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Cozy Garlic Butter Shrimp in Cast Iron

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A quick and comforting garlic butter shrimp recipe cooked in a cast iron skillet, perfect for two people. This dish combines simple ingredients for a flavorful, cozy meal ready in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 pound (225g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Crusty bread or cooked rice, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the peeled and deveined shrimp under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. (5 minutes)
  2. In a small bowl, toss shrimp with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Set aside. (2 minutes)
  3. Place your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt completely and start to foam but not brown. (2-3 minutes)
  4. Add the shrimp in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook undisturbed for about 1.5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until pink and just cooked through. (3-4 minutes)
  5. Push the shrimp to one side of the pan. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic to the empty side. Stir gently for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. (1 minute)
  6. Mix the garlic butter with the shrimp, then drizzle fresh lemon juice over everything. If using, sprinkle red pepper flakes. Stir gently to coat all shrimp evenly. (1 minute)
  7. Remove pan from heat. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top. Serve immediately with crusty bread or rice. (1 minute)

Notes

Pat shrimp dry before seasoning for a better sear. Add garlic after shrimp starts cooking to prevent burning. Watch shrimp closely to avoid overcooking; they should be opaque and tender. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil or vegan butter. For gluten-free, serve with rice or gluten-free sides. Browning butter slightly before adding shrimp adds nutty depth but requires careful attention.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter shrimp, cast iron shrimp, quick shrimp recipe, easy dinner for two, garlic shrimp, buttery shrimp, weeknight dinner

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