Garlic Butter Shrimp with Sautéed Spinach is a quick and flavorful meal that brings the fresh taste of the sea with the comforting richness of butter and garlic. The tender shrimp, packed with a zesty garlic flavor, pairs beautifully with the earthy, slightly bitter notes of spinach. This dish is both simple and nutritious, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights or even as an elegant entrée for guests. The vibrant colors and balanced flavors will make this meal a favorite in no time.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 10 oz fresh spinach
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preparing the Shrimp
- Begin by patting the shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Season the shrimp with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 2: Cooking the Shrimp
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter melts and becomes foamy, add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds, until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Place the shrimp into the skillet in a single layer. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them as they will become rubbery.
- Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the shrimp and toss them gently to coat. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sautéing the Spinach
- In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Allow the butter to melt and the oil to heat up.
- Add the fresh spinach to the skillet in batches if necessary, stirring constantly to ensure even cooking. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the spinach wilts down completely. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combining the Shrimp and Spinach
- Once the spinach is cooked, return the shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything together, allowing the shrimp to reheat and absorb the flavors of the garlic butter sauce.
Step 5: Garnishing and Serving
- Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve immediately, either on its own or with sides like crusty bread or a bed of rice to soak up the flavorful garlic butter sauce.
Cooking Notes:
- Shrimp Tips: It’s important to use large shrimp for this recipe, as they provide a meaty texture that holds up well against the buttery sauce. Frozen shrimp can be used if fresh is not available—just ensure that they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
- Garlic Flavor: For a more intense garlic flavor, you can add an additional clove or two of garlic. Be careful not to burn the garlic when sautéing, as it can turn bitter quickly.
- Red Pepper Flakes: These are optional but highly recommended if you enjoy a bit of heat. The slight spiciness balances the richness of the butter perfectly.
Serving Suggestions:
- Side Dishes: Serve this dish with a side of steamed jasmine rice or warm, crusty bread. The bread is especially great for soaking up the garlic butter sauce.
- Pasta Option: For a heartier meal, toss the shrimp and spinach with some cooked spaghetti or linguine, making it a full garlic butter shrimp pasta.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables like cherry tomatoes or zucchini to the spinach for extra color and nutrients.
Tips:
- Butter Substitutes: If you want a lighter version of this dish, you can replace half the butter with olive oil. This will maintain the rich flavor but cut down on the overall fat content.
- Spinach Variations: If fresh spinach is unavailable, you can substitute with frozen spinach. Just be sure to thaw it first and squeeze out any excess moisture to prevent the dish from becoming too watery.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Protein: 24g
- Sodium: 470mg (Values are estimates based on standard ingredients)
FAQs:
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Be sure to thaw them completely by running them under cold water for a few minutes. Pat them dry with a paper towel before cooking to ensure they sear properly.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can make it ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, use low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
3. What other greens can I use instead of spinach?
- You can substitute spinach with other leafy greens such as kale or Swiss chard. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since these greens may take a little longer to wilt.
4. How can I make this dish dairy-free?
- To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, such as olive oil or a vegan butter substitute.
5. What can I do with the leftovers?
- Leftovers can be used as a topping for a salad, added to a pasta dish, or simply enjoyed as is the next day. Ensure that they are stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge.
Conclusion:
Garlic Butter Shrimp with Sautéed Spinach is a delicious and versatile meal that comes together in just 20 minutes. The combination of tender shrimp, savory garlic butter, and fresh spinach is a match made in culinary heaven. Whether you’re serving it as a light main course or alongside pasta or bread, this dish is sure to impress your family or dinner guests. Not only is it flavorful, but it’s also a healthy option packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it a well-balanced meal. Enjoy this restaurant-quality dish right at home!
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Garlic Butter Shrimp with Sautéed Spinach
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 10 oz fresh spinach
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation:
Step 1: Preparing the Shrimp
- Begin by patting the shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Season the shrimp with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 2: Cooking the Shrimp
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter melts and becomes foamy, add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds, until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Place the shrimp into the skillet in a single layer. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them as they will become rubbery.
- Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the shrimp and toss them gently to coat. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sautéing the Spinach
- In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Allow the butter to melt and the oil to heat up.
- Add the fresh spinach to the skillet in batches if necessary, stirring constantly to ensure even cooking. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the spinach wilts down completely. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combining the Shrimp and Spinach
- Once the spinach is cooked, return the shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything together, allowing the shrimp to reheat and absorb the flavors of the garlic butter sauce.
Step 5: Garnishing and Serving
- Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve immediately, either on its own or with sides like crusty bread or a bed of rice to soak up the flavorful garlic butter sauce.
Notes
Cooking Notes:
- Shrimp Tips: It’s important to use large shrimp for this recipe, as they provide a meaty texture that holds up well against the buttery sauce. Frozen shrimp can be used if fresh is not available—just ensure that they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
- Garlic Flavor: For a more intense garlic flavor, you can add an additional clove or two of garlic. Be careful not to burn the garlic when sautéing, as it can turn bitter quickly.
- Red Pepper Flakes: These are optional but highly recommended if you enjoy a bit of heat. The slight spiciness balances the richness of the butter perfectly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sodium: 470mg
- Protein: 24g