The Juiciest Garlic Butter Shrimp with a Spicy Citrus Finish
A 20-Minute Gourmet Seafood Dinner with a Bright & Spicy Citrus Kick
What makes this the best garlic butter shrimp? The secret to restaurant-quality seafood is the emulsification process combined with Blazing Citrus Medium Hot Sauce. Unlike common shrimp recipes that result in a broken, oily sauce or a harsh vinegar aftertaste, our method focuses on creating a glossy, citrus-infused butter glaze. By adding our vinegar-free Blazing Citrus Medium, you introduce a "Sweet & Spicy" citrus warmth that elevates the natural sweetness of the jumbo shrimp without the biting acidity of traditional hot sauces.
Heat Level: Blazing Citrus Medium | Medium (6/10) - Sweet & Spicy
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 8 minutes
Total time: 18 minutes
Servings: 4
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories: 285
Protein: 24g
Carbs: 4g
Fat: 19g
Nutrition facts may be estimated based on standard ingredient databases.
Ingredients:
1.5 lb (680 g) Jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tbsp (60 g) Unsalted butter
2 tbsp (30 ml) Extra virgin olive oil
6 cloves (30 g) Garlic, minced
1/4 cup (60 ml) Fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped
1 tsp (5 g) Red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp (3 g) Sea salt
1 tbsp (15 ml) Fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp (30 ml) Blazing Citrus Medium Sauce
Ingredient Spotlight: Jumbo Shrimp
Selecting the right shrimp is vital for achieving the perfect texture in this dish. While smaller shrimp can become rubbery quickly, jumbo shrimp (16-20 count) provide a meaty bite that withstands the high heat of the skillet. Always look for "dry-packed" shrimp if possible, as they sear more effectively than those treated with sodium tripolyphosphate, which can cause the shrimp to leach water and steam rather than brown.
Heat It Up with Eleven Eleven Sauce: To take this dish to the next level, incorporate a flavorful hot sauce for weeknight meals like Blazing Citrus Medium Sauce. This all natural fruit-based hot sauce blends seamlessly into the garlic butter, adding a layer of citrus complexity that complements the seafood perfectly. Simply whisk it in during the final minute of cooking to ensure the bright fruit notes remain vibrant without being muted by excessive heat.
The Balanced Sweet Heat Experience
Heat Level: 6/10
Vinegar Content: 0%
Flavor Profile: Medium Spicy, Sweet
Base: Organic Citrus
Calories: 10
Total Fat: 0g
Sodium: 30mg
Total Carbohydrates: 2g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 0g
Directions: Blazing Citrus Medium should be applied liberally to lighter fare where a balance of sweetness and heat is desired. Shake well to ensure the citrus blend is consistent. It is particularly effective as a glaze for seafood or a topping for street tacos. For the best flavor experience, apply the sauce toward the end of the cooking process or as a finishing touch to prevent the natural sugars from scorching. Refrigeration after opening will help preserve the delicate sweet-heat balance.
Directions:
Pat the shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels to ensure a proper sear. Season them lightly with sea salt and red pepper flakes. Pro-Tip: Removing excess moisture is the secret to getting a golden-brown crust rather than gray, steamed shrimp.
In a large black cast iron skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons (30 g) of the butter over medium-high heat until the butter is foamy.
Add the shrimp in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons (30 g) of butter and the minced garlic. Pro-Tip: Adding the garlic toward the end of the cooking process prevents it from burning and becoming bitter, keeping the flavor sweet and aromatic.
Stir in the lemon juice and the Blazing Citrus Medium Sauce. Toss the shrimp continuously for 1 minute to emulsify the butter into a glossy sauce.
Remove from heat and garnish immediately with the fresh coriander (cilantro). Serve warm.
Tips & Variations:
Make it Smokier: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the initial seasoning rub on the shrimp. This creates a deep, wood-fired flavor profile that mimics the taste of outdoor grilling even when cooking indoors. The smokiness pairs exceptionally well with the spicy citrus notes of the sauce.
Regional Swap (Mediterranean): Replace the cilantro with fresh flat-leaf parsley and add two tablespoons of briny capers. This shift toward a Piccata-style dish brings a salty, Mediterranean flair that is perfect for serving alongside roasted artichokes or a light Greek salad.
Avoid Rubbery Shrimp: The most common mistake is overcooking the shrimp until they curl into tight "O" shapes. Aim for a "C" shape, which indicates they are perfectly cooked and still juicy inside. Carry-over heat will finish the process once they are removed from the pan.
Perfect Pasta Pairing: If serving over pasta, reserve a half-cup of starchy pasta water before draining. Add this water to the skillet along with the butter and hot sauce to create a cohesive, restaurant-style sauce that clings to every strand of noodle.
Sheet Pan Version: For a hands-off approach, toss all ingredients except the fresh herbs on a large baking sheet. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 6 to 8 minutes until the shrimp are just cooked through, then drizzle with the hot sauce before serving.
Other Users Suggest:
Replacing: Fresh garlic cloves with roasted garlic paste.
New Measurement: 1.5 tbsp (22 ml) of roasted garlic paste.
Why: It provides a more mellow, caramelized flavor that spreads evenly throughout the butter sauce.
Replacing: Searing in the skillet with air frying.
New Measurement: 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
Why: This is a great low-mess alternative that still results in a snappy texture for the shrimp.
Storage, Reheat & Freeze:
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or extra butter to prevent the shrimp from becoming tough.
Freeze: This dish is best enjoyed fresh; freezing cooked shrimp in butter can result in a grainy texture upon thawing.
People Also Ask
How do I prevent my shrimp from becoming rubbery? The most common mistake when cooking shrimp is overstaying the pan. Shrimp cook incredibly fast—usually 2 to 3 minutes per side. Watch for them to curl into a "C" shape; if they curl into a tight "O," they are overcooked and will be tough. Removing the skillet from the heat while the shrimp are just turning opaque ensures they stay succulent and tender thanks to carry-over heat.
Can I make a spicy butter sauce without using vinegar? Yes. Traditional hot sauces often contain high levels of white vinegar, which can "break" a butter sauce or make it taste curdled. Blazing Citrus Medium is 100% vinegar-free, using fresh grapefruit and lemon juice instead. This allows the sauce to emulsify perfectly with the melted butter, creating a silky, fruit-forward glaze that coats the shrimp beautifully.
What is the best type of shrimp to use for a butter sauté? Jumbo shrimp (16-20 count) are the superior choice. Because they are larger, they offer a meaty, satisfying "snap" and are less likely to overcook while you are browning the garlic. Always look for "dry-packed" shrimp, as they sear much better than "wet" shrimp, which often leach water into the pan and steam rather than sear.
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