Get ready to elevate your seafood game with the most mouthwatering, melt-in-your-mouth Butter and Herb Poached Shrimp that will make your taste buds dance! Imagine succulent shrimp bathing in a luxurious herb-infused butter sauce that's so incredibly delicious, you'll want to lick the plate clean. This restaurant-quality dish looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to prepare, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Shrimp
- Butter
- Fresh herbs (thyme, parsley)
- Garlic
- Lemon juice
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: fresh shrimp (about 1 pound, peeled and deveined), 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, a handful of fresh herbs (such as thyme and parsley), 2 cloves of garlic (minced), and the juice of 1 lemon.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Ensure the butter does not brown; you want it just melted and gently bubbling.
- Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to let it burn.
- Next, add the fresh herbs to the saucepan. If using thyme, you can add whole sprigs, while parsley can be roughly chopped. Stir the herbs into the garlic butter mixture.
- Pour in the lemon juice, stirring to combine all the flavors. Allow the mixture to simmer for another minute to infuse the herbs and garlic into the butter.
- Once the butter mixture is ready, gently add the shrimp to the saucepan. Ensure they are evenly coated with the butter and herbs.
- Cover the saucepan with a lid and let the shrimp poach in the butter mixture for about 5-7 minutes. The shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Once cooked, remove the saucepan from heat. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the shrimp to a serving platter.
- Drizzle the remaining butter and herb mixture over the shrimp for added flavor. Optionally, garnish with additional fresh herbs or lemon wedges.
- Serve the butter and herb poached shrimp warm, accompanied by crusty bread or over a bed of rice or pasta, if desired.
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- Keep the heat low when melting butter to prevent browning and maintain a delicate flavor.
- Choose fresh herbs for maximum aromatic impact - thyme and parsley work beautifully.
- Don't overcook the shrimp! They should turn pink and opaque, which typically takes 5-7 minutes.
- For extra flavor, try adding a splash of white wine to the butter mixture.
- Use large or jumbo shrimp for the most tender and juicy results.
- Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the shrimp at their peak tenderness.
- Save the leftover herb butter sauce - it's delicious drizzled over bread or vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 190mg
