Pan seared shrimp is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer or a main course. It's quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Shrimp is one of the most popular types of seafood, and for good reason. It's versatile, delicious, and easy to cook. Pan seared shrimp is a simple yet elegant dish that can be served as an appetizer, a main course, or even as a topping for salads or pasta dishes. My recipe for pan seared shrimp is sure to be your go-to easy recipe.
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Ingredients
- Shrimp - One pound is all you need. Make sure to buy the shrimp already peeled and deveined to save you time.
- Garlic - Use fresh garlic cloves that are finely minced.
- Oil - The oil is for searing the shrimp and brings a layer of flavor to the shrimp.
- Butter - One tablespoon of butter to finish the shrimp off at the end adds a creaminess to the shrimp.
- Salt and Pepper - A generous seasoning of salt and pepper is all you need for this basic sauteed shrimp dish.
- Lemon - I like to serve the shrimp with a few lemon wedges.
Directions
First pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Then flip the shrimp over until they turn pink and slightly caramelized. You can tell in this photo the shrimp are still raw since the middle area is still on the white side.
Add minced garlic and butter to the skillet, stirring constantly until the butter has melted and garlic is fragrant.
Serve the shrimp immediately, garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
Shrimp Tips and Tricks
With these tips and tricks you'll be able to make perfect pan-seared shrimp every time!
- Fresh Shrimp - Always use fresh shrimp for the best taste and texture. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
- Dry the Shrimp - Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before cooking. This will help them sear evenly and create a nice crust. Excess moisture can cause the shrimp to steam instead of sear, resulting in a less crispy texture.
- Season - Season the shrimp generously with salt and pepper before cooking to enhance their natural flavors.
- Skillet - Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to ensure even heat distribution and prevent the shrimp from sticking to the pan.
- Don't overcrowd the pan - Cook the shrimp in batches if necessary to prevent them from steaming instead of searing.
- Don't overcook the shrimp - Shrimp cook quickly, so keep a close eye on them while they're cooking. Overcooking can cause them to become tough and rubbery.
- More Flavor - Add minced garlic and butter to the pan after cooking the shrimp to add more flavor and richness to the dish.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can use pre-cooked shrimp for pan-searing, but keep in mind that they won't develop the same crust as raw shrimp.
The shrimp will turn pink and slightly caramelized on both sides when they are cooked. Overcooked shrimp will be tough and rubbery.
It's up to personal preference. Some people prefer to leave the tail on for presentation, while others prefer to remove it for easier eating.
Yes, you can use any high-heat oil such as canola, vegetable, or grapeseed oil.
Pan-seared shrimp can be served as an appetizer, a main course, or as a topping for salads, pasta dishes, or rice bowls. You can also add different seasonings or sauces to customize the dish to your liking.
What to Serve with Shrimp
If you are wondering what to serve with shrimp here are a few of my favorite recipes that pair perfectly together.
- Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
- Risotto
- Sauteed Green Beans
- Buttery Seasoned Rice
Pan seared shrimp is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can be served in a variety of ways. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can create a flavorful and impressive dish that's perfect for any occasion. Follow the tips outlined in this blog post, and you'll be sure to make perfect pan-seared shrimp every time.
If you make this Pan Seared Shrimp recipe, I would be honored and love for you to take the time to leave a ⭐ star rating and comment! I spend hours developing and testing these recipes, and always love to hear feedback and user experience!
Pan Seared Shrimp
Equipment
- 1 Frying Pan
- 1 Stove Top
Ingredients
- 1 pound Shrimp peeled and deveined
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and slightly caramelized.
- Add minced garlic and butter to the skillet, stirring constantly until the butter has melted and garlic is fragrant.
- Serve the shrimp immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
Notes
- Make sure to dry the shrimp thoroughly before cooking. Excess moisture can cause the shrimp to steam instead of sear, resulting in a less crispy texture.
- Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This will help to enhance the natural sweetness of the shrimp and balance out the flavors.
- Use a large skillet to ensure that the shrimp cook evenly and quickly. Overcrowding the pan can cause the shrimp to steam instead of sear, resulting in a less crispy texture.
- Don't overcook the shrimp. Shrimp cook quickly, so keep a close eye on them while they're cooking. Overcooking can cause them to become tough and rubbery.
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