Garlic Butter Tiger Shrimp is a simple yet decadent dish that combines the rich flavor of tiger shrimp with a buttery garlic sauce. This recipe takes just 10 minutes to prepare and is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal. The addition of lemon zest and juice brightens the dish, while fresh parsley adds a burst of color. This flavorful shrimp is great on its own or served over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 10 pieces tiger shrimp

• 1/2 cup butter, divided

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 8 garlic cloves, minced

• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 1/8 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Directions

1. Sauté the Shrimp: Heat olive oil and 1/4 cup of butter in a nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in batches, cooking for 1 minute per side until they turn pink. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.

2. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and lemon zest. Cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.

3. Combine and Season: Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and toss them in the garlic butter sauce. Add lemon juice and Italian seasoning, stirring everything together.

4. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the shrimp with chopped parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy it on its own or with a side of pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 578 kcal

• Total Fat: 60g

  • Saturated Fat: 31g

  • Unsaturated Fat: 25g

• Cholesterol: 175mg

• Sodium: 610mg

• Carbohydrates: 6g

  • Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 0g

• Protein: 7g

The Star of the Dish: Tiger Shrimp

Tiger shrimp, known for their large size and bold, sweet flavor, are the perfect seafood choice for this dish. They cook quickly and offer a satisfying bite with a naturally sweet and slightly firm texture. The shrimp become tender and succulent when cooked in the garlic butter sauce, soaking up all the flavors of the butter, garlic, and lemon. Tiger shrimp are ideal for dishes that focus on the flavor of the shrimp itself, as their taste stands out without being overpowered by the sauce.

When buying shrimp, it’s important to select fresh or properly frozen shrimp. Look for shrimp that are firm, translucent, and smell fresh—like the ocean—rather than having a strong fishy odor. For the best results, make sure to peel and devein the shrimp before cooking, which can be easily done with a sharp knife or by purchasing pre-cleaned shrimp.

Garlic Butter Sauce: A Flavorful Base

The garlic butter sauce is what takes this dish to the next level. The combination of butter and olive oil creates a rich, silky sauce that perfectly coats the shrimp. Butter provides a creamy richness, while the olive oil adds depth and a slight fruitiness that balances the richness of the butter.

To make the sauce, garlic is sautéed until fragrant, infusing the oil and butter with its aromatic essence. The addition of lemon zest brightens the sauce, adding a burst of citrusy freshness that cuts through the richness of the butter. Lemon juice enhances the flavor further, giving the dish a tangy note that complements the sweetness of the shrimp.

Italian seasoning adds a mild herbal note, bringing additional flavor complexity to the dish without overpowering the other ingredients. The garlic butter sauce coats the shrimp beautifully, creating a luscious finish that makes every bite irresistible.

Cooking the Shrimp: Quick and Easy

One of the best things about this dish is how quickly it comes together. The shrimp cook in just 1 minute per side, turning pink and tender in a matter of moments. The key to perfectly cooked shrimp is to avoid overcooking them. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, they are done. Overcooking can lead to rubbery shrimp, so be sure to remove them from the pan as soon as they’re cooked through.

By cooking the shrimp in batches, you allow each shrimp to sear properly without overcrowding the pan. This ensures that each shrimp gets a nice sear and doesn’t release too much moisture into the pan, which could prevent them from cooking evenly.

Garnishing and Serving: The Finishing Touches

Once the shrimp are coated in the garlic butter sauce, it’s time to finish the dish. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness that balances the richness of the butter. Parsley is a classic garnish for seafood dishes, and its bright flavor contrasts beautifully with the savory garlic and buttery sauce.

For serving, you can enjoy the shrimp on their own or pair them with pasta, rice, or crusty bread. The garlic butter sauce is the star of the dish, and having something to soak it up, like pasta or bread, will ensure you don’t waste any of the delicious sauce. If serving over pasta, consider using spaghetti or linguine, which can easily be tossed with the shrimp and sauce for a complete meal.

Nutritional Benefits of Garlic Butter Tiger Shrimp

Garlic Butter Tiger Shrimp is a rich dish, and while it’s high in calories and fat, it provides several nutritional benefits as well. Each serving contains around 578 calories, with a substantial amount of fat—60 grams, including both unsaturated and saturated fats. The fat content comes from the butter and olive oil used to create the garlic butter sauce, both of which provide different types of fats. While the saturated fat is higher than recommended for a low-fat diet, olive oil contributes a healthier dose of unsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health when consumed in moderation.

The shrimp provide a good amount of protein, with 7 grams per serving, making this dish a satisfying and filling option. The meal is also low in carbohydrates, with only 6 grams per serving, making it a great choice for those following low-carb or keto diets. Additionally, shrimp are an excellent source of various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, iodine, and selenium, which contribute to overall health.

Versatility and Customization

Garlic Butter Tiger Shrimp is an incredibly versatile dish that can be customized to suit your preferences. If you enjoy a bit more heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce for an extra kick. Alternatively, you can use fresh herbs such as thyme, basil, or oregano instead of Italian seasoning to personalize the flavor profile.

This dish is also great for meal prep. You can cook the shrimp in advance, store them in the fridge, and reheat them when ready to serve. To keep the shrimp from becoming overcooked during reheating, do so gently over low heat, either in a pan or in the microwave.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Tiger Shrimp is a quick and decadent dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, date night, or special occasion. The rich, buttery garlic sauce combined with the fresh, sweet shrimp creates a dish that’s full of flavor and satisfaction. With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation, this recipe proves that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy a gourmet meal. Whether you enjoy it on its own or paired with pasta, rice, or crusty bread, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.