Easy Sautéed Shrimp (5 minutes!)

Succulent, easy sautéed shrimp can be enjoyed on their own or as a side dish. Healthy and, with the mix of spices, exploding with taste.

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I remember when I first caught sight of the little gray shrimp in the supermarket, I thought, Who in their right mind would want to eat this?! Then the magic happened. Only a few moments after being placed in the pan, these little guys went from a lackluster gray to a resplendent pinkish, orangey, red color.

Then the flavor happened. Seasoning and spices AND BUTTER were added. In the span of just a few minutes, they went from something you’d find, well… in the bottom of the ocean to something served in the finest restaurants.

There are so many ways to prepare shrimp but I’ve compiled this recipe, which goes over one of the more basic methods: easy sautéed shrimp.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This is the best way to sauté shrimp. Taste it and then get back to me.
It’s quick, easy, and healthy!
It is not only easy to cook, but it’s also full of nutrition and health benefits.
They are the perfect choice for an uncomplicated and healthy dinner.

Is Sautéed Shrimp Healthy?

Shrimp is an excellent source of high-quality proteins and omega-3 fatty acids. Cooking it in the extra-virgin olive oil increases the amount of healthy fats in the meal, while the parsley is a good source of vitamins and minerals. It does include a bit of butter but a tablespoon is negligible and brings so much flavor.

INGREDIENTS

To cook the shrimp, you need only the shrimp (natch!) and the olive oil. The rest of the ingredients are spices and seasoning intended to make the shrimp tasty.

½ lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tsp smoked paprika powder
pinch of salt and pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp cumin powder
1 tbsp butter, cold
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
bunch of parsley

INSTRUCTIONS

Prep

Peel and devein shrimp, leaving the tail on. Once the shrimp are clean, pat dry with a paper towel and place in a mixing bowl.

Marinate

Combine the spices in a small bowl and mix well. Marinate the shrimp with the spices and olive oil.

Saute

Heat a skillet on HIGH. Add the marinated shrimp in one even layer. Sauté for 2 minutes, then flip the shrimp and cook for another 2 minutes. Turn off the heat and add the cold butter.

Garnish

Transfer the sauteed shrimp to a plate and garnish with lemon wedges and parsley.

DEVOUR!

Variations

Substitute the lemon for lime to get a more bitter flavor.
Replace the parsley with other herbs, like fresh mint, chervil, or dill.
Feel free to use other seasonings for this recipe, like mustard powder or dried oregano.

Serving Suggestions

You can have the shrimp as a side dish or as the main entree alongside veggies and/or starches.

Keto Steak with Garlic Butter Mushrooms: Steak and shrimp make a natural pair (sort of a ‘surf n turf’ kinda thing) but what makes this particular meal so right is the garlic butter mushrooms, which will work nicely with the garlic and butter in the shrimp.

Juicy Grilled Chicken Breast: This chicken is a great complement for the shrimp as it lets the flavor of the seafood do the talking. (Chicken is very polite that way!)

Parmesan Roasted Ranch Cauliflower with Avocado: Serve your shrimp as the main attraction and set alongside it this cauliflower and avocado dish. Fiber, good fats, and the Parmesan makes it kid friendly.

Classic Succotash: It’s a classic for a reason. A fresh side featuring onion, corn, pepper, and tomatoes. (It also contains bacon but it’s up to you whether to include it when serving with shrimp.)

FAQs

My shrimp tastes bland and rubbery. What did I do wrong?

You might have overcooked the shrimp. Don’t cook them for more than 4 minutes. Your shrimps are ready when they turn into a light pink color. Use large shrimps to maximize juiciness and prevent overcooking.

What type of shrimp should I use for this recipe?

Shop for large, fresh shrimp. Large shrimp are labeled as 31 to 40 counts per pound. If you are looking for a sustainable choice, go for shrimp that are wild-caught.

Can I use other seasonings for this recipe?

Yes, of course. Feel free to use seasonings of your choice! You can create your own seasoning blend. Use honey, fresh garlic, or herbs like dried rosemary to make this dish even more flavorful.

How to Store Easy Sautéed Shrimp

Let the shrimp cool completely. Place in an airtight container and store in the fridge. It should last for up to 3 days, but after that, the quality of the shrimp will diminish. You can also freeze the shrimp for up to 3 months. Again though, the taste and texture may have been compromised. To warm the shrimp up, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm it in a pan on LOW.