The Secret to Perfectly Seasoned Shrimp Alfredo

Shrimp alfredo is one of those classic comfort food dishes that never seems to go out of style. Creamy, garlicky, and loaded with succulent shrimp, a well-made shrimp alfredo is the ultimate crowd pleaser. But as simple as this pasta dish may seem, there are a few little tricks that can take your shrimp alfredo from basic to spectacular.

One of the most important elements for standout shrimp alfredo is properly seasoned shrimp. The shrimp itself provides a sweet briny base while the alfredo sauce delivers rich, savory creaminess. By seasoning the shrimp thoughtfully, you can make sure those components sing in harmony. Under-seasoned shrimp will get lost beneath the creamy sauce, while over-seasoned shrimp will clash with it. The goal is to enhance the natural sweetness of the shrimp so it can hold its own against the alfredo.

So let’s break down the best practices for seasoning shrimp for the perfect shrimp alfredo every time

Start with High Quality Shrimp

Great shrimp alfredo starts before you even turn on the stove. It’s important to select high quality, fresh shrimp that will really shine when paired with the alfredo sauce. Here are a few tips for choosing great shrimp:

• Go for fresh not frozen Fresh shrimp will have the sweetest briniest flavor and firmest texture that won’t get lost amidst the alfredo sauce. Frozen shrimp tends to be less flavorful and can turn mushy when cooked.

• Pick up raw, shell on shrimp: Shrimp sold raw, with the shells still on, will have the freshest flavor. The shells help lock in moisture and prevent the shrimp from drying out.

• Look for plump, firm shrimp: Avoid any shrimp that smell fishy or look dingy. The shrimp should look plump and glossy, with tightly curled tails.

• Buy similar sized shrimp: Uniformly sized shrimp will cook evenly. I like to use extra large or jumbo shrimp.

• Use tail on or peeled: It’s personal preference whether you want to use shrimp with the tails removed or left on. It doesn’t affect flavor.

Starting with the highest quality shrimp you can find guarantees you’ll have sweet, succulent shrimp that will really sing once seasoned and paired with the creamy sauce.

Prepare the Shrimp for Cooking

Before seasoning, the shrimp need a little prep. Here’s how:

• Peel and devein: If using shell on shrimp, peel off the shell. Use a paring knife to slice along the back of the shrimp to expose the digestive tract. Remove it by lifting it out or using the tip of the knife.

• Rinse the shrimp: Give peeled and deveined shrimp a quick rinse under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris.

• Pat dry: Make sure excess moisture is thoroughly patted off with paper towels. Wet shrimp will have a hard time absorbing seasoning.

With the shrimp prepped, it’s time to get seasoning!

Expertly Season the Shrimp

Seasoning the shrimp may seem simple, but there are some nuances that can take your shrimp alfredo from fine to fantastic.

• Season lightly with salt: Salt is essential for bringing out the natural sweetness and briny flavor of the shrimp. But don’t overdo it prior to cooking, as the cooking process will further concentrate the saltiness. A light sprinkle will do.

• Give a pinch of pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper adds a little spice and vibrancy to balance the sweetness of the shrimp.

• Consider a touch of Old Bay seasoning: This classic seafood seasoning complements shrimp beautifully, with Savory notes of celery seed and paprika. Use a light hand so it doesn’t overpower.

• Mix in lemon-garlic magic: For next-level shrimp, combine minced or grated garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and olive oil for a marinade. Let the shrimp marinate 15-30 minutes for incredible flavor.

• Coat with Cajun spice: A blend of paprika, garlic, cayenne, thyme and more gives a flavorful Cajun flair.

• Keep it herby: Chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, oregano, or thyme can provide a flavor boost.

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes: For a hint of heat that cuts through the rich alfredo sauce beautifully.

The options are endless for seasoning shrimp in ways that complement the rich alfredo sauce, without overshadowing it. Aim for restrained, purposeful seasoning that enhances the shrimp’s inherent flavors.

Best Practices for Cooking the Shrimp

Once your shrimp is perfectly prepped and seasoned, it’s time to cook. Follow these tips for flawlessly cooked shrimp:

• Use a skillet: Cooking the shrimp in a skillet allows you to control temperature and cook time better than boiling.

• Don’t overcrowd: Cook shrimp in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Work in batches if needed to avoid crowding.

• Get the skillet hot: Have the skillet hot before adding oil or butter and shrimp. The initial sear helps lock in moisture.

• Use oil or butter: Coat the pan with high heat oil like canola or vegetable oil. Butter can also be used for extra richness.

• Cook briefly: Shrimp overcooks quickly. Cook for just 1-2 minutes per side until opaque and curled.

• Check for doneness: Cut into a thicker shrimp to check it’s opaque throughout. Remove immediately if done.

• Avoid overcooking: Overcooked shrimp will be tough and rubbery. Better to slightly undercook, as they’ll continue cooking once removed from heat.

Cooking the shrimp properly ensures all your seasoning efforts don’t go to waste.

Put it All Together for Perfect Shrimp Alfredo

Armed with tips for choosing, preparing, seasoning, and cooking shrimp, you have all the secrets to elevating your shrimp alfredo. Here’s a recap:

• Start with the highest quality fresh shrimp. Raw, shell on shrimp is ideal

• Prep shrimp by peeling, deveining, rinsing, and patting dry

• Season shrimp lightly to complement the alfredo sauce. Think salt, pepper, Old Bay, garlic, lemon, herbs

• Cook shrimp in a hot skillet just until opaque and curled

• Toss cooked shrimp with creamy alfredo sauce and pasta

• Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and freshly chopped parsley

With properly seasoned shrimp as your base, you simply can’t go wrong when it comes to creating the ultimate shrimp alfredo. I hope these tips take your shrimp alfredo game up a notch! Just be warned—once you start making next level shrimp alfredo, requests for it may never stop.