If you’re looking for a dish that’s elegantly simple yet packed with flavor, this Peppery Garlic Shrimp is just what you need. Imagine juicy shrimp kissed with the heat of black pepper and the zing of lemon, all coated in a rich, garlicky marinade. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel fancy while being incredibly easy to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Make: The Peppery Garlic Shrimp comes together in just minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Bursting with Flavor: Each bite delivers a punch of pepper, a zing of lemon, and the warmth of garlic.
- Versatile Dish: This recipe can be served as an appetizer or a main course, catering to various meal plans.
- Elegant Yet Simple: Impress your guests with a dish that looks gourmet but requires minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a few key ingredients, this recipe lets the natural flavors shine. These essentials create a symphony of taste and aroma that elevates the shrimp to a new level.
- Garlic: Crushed to infuse the shrimp with depth and warmth.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the shrimp.
- Crushed Black Peppercorns: The star of the show, adding a peppery kick that’s irresistible.
- Lemon Juice: A burst of citrus that brightens up every bite.
- Brandy: Imparts a subtle richness and complexity to the marinade.
- Medium Shrimp: Shelled and deveined for ease, the main protein that absorbs all the delightful flavors.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Helps in sautéing while enhancing the flavor profile.
- Fresh Parsley: Added for a touch of color and freshness.
Variations
This Peppery Garlic Shrimp is delightfully flexible, allowing you to tweak to suit your flavor preferences or dietary needs. Feel free to experiment and make it your own.
- Add a Touch of Heat: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes to bring a little spiciness.
- Citrus Alternative: Swap lemon juice with lime juice for a different citrus twist.
- Herb Infusion: Try adding fresh basil or cilantro for another layer of herbaceous flavor.
How to Make Peppery Garlic Shrimp
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Combine crushed garlic, salt, crushed black peppercorns, lemon juice, and brandy. Add the shrimp, ensuring each piece is well coated, and marinate for at least an hour in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully with the shrimp.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
Heat a skillet over medium-high and add olive oil. Pour in the shrimp along with the marinade, and sauté quickly by tossing them around. The key is to cook only until the shrimp becomes opaque, typically just 2-3 minutes for that perfect tender texture.
Pro Tips for Making Peppery Garlic Shrimp
- Perfect Pepper Crush: Use a mortar and pestle for freshly crushed peppercorns that heighten the flavor.
- Quick Cook: Ensure you don’t overcook the shrimp, which should turn opaque quickly for ideal tenderness.
- Marination Magic: Let the shrimp sit in the marinade longer for a more intense flavor profile.
- Ingredient Selection: Choose the freshest shrimp available for the best texture and flavor.
How to Serve Peppery Garlic Shrimp
Garnishes
For a touch of brightness and color, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the Peppery Garlic Shrimp before serving. A few lemon wedges can also be a delightful addition to squeeze over just before enjoying.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a light salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices. For a fuller meal, consider serving over a bed of fluffy rice or buttery mashed potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
Present the Peppery Garlic Shrimp in a vibrant dish, either family style on a large platter or elegantly plated individually. Adding a drizzle of olive oil or lemon zest can heighten the visual appeal, making it irresistible.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover shrimp in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and scrumptious for up to 2 days.
Freezing
If you need to keep them longer, freeze the shrimp in a sealable bag or container, ensuring it’s airtight. They can be frozen for up to 1 month but might slightly change in texture after being thawed.
Reheating
To reheat, simply sauté the leftover shrimp in a small skillet with a touch of olive oil over low heat, or microwave briefly, until heated through, taking care not to overcook.
FAQs
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Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for Peppery Garlic Shrimp?
While you can use pre-cooked shrimp in a pinch, fresh or raw shrimp work best, allowing them to absorb more flavor from the marinade.
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What if I don’t have brandy?
You can substitute brandy with a splash of white wine or even apple juice for a sweeter alternative.
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How can I make this dish less peppery?
If you prefer a milder taste, simply reduce the quantity of black peppercorns or swap part of it with white pepper for a subtler flavor.
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What is the best way to crush peppercorns?
For the freshest flavor, use a mortar and pestle. Alternatively, place them in a bag and gently crush with a rolling pin or hammer.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re inspired to dive into the rich flavors of this Peppery Garlic Shrimp recipe. It’s an easy, versatile favorite that promises to delight every time you serve it. Bon appétit!
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Peppery Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 75 mins
- Yield: 2 to 3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Seafood
Description
Peppery Garlic Shrimp is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp marinated in a zesty garlic, lemon, and brandy mixture, then sautéed to perfection with a robust peppercorn crust. This recipe offers a delightful balance of spice, acidity, and aroma, making it an ideal meal for seafood lovers looking for a speedy yet sophisticated dish.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 4 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon crushed black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons brandy
Shrimp and Cooking
- 1 pound medium shrimp, shelled and deveined
- 1 to 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Marinate the Shrimp: In a bowl, mix crushed garlic, kosher salt, crushed black peppercorns, lemon juice, and brandy. Add the shrimp to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to overnight for more flavor.
- Prepare to Cook: Remove the shrimp from the fridge about 10 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature.
- Sauté the Shrimp: Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, then the marinated shrimp and garlic mixture. Cook, tossing frequently, until the shrimp turn opaque and are cooked through, approximately 2-3 minutes depending on marination time and thickness of shrimp.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve immediately. Optionally, serve with extra lemon wedges for added brightness.
Notes
- Cook time can vary slightly depending on shrimp size and marination duration.
- If you prefer a milder pepper flavor, reduce the crushed peppercorns to 1/2 teaspoon or omit entirely.
- For a deeper flavor, marinate the shrimp for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
- Ensure shrimp are properly thawed and patted dry before marinating for optimal flavor absorption.
- This dish pairs well with crusty bread or a light salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 4 oz shrimp and marinade)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 165 mg
