This Garlic Parmesan Shrimp thing is a pretty tasty seafood meal that makes your tongue happy with lots of garlic and cheesy taste. It’s simple but still feels a bit fancy, so you can make it for a get-together or just dinner with your family.
Seafood’s been loved forever, and when you throw garlic in there it smells so good and brings out the sweet taste of shrimp. Garlic’s strong but nice, and it makes shrimp stand out with bold, comforting flavors. This dish shows off good ingredients and reminds you why cooking with seafood is fun.
In this article we’ll talk a bit about how garlic and seafood teamed up in different foods long ago, go over what you need to cook perfect Garlic Parmesan Shrimp, give you a step-by-step recipe, plus some tips for best results and ideas to switch it up so anyone can enjoy it how they like.
History of Garlic and Seafood in Cuisine
Garlic has been used in cooking for thousands of years. It probably started in Central Asia, then made its way to the Mediterranean. Ancient folks like Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans liked garlic not just for taste but also because they thought it was good for health. Egyptians ate it to get more energy, Greek athletes used it before contests, and Roman soldiers believed it helped them stay strong and fight off sickness.
Over time garlic spread into lots of world cuisines, changing a bit to fit local styles. In Mediterranean food you find it in hummus or tzatziki. In Asian cooking it’s in stir-fries, marinades, and sauces. Because it goes with so many dishes, garlic became a kitchen must-have that makes everything smell and taste better.
Seafood’s always been a big deal in kitchens around the world, and shrimp is a fan favorite. Shrimp’s natural sweetness pairs great with garlic, giving you a nice balance of tastes. The combo of garlic and shrimp brings out the shrimp’s freshness and turns a simple meal into something special.
Ingredients Overview
You don’t need many things to make Garlic Parmesan Shrimp, but picking the right stuff really matters.
- Fresh Shrimp: Fresh is best for firmer texture and sweeter taste. If you only find frozen, pick good quality ones and thaw them right before cooking.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. Powdered garlic works in a pinch but it’s not as tasty.
- Parmesan Cheese: Parmigiano-Reggiano is top choice for its nutty flavor. You can try other hard cheeses if you want.
- Olive Oil and Butter: Mixing olive oil and butter makes a nice base for cooking. Oil adds fruitiness, butter gives creaminess and helps get the shrimp cooked just right.
Detailed Recipe Section
Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients List
- 1 pound of shrimp: peeled and deveined
- ¼ cup of olive oil
- 4 large cloves of garlic: minced
- ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley: chopped
Directions
1. First, get the shrimp ready. If they’re frozen make sure they’re fully thawed and pat them dry so they sear better.
2. Heat olive oil in a big skillet over medium. Toss in the minced garlic and cook about 30 seconds until it smells good but don’t let it go brown or it tastes bitter.
3. Add shrimp to the pan, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook without stirring for 2–3 minutes on one side so they get a nice sear. When they turn pink and opaque flip them and cook another 2–3 minutes.
4. When shrimp are almost done, sprinkle cheese on top. Turn heat to low and let cheese melt while you stir everything gently so shrimp are coated.
5. Off the heat, add chopped parsley for a fresh taste.
6. Serve right away by itself or on pasta, rice, or with bread to soak up the sauce.
Advice for Best Results
Cook shrimp about 2–3 minutes each side so they don’t get rubbery. Watch the garlic closely so it only gets fragrant, not brown. Serve with pasta, salad, or crusty bread for a full meal.
Nutritional Information
This dish is tasty and pretty good for you. One serving is about 300 calories, 25g protein, 18g fat, and 5g carbs. Shrimp gives lean protein plus selenium, B12, and iodine. Garlic may help your heart and immune system. Pair with veggies and whole grains to keep it balanced.
Variations and Substitutions
Making it Keto-Friendly
Use spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice instead of pasta to keep carbs low.
Adding Vegetables
Throw in spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. Cook them with garlic before shrimp for a heartier meal.
Spicy Twist
If you like heat add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne with the garlic.
Dairy-Free Version
Skip the Parmesan or use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without dairy.
Pairing Suggestions
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
Pasta Dishes
Try it over spaghetti or fettuccine with a little lemon juice and olive oil.
Salad Options
A green salad with lemon vinaigrette, cherry tomatoes, avocado, or cucumber goes great.
Bread for Dipping in Sauce
Serve warm bread or garlic bread so you don’t lose any of the yummy sauce.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge up to 2 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet with a bit of olive oil. Stir gently until hot but don’t overcook or shrimp get chewy.
FAQs
What is Garlic Parmesan Shrimp?
It’s shrimp cooked in garlic and olive oil, then covered with melted Parmesan and seasonings.
How do you clean shrimp?
Rinse under cold water, peel off shell, then make a shallow cut along the back to remove the dark vein.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes but thaw completely and dry them before cooking for best results.
What’s the best type of cheese to use?
Parmesan, especially Parmigiano-Reggiano, has the richest flavor. Other hard cheeses work too.
Can I add other spices?
Sure! Try paprika, Italian seasoning, or fresh herbs to suit your taste.
What should I serve with Garlic Parmesan Shrimp?
Serve over pasta, with salad, or with crusty bread for a complete meal.
How do I know when shrimp are fully cooked?
They turn pink, opaque, and curl a bit. Usually 2–3 minutes per side.
Conclusion
Garlic Parmesan Shrimp brings together fresh seafood, garlic aroma, and cheesy richness. It’s easy, quick, and impressive for any meal, whether it’s a special night or just a weeknight dinner.
Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
Equipment
- 1 Large skillet
- 1 Measuring cups
- 1 Measuring spoons
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes Adjust to taste.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- to taste Salt and pepper
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink.
- Flip the shrimp and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fully cooked through.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Toss until the shrimp are well-coated.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
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