Shrimp and basil is a quick, flavor-packed dish that brings together bright lemon, fragrant garlic, and fresh basil. The buttery sauce clings to the shrimp perfectly, making it ideal for swirling with pasta or soaking up with crusty bread. It’s simple, bold, and layered with the kind of comfort food flavor that hits every note.
FEATURED STANDOUTS
Shrimp
Shrimp are chosen for their inherent sweetness and tender texture. When cooked to perfection, they become succulent vessels, beautifully absorbing the rich, buttery, and garlicky sauce, delivering a burst of flavor with every bite.
Butter
More than just a cooking fat, butter is the heart of the sauce. Its rich and velvety consistency forms a luxurious base. Each subsequent layer of flavor melds and develops. This process contributes to the dish’s overall creaminess and depth.
Garlic
Garlic infuses the butter with its distinctive pungency. When slowly and gently cooked, its sharp edges soften. It transforms into a mellow, savory warmth. This warmth permeates the entire dish without overpowering it.
Basil
Fresh basil, is absolutely essential. Its peppery, slightly sweet, and unmistakably aromatic notes provide a vibrant lift. These notes cut through the richness of the butter and garlic. This brightens the entire dish with its herbaceous freshness.
Lemon
The final flourish, lemon, introduces a crucial element of zest and tang. Its bright acidity acts as a counterpoint to the dish’s richness. It prevents the dish from becoming heavy. The result is a clean, balanced, and refreshingly vibrant finish on the palate.
TIPS & TRICKS FOR THE BEST BASIL GARLIC SHRIMP
Embrace Fresh Basil
For an unparalleled aromatic finish, the use of fresh basil is non-negotiable. Dried basil is convenient. However, it cannot replicate the vibrant, complex, and invigorating flavor profile that fresh leaves impart. This often results in a duller, less impactful dish.
Infuse with Care
The secret to a deeply flavorful sauce lies in slowly infusing butter with garlic. If desired, add a touch of red pepper. This gentle process prevents the garlic from burning. Burning can lead to a bitter taste. The process instead allows its aromatic compounds to slowly release. This builds a profound depth of flavor.
Avoid Overcooking
Shrimp cook remarkably quickly. The key to maintaining their tender and succulent texture is to be vigilant. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, remove them from the heat immediately. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and lose their delicate sweetness.
Preserve Lemon’s Brightness
To harness the full zesty impact of lemon, it should be added at the very end of the cooking process. High heat can diminish its bright acidity. A final squeeze ensures its vibrant, fresh notes remain intact. This provides a refreshing counterpoint to the other flavors.
Toss Just Before Serving
The ideal texture of the sauce is silky and luxurious. To maintain this, toss the cooked shrimp with the prepared sauce just before you are ready to serve. This prevents the butter from separating or becoming greasy, ensuring a perfectly emulsified and appealing presentation.
Inclusive Adaptations
Simplified Garlic Prep
Chopping garlic can be tedious for some. Others might have limited hand dexterity. In these cases, pre-minced garlic or a garlic press are excellent alternatives. These tools streamline the preparation process without compromising on flavor.
Dairy-Free Option
To accommodate individuals with dairy sensitivities, you can use plant-based butter. This is also suitable for those following a vegan diet. It can be seamlessly substituted for traditional dairy butter. This ensures that the rich, creamy base of the sauce remains intact while adhering to dietary restrictions.
Spice Sensitivity
If you prefer a milder flavor profile, you can omit the red pepper flakes entirely. You can also significantly reduce their quantity if you are sensitive to heat. This adjustment allows everyone to enjoy the dish comfortably.
Ease of Preparation
To simplify the cooking process for individuals with limited hand dexterity, pre-peeled shrimp are a convenient and time-saving option. This thoughtful adaptation reduces prep time and makes the dish more accessible.
Gluten-Friendly Serving
The basil shrimp can be deliciously served over gluten-free pasta or rice. This provides a delightful meal for those with gluten sensitivities. It offers a satisfying option for people with celiac disease. This ensures that the dish is enjoyable for a wider range of diners.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE
Skillet
Slotted spoon
Tongs
Knife
Cutting board
Similar Ingredients To
Red Chili Lime Fried Shrimp
Cajun Black Pepper Shrimp
Za’atar Broiled Shrimp & Potatoes + Orange Pink Peppercorn Cocktail Sauce
Enjoy This Recipe With
GRILLED SHRIMP W/ CAJUN BUTTER
GARLIC BUTTER SHRIMP SCAMPI
RECIPE
Basil Garlic Shrimp
Ingredients
Method
- In a large pan or skillet, heat the olive oil and half of the butter over low heat. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook gently for about 10 minutes, allowing the butter to infuse with the aromatics.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked garlic and red pepper flakes from the pan and set aside. Increase the heat to medium-high.
- Add the shrimp to the hot pan and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Return the reserved garlic and red pepper flakes to the pan. Add the remaining butter and season with black pepper. Toss everything together to combine.
- Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice and zest.
- Finish by adding the torn basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss once more to combine.
- Serve immediately with crusty bread or pasta.
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