Butter Shrimp: Shrimp Recipe in a Cast Iron Pan

Summary

Butter shrimp is a practical and flavourful seafood dish that can be prepared in a short time. Jumbo shrimp are cooked briefly in a cast iron pan with butter, garlic and spices, then served hot.

Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

Ingredients for Butter Shrimp

• 500 g jumbo shrimp

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 garlic cloves

• 1 tsp chilli flakes

• ½ tsp black pepper

• Salt

• A few sprigs of fresh parsley, optional

• Lemon, to serve

How to Make Butter Shrimp?

Preparing the Shrimp

Clean and wash the shrimp, then pat off any excess moisture with kitchen paper. Keeping the surface of the shrimp dry helps them cook more effectively in a cast iron pan.

Finely chop the garlic. If you are using jumbo shrimp, devein them if necessary depending on their size.

Cooking Shrimp in a Cast Iron Pan

Preheat the cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and butter to the pan.

Once the butter has melted, add the garlic and sauté briefly. Without allowing the garlic to become too dark, place the shrimp in a single layer in the pan.

Cook the shrimp on one side for approximately 2–3 minutes. Then turn them over and cook the other side for around 2 minutes.

Add the chilli flakes, black pepper and salt, and toss the shrimp in the butter a few times. Remove from the heat when the shrimp turn pink and become opaque in the centre.

What Should You Consider When Making Pan-Fried Shrimp?

• Remove excess moisture from the shrimp before adding them to the pan.

• Preheating the cast iron pan helps the shrimp cook quickly.

• Do not overcrowd the pan; cook the shrimp in two batches if necessary.

• Do not leave the butter over high heat for too long. Sauté the garlic briefly without allowing it to burn.

• Due to their size, jumbo shrimp may take slightly longer to cook than smaller shrimp.

• Avoid overcooking the shrimp, as cooking them for too long can make the meat tough.

How Long Does Butter Shrimp Take to Cook?

Butter shrimp generally takes around 4–6 minutes to cook, depending on the size of the shrimp. Jumbo shrimp may take slightly longer.

The shrimp turning pink and becoming opaque in the centre can be used to check whether they are cooked. Cooking time should be judged not only by the number of minutes but also by the size and appearance of the shrimp.

How to Serve Butter Shrimp?

Serve the cooked shrimp hot. You can add finely chopped fresh parsley and squeeze over some lemon before serving.

Shrimp cooked in a cast iron pan can be served hot with its buttery sauce. It can be accompanied by toasted bread, salad or seasonal greens.

Frequently Asked Questions About Butter Shrimp

How do you make butter shrimp?

Shrimp are cooked briefly in a preheated pan with butter and garlic. Once the spices have been added, the shrimp are served when they turn pink and become opaque in the centre.

How long does pan-fried shrimp take to cook?

Depending on the size of the shrimp, pan-frying generally takes around 4–6 minutes. Jumbo shrimp may take slightly longer.

Can you cook jumbo shrimp in a cast iron pan?

Yes. Jumbo shrimp can be cooked quickly in a cast iron pan. Preheating the pan and avoiding overcooking are important for achieving a good result.

Why does butter shrimp become tough?

Cooking shrimp for too long can make them tough. Cooking should be completed once the shrimp have turned pink and become opaque in the centre.

How do you make shrimp in a cast iron pan?

Preheat the cast iron pan, then add the butter and garlic. Place the shrimp in a single layer and cook both sides briefly before seasoning and serving hot.