Preparing delectable seafood like garlic butter shrimp doesn’t have to be a daunting task. This shrimp dish is a prime example of simplicity. The mouthwatering blend of buttery richness, aromatic garlic, and a subtle sweetness creates a truly irresistible flavor profile. Achieving the perfect texture is key. Overcooking can lead to a tough, unpleasant bite, making peeling a chore. You can choose to peel the shrimp beforehand or cook them with the shells on.
Both approaches have their merits and drawbacks, ultimately leaving the decision to personal preference. For me, the shell-on method streamlines the cooking process and enhances the shrimp’s visual appeal. Effortlessly impart maximum flavor into this succulent dish with minimal fuss. So what are you waiting for! Try to cook it today!
Garlic Butter Shrimp: A Simple Yet Flavorful Seafood Delight
Garlic butter shrimp is one of those dishes that instantly transports me back to family gatherings and weekend dinners. Every bite of this shrimp dish reminds me of the times my family would gather around our small kitchen in Quezon, with Lola at the helm, instructing us on the finer points of Filipino cooking. One of my favorite versions of this recipe actually came from my Tita Melinda, who insisted that the simplest ingredients can create the most remarkable flavors. Her secret was the soda marinade, which sounded unusual at first, but as she always said, “Trust the process.” And she was right; this garlic butter shrimp is pure magic in every bite.
The Secret to Juicy and Flavorful Garlic Butter Shrimp
Cooking shrimp can be tricky. One minute too long, and it becomes rubbery, but a well-cooked shrimp is tender and juicy, with a hint of sweetness. In our family, we believe marinating shrimp in Sprite or 7-Up before cooking not only adds a touch of sweetness but also helps tenderize the meat. This step, though seemingly unusual, infuses the shrimp with a light, citrusy sweetness that complements the rich butter and fragrant garlic.
Tita Melinda would always tell me to keep the shrimp shells on. According to her, cooking with the shells traps in more flavor and gives the dish a beautiful, rustic appearance. You can devein the shrimp by cutting along the back without fully removing the shell. This technique keeps the shrimp tender and flavorful while making it easier to eat. Of course, if you prefer a more refined presentation, you can peel the shrimp before cooking—both ways work, and it’s just a matter of personal preference.
A Deliciously Simple Cooking Technique
One of the best things about garlic butter shrimp is how quickly it comes together. This dish is perfect for beginners, as it requires minimal steps and ingredients yet delivers impressive results. First, you start by melting butter in a hot pan, and then comes the garlic. In our house, there’s an unspoken rule that you can never have too much garlic. As soon as that garlic hits the pan, you’ll get a waft of its mouthwatering aroma—it’s the scent that signals something delicious is on the way.
Once the garlic starts to turn golden, we add a pinch of chili flakes. This isn’t just for heat; it adds depth to the flavor, balancing the richness of the butter with a gentle kick that’s just right. Next, we add the marinated shrimp, letting it sizzle and turn a vibrant orange. This stage only takes a few minutes; overcooking the shrimp can result in a tough texture, so keeping an eye on them is key. The Sprite or 7-Up marinade is then poured in, simmering with the shrimp to create a glossy, slightly thickened sauce that clings perfectly to each piece.
A Versatile Dish for Any Occasion
Garlic butter shrimp has a versatility that makes it a wonderful addition to any Filipino meal. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a special gathering, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser. Serve it with a steaming bowl of rice, and you’ll have a meal that’s both satisfying and comforting. For special occasions, you can even add a few extra garnishes like spring onions or fried garlic, giving the dish an added layer of flavor and presentation.
The simplicity of this recipe also means it’s easy to make adjustments. If you want a little extra heat, add more chili flakes or even a slice of fresh red chili. Or, for a richer flavor, mix in a touch more butter toward the end. My cousin, Jun, once suggested adding a splash of calamansi juice, and the tangy twist was just the right touch to make the shrimp stand out. The beauty of Filipino cooking, especially with dishes like garlic butter shrimp, lies in how you can tailor it to your family’s tastes.
A Nostalgic Taste of Filipino Cuisine
The history of garlic butter shrimp, like many Filipino dishes, reflects a blend of flavors and influences. While the idea of cooking with butter and garlic might have European roots, Filipinos have embraced and adapted it, infusing it with local ingredients and flavors. Adding soda to tenderize and flavor the shrimp is a distinctly Pinoy twist, one that gives this dish its unique character. For many Filipino households, including mine, cooking this dish isn’t just about feeding the family; it’s about connecting to memories and traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Every time I cook garlic butter shrimp, I think of the times when my family would gather around the table, eagerly waiting for a serving of this aromatic dish. The air would be filled with laughter and stories, everyone’s faces glowing in the warmth of our cozy kitchen. It’s a dish that doesn’t require fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients—just a few simple steps, a generous amount of garlic, and a heaping spoonful of love.
Why You Should Try This Garlic Butter Shrimp Today
If you’re new to cooking or simply looking for an easy yet delicious seafood dish, Garlic butter shrimp is a wonderful choice. The flavors are straightforward but incredibly satisfying, with the sweetness of shrimp, the richness of butter, and the aromatic punch of garlic creating a truly irresistible combination. It’s a dish that brings people together, perfect for sharing and savoring. So next time you’re craving something comforting and flavorful, grab some fresh shrimp, and give this recipe a try. It’s a taste of home, tradition, and family warmth, all in one delightful bite.
Garlic Buttered Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 kilo large shrimps washed and trimmed
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 2 Tbsp. butter
- 1 cup Sprite or 7-Up softdrinks
- 1/2 tsp. chili flakes optional
- salt and pepper to taste
- chopped spring onions
Instructions
How to Cook Garlic Buttered Shrimp
- Wash and clean the shrimps then trim the antennae and rostrum teeth. You can also devein the shrimps by cutting the shell on the dorsal side of the shrimp and picking it out with a toothpick. Then marinate it with Sprite or 7-Up softdrinks.
- In a pan or wok, put the butter and heat until it melts. Saute garlic and chili flakes until garlic is slightly brown. Drain the shrimps from the soda and put in the shrimps in the pan.
- Saute until the shrimps turns orange then add the marinade. Bring to a boil and simmer until the liquid evaporates in half.
- Season with salt and pepper and stir. Garnish with spring onions or fried garlic. Serve hot with steaming cooked rice.
Video
Notes
Cooking Tips for Irresistible Garlic Buttered Shrimps
Marinate with Soda for Added Sweetness and Tenderness
Marinating shrimp in Sprite or 7-Up before cooking isn’t just for flavor—it helps tenderize the shrimp, making them plump and juicy. The soda adds a subtle sweetness that balances beautifully with the richness of the garlic and butter. Let the shrimp marinate for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to absorb fully.Use Shell-On Shrimp for Maximum Flavor
Cooking shrimp with their shells on locks in flavor and moisture, preventing them from drying out or becoming rubbery. The shells also add a hint of briny depth that enhances the overall taste of the dish. If you prefer easy eating, consider cutting along the back to devein while still keeping the shell intact.Don’t Overcook the Shrimp
Shrimp cook very quickly, usually just a few minutes on each side. Overcooking can make them tough and rubbery, so watch for the color to turn a vibrant orange and remove from heat promptly. Simmer the sauce with the shrimp briefly—just until it thickens slightly—to keep the texture tender and juicy.
How long do you marinate the shrimps in soda?
Hi Chen, you can marinate it for 15 minutes.
This recipe is the best one we’ve found, and our whole family loves it. Thank you for sharing it, and bringing us back to the taste of the homeland!
HI Ken! your welcome and thanks for sharing your thoughts! ðŸ˜
Hi, the Garlic Butter Shrimp article it
is well written and is very useful.
Hi Cyndi, thanks for the kind words!