Sautéed Garlic Shrimp

Sautéed garlic shrimp epitomizes the simplicity and elegance of seafood cuisine, boasting a straightforward yet delectable recipe that emphasizes premium ingredients and meticulous cooking techniques. This culinary masterpiece often features plump shrimp, chosen for their sweet and briny notes, sautéed to perfection. The star of the show is undoubtedly garlic, finely minced and generously incorporated, adding a robust and aromatic layer to the ensemble. Rooted in Mediterranean culinary traditions, the history of sautéed garlic shrimp reflects the coastal influence on the recipe, with garlic as a key ingredient widely celebrated for its ability to enhance the natural flavors of seafood.

The artistry behind sautéed garlic shrimp involves a precise amalgamation of ingredients and a careful execution of culinary techniques. The shrimp, typically seasoned with salt and pepper, are introduced to a hot pan with olive oil, allowing for a quick and controlled sauté. Garlic, a ubiquitous element in Mediterranean cuisine, is added to the pan, infusing the shrimp with its pungent essence. The result is a harmonious blend of flavors that showcases the brilliance of simplicity in cooking. This timeless recipe resonates across various cultures, capturing the essence of coastal living and the enduring appeal of straightforward, yet expertly crafted, seafood dishes.

They can also be enjoyed as a Spanish tapas, served as a small appetizer or snack, tossed with fresh pasta, or served with crostini as part of Seven Fishes Tapas.

Prep Time: 10 min

Cook Time: 10 min

Total Time: 20 min

Yield: 2 servings

Garlic shrimp tossed with fresh pasta and chopped parsley.

Ingredients

  • 6 to 8 Shrimp, peeled & deveined, per serving
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • Garlic, sliced
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Fresh pasta (optional)
  • Crostini (optional)

Instructions

Setup

  1. 1.
    If tossing with pasta, put on a pot of water to boil.
  2. 2.
    Peel shrimp and remove tails.
  3. 3.
    Keep peels and tails in a bag in the freezer for shrimp stock

Cook

  1. 4.
    Heat oil in a skillet until it shimmers.
  2. 5.
    Toss in garlic and stir constantly until it turns golden.
  3. 6.
    Add shrimp to the pan and sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
  4. 7.
    Drop fresh pasta into boiling water for 2 minutes.
  5. 8.
    Saute shrimp for 3 minutes, then turn over.
  6. 9.
    Drain and rinse pasta when it's ready, but keep a ladle full of pasta water.
  7. 10.
    Sprinkle with chopped parsley and saute for 3 more minutes.
  8. 11.
    If adding to pasta, add a ladle full of pasta water to the skillet.
  9. 12.
    Toss the pasta in the skillet and sprinkle with salt.