Garlic Butter Shrimp with Mushrooms

Introduction

Garlic Butter Shrimp with Mushrooms is a quick, flavorful, and indulgent dish that combines succulent shrimp with earthy mushrooms, all coated in a rich garlic butter sauce. This dish is a perfect weeknight dinner, yet elegant enough to impress guests. The garlic butter sauce enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp while the mushrooms add a deep, savory flavor, making every bite utterly satisfying. It’s simple, fast, and packed with bold, comforting flavors.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s easy to make, yet incredibly flavorful. The shrimp cooks quickly and remains tender, while the mushrooms soak up the garlicky butter, creating a perfect balance of textures. It’s a one-pan dish, which makes cleanup a breeze, and the aroma of garlic and butter filling the kitchen is irresistible.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it’s versatile, fast, and utterly delicious. The combination of garlic, butter, shrimp, and mushrooms delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, date nights, or any time you crave a rich, satisfying meal. Plus, it pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 20-22 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 320 per serving

Cuisine and Course

• Cuisine: American / Seafood
• Course: Main Course

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, for garnish

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until tender, about 4-5 minutes. Remove mushrooms and set aside.
3. Add remaining butter and garlic to the skillet, cooking until fragrant.
4. Add shrimp, season with paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
5. Return mushrooms to the skillet, stir in lemon juice, and coat everything in garlic butter.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

Peel and devein the shrimp, slice the mushrooms, mince the garlic, and chop the parsley.

Step 2: Cook the Mushrooms

Heat 2 tablespoons butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, and sauté 4-5 minutes until golden and tender. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Garlic

In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and add minced garlic. Sauté 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Add shrimp to the skillet, season with paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking to keep them tender.

Step 5: Combine Mushrooms and Shrimp

Return the sautéed mushrooms to the skillet. Stir in fresh lemon juice and toss everything to coat in the garlic butter sauce.

Step 6: Serve

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

How to Serve

• Serve over pasta, rice, or quinoa to soak up the garlic butter sauce.
• Pair with crusty bread to enjoy every drop of sauce.
• Add a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Do not overcook shrimp; they cook quickly and become rubbery if left too long.
• Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
• Squeeze additional lemon over the top for extra brightness.
• For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Variations

• Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp: Add 1/4 cup heavy cream to the sauce for a richer version.
• Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Style: Serve over linguine with extra butter and white wine.
• Add Vegetables: Include bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition.
• Spicy Cajun Version: Add Cajun seasoning or paprika for a smoky, spicy kick.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended for best texture; shrimp can become rubbery.
• Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking shrimp.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Spatula or tongs
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons

FAQ

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A1: Yes, thaw completely before cooking for best results.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: It’s best served fresh, but cooked mushrooms and shrimp can be prepped in advance and quickly sautéed when ready to serve.

Q3: Can I substitute mushrooms?
A3: Yes, bell peppers or zucchini can be used as an alternative.

Q4: How do I prevent shrimp from overcooking?
A4: Cook over medium heat and remove as soon as shrimp turn pink and opaque.

Q5: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A5: Use olive oil instead of butter and skip Parmesan if adding.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Shrimp with Mushrooms is a quick, flavorful, and indulgent dish perfect for any night of the week. The combination of succulent shrimp, earthy mushrooms, and rich garlic butter sauce makes it a restaurant-quality meal that’s easy to prepare at home. It’s versatile, satisfying, and guaranteed to impress anyone at your dinner table.