Welcome to one of the holy grails of shrimp dishes, Chef John's Ultimate Garlic Shrimp! Brought to you by the renowned Food Wishes, this recipe takes the quintessential flavors of garlic and melds them with the succulence of shrimp, creating a dish that's not just easy to prepare but irresistibly delicious. This is no ordinary garlic shrimp recipe—it's laced with a secret ingredient that will leave your guests guessing and praising. Let's dive into this culinary treasure and get those taste buds dancing!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Fresh Italian parsley, chopped (reserve half for garnish)
- 6 cloves of garlic, minced
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
- The juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon of caper brine (from a jar of capers)
- 4 tablespoons of cold butter, cut into four pieces
- Olive oil, for frying
- Salt, to taste
- Optional for serving: Toasted bread, pasta, rice, or potatoes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Equipment: Heavy skillet, tongs, spoon, prep bowls.
Instructions:
1. Make sure to prep all ingredients—this is vital for the swift assembly of the dish, or as the Foodies would say, mise en place. Begin by keeping your peeled and deveined shrimp at the ready, alongside your freshly chopped Italian parsley, minced garlic, and other ingredients.
2. Infuse the lemon juice with the tablespoon of caper brine for that unique flavor twist Chef John is known for.
3. Heat your heaviest skillet on the highest heat setting. Once hot, coat the bottom with olive oil.
4. Wait for the first wisps of smoke to rise from the skillet before adding the shrimp. Arrange them in an even layer and resist the urge to move them for about 1 minute, allowing them to sear. Then, season with salt and skip the pepper as the chili flakes will bring the heat.
5. After that minute, use your tongs to toss the shrimp for about another minute. You’re looking for them to be roughly halfway cooked—just beginning to color on the outside while still translucent within.
6. Introduce your garlic and chili flakes to the shrimp. Keep the pan moving for about a minute, ensuring the garlic doesn’t brown. Everything here is quick and focused—don’t let things settle.
7. Pour in the zesty mix of lemon juice and caper brine, add one chunk of butter, and half of your chopped parsley. Stir this vigorously, enjoying the amalgamation of flavors.
8. Once that first piece of butter has melted, reduce the heat to low and introduce the remaining pieces of butter. As they melt into the sauce, you're nearly ready to serve.
9. Taste and adjust the seasoning. You might not even need this step, but it's always good to check.
10. Place your garlic shrimp atop a bed of your chosen starch or toasted bread, then lavish it with the sauce, ensuring it’s just the right consistency—a little water can loosen it if needed.
11. Scatter the remaining parsley over your dish for that fresh, herbaceous hit.
12. Serve immediately and bask in the glory of your kitchen prowess!
This recipe serves approximately 2-4 people, depending on what you choose to serve the shrimp with. The tangy caper brine and zesty lemon make for a sauce that is unforgettable, while the heat from the red pepper flakes dances around the sweetness of the shrimp, creating a balance that's hard to top. This is a perfect dish for a swift weeknight pleasure or a show-stopper at a fancy gathering. Happy cooking, and enjoy your Ultimate Garlic Shrimp!
Attribution: Recipe adapted from Chef John at Food Wishes, https://www.youtube.com/@foodwishes
Cooking Tips:
- Using a heavy skillet retains heat better and provides a great sear for the shrimp.
- For even cooking, don't overcrowd the pan when you add the shrimp.
- To avoid overcooking, have everything prepped in advance because the cooking process is quick.
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