Butterflied Garlic Shrimp

Prep: 10 min Cook: 8 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Juicy butterflied garlic shrimp with green peppers and lemon offer a flavorful, quick-cooked seafood dish perfect for friends and family gatherings or weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

  • 3 Tbsp. butter
  • 2 lb. medium shrimp, peeled, deveined and butterflied
  • 3 garlic cloves, smashed and chopped
  • 1 1/2 green peppers, cut into thin strips
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 large lemon, peeled and diced
  • 1 Tbsp. parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 tsp. paprika

Instructions

  1. Heat butter in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
  2. Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes on each side.
  3. Add garlic and season well, then cook for 1 minute.
  4. Stir in green peppers and diced lemon.
  5. Cook for 1 more minute.
  6. Add parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper, then mix and serve.

Tips & Substitutions

For the best flavor, use fresh garlic and adjust the level of garlic according to your preference. You can substitute green peppers with bell peppers or even zucchini for a different taste. If you prefer a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes. This dish can also be paired with a side of rice or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the butterflied garlic shrimp over a bed of rice or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. A fresh salad, like Asparagus Shrimp Salad, complements this dish well. Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges for added freshness. This dish pairs nicely with a crisp white wine.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Butterflied Garlic Shrimp contains roughly 660 calories, with 35g protein, 121g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (161% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (137% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 597mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).

660 kcal 33% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 35.4g 71% DV
Total Fat 17.8g 23% DV
Carbs 120.9g 44% DV
Fiber 38.4g 100% DV
Sugar 5.4g 11% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 597.3mg 26% DV
Potassium 5000mg 100% DV
Cholesterol 12.8mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 934.2mcg 100% DV
Vitamin C 145.3mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 374.8mg 29% DV
Iron 40mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk Shellfish

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. It's best to place them in the refrigerator overnight or run them under cold water for a quick thaw. Pat them dry before cooking to ensure they sear nicely.

What can I substitute for butter?

If you need a dairy-free option, you can use olive oil or a vegan butter substitute. Coconut oil is another alternative that will add a hint of sweetness to the dish. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add spice, consider incorporating minced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. You can also sprinkle some cayenne pepper or use a spicy seasoning blend to elevate the heat. Adjust according to your spice tolerance!

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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