Shrimp With Garlic

Prep: 10 min Cook: 5 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Juicy shrimp infused with garlic, thyme, and red pepper flakes, cooked in butter and olive oil for a flavorful seafood dish perfect for casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 2 lb. large shrimp in their shells
  • 1/4 c. olive oil
  • 1 stick unsalted butter
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tsp. fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp. crushed red peppers
  • 1/2 c. fresh flat-leaf parsley, snipped
  • 1/2 to 1 Tbsp. lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Rinse the shrimp and pat dry; set aside.
  2. Heat the olive oil and butter in a vessel over moderate heat until hot but not smoking.
  3. Add the minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, crushed red peppers, and Worcestershire sauce to the hot oil and butter.
  4. Toss the shrimp in the mixture to coat evenly.
  5. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink, about 4 to 5 minutes.
  6. Using a slotted spoon, remove the shrimp to a warm platter.
  7. Sprinkle lightly with salt and snipped fresh parsley.
  8. Serve immediately with lemon juice to taste.

Tips & Substitutions

For enhanced flavor, marinate the shrimp in the garlic and olive oil mixture for 30 minutes before cooking. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the crushed red pepper or omit it entirely. You can substitute fresh thyme with dried thyme, but use only a third of the amount as dried herbs are more concentrated. Fresh parsley can be replaced with green onions for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish with crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce. A side of lemony arugula salad pairs wonderfully, adding a fresh contrast to the rich flavors. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Baked Or Stuffed Tomatoes or a simple pasta dish.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil or butter to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Shrimp With Garlic contains roughly 619 calories, with 12g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (287% of the Daily Value), iron (163% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (80% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 511mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).

619 kcal 31% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11.6g 23% DV
Total Fat 45.6g 58% DV
Carbs 54.4g 20% DV
Fiber 22.4g 80% DV
Sugar 5.3g 11% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 511mg 22% DV
Potassium 1561.1mg 33% DV
Cholesterol 99.5mg 33% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 451.1mcg 50% DV
Vitamin C 257.9mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 653.7mg 50% DV
Iron 29.3mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
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. Place them in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator for best results. Pat them dry to ensure they sear properly in the pan.

What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?

If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, a mix of soy sauce and a splash of vinegar can work as a substitute. Alternatively, consider using fish sauce for a deeper umami flavor. Adjust the quantity to your taste, as these alternatives can be saltier.

How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?

Shrimp are perfectly cooked when they turn pink and opaque. They should curl into a C shape but not be tightly curled into an O, which indicates overcooking. Cooking typically takes around 4 to 5 minutes, depending on their size.

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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