John'S Favorite Pepper Shrimp
John's Favorite Pepper Shrimp features tender shrimp coated in garlic butter and generously seasoned with black pepper, perfect for those who love bold, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt butter over medium heat in a skillet.
- Add garlic and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Arrange raw shrimp evenly in a 13 x 9 inch Pyrex dish.
- Pour the melted garlic butter over the shrimp.
- Toss gently with your hands to coat all the shrimp.
- Sprinkle black pepper over all the shrimp, adding extra if desired.
- Toss again to distribute the pepper evenly.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until shrimp are pink.
- Toss with a spoon, then bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Save the juices for dipping toasted bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the melted butter. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half the butter with olive oil. Fresh shrimp are ideal, but frozen will work; just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking. For additional flavor, try adding herbs like parsley or thyme.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with crusty toasted bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter juices. A crisp green salad or steamed vegetables make great sides. For a complete meal, pair it with pasta dishes like Shrimp And Angel Hair, or enjoy it as part of a seafood feast. Chilled white wine complements the flavors beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat to prevent overcooking. Alternatively, you can microwave them in short intervals, ensuring they don't become rubbery. Serve with the reserved juices for dipping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of John'S Favorite Pepper Shrimp contains roughly 375 calories, with 36g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (71% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1591mg per serving (69% of the Daily Value).
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! Just make sure they are completely thawed before cooking to ensure even cooking. You can place them in a bowl of cold water for about 20-30 minutes or leave them in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
How do I know when the shrimp are done?
Shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and opaque, typically taking 15 to 20 minutes in the oven. If they curl tightly or become rubbery, they may be overcooked. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes for perfect results.
What can I do with the leftover garlic butter?
The leftover garlic butter is perfect for dipping bread or drizzling over vegetables. You can also use it to enhance pasta dishes or as a base for a seafood sauce. Just store it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week.
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).