
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Build a Sear
Cook the shrimp for a few minutes on low heat, then turn them over to cook on the other side.
Turn the heat up to high heat to get a nice sear on the shrimp
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Add Flavor
Once the shrimp are bright pink and starting to sear, reduce the heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter and 3 tablespoons of minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant.
Season the shrimp liberally with 2 teaspoons of salt. Stir well to coat the shrimp completely in the butter, garlic, and salt mixture. Turn off the heat and immediately squeeze the juice of half a lime over the shrimp. The acid enhances the flavors and brightens the dish.
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Serve
ransfer the grilled shrimp into a serving container or a takeaway box. Serve immediately alongside a portion of French fries.
Note
- Master the Heat Transition: Start the pan-frying on low heat with oil to prevent scorching the shrimp's surface, then switch to high heat later to achieve a desirable sear. This technique ensures they are cooked through yet nicely browned.
- Add Butter and Garlic Together (Briefly): Add the butter and the large amount of minced garlic only after the shrimp is nearly done and has been seared. Sauté them very briefly to prevent the garlic from burning, which would give it a bitter taste.
- Finish Off-Heat with Lime Juice: Squeeze the half a lime over the shrimp after removing the pan from the heat. This step is essential for enhancing the flavor, but the juice should not be cooked, as cooking it diminishes its bright, fresh acidity.