In less than 5 minutes, you can make this quick and easy sautéed shrimp recipe. All you have to do is mix the shrimp with orange zest, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Then add a splash of lemon juice and your favorite side dish. Dinner is ready!
Are you ready for the fastest dinner ever? Shrimp is a mainstay of the Mediterranean diet, and for good reason.
The Food and Drug Administration says that a 3-ounce serving of shrimp has a whopping 21 grams of protein. Shrimp cooks quickly and can be put in anything. Im here for it.
It only takes minutes to cook shrimp, and you can add your favorite herbs and spices to them to make almost any meal taste better. From soup to pasta, eggs, and more they go with almost anything.
If you’ve ever been afraid to cook this cheap and delicate protein, don’t be! This easy sautéed shrimp recipe is just as easy for beginners as my sheet pan shrimp recipe. I will teach you everything you need to know, such as how to choose, thaw, and cook shrimp every time. Simple yet delicious, they’re great to add to all of your favorite meals!.
Shrimp is a versatile protein that can be prepared in endless ways. While butter can add flavor and richness, it’s not always needed or ideal, especially for those looking to cut calories or follow a dairy-free diet. Fortunately, there are many techniques for making succulent shrimp dishes without butter.
As a seafood lover and home cook, I often experiment with different methods of cooking shrimp without relying on butter. Over time, I’ve discovered techniques that highlight the natural sweetness of shrimp while adding layers of flavor. From quick weeknight stir-fries to elegant dinner party fare, cooking shrimp without butter can lead to amazing results.
In this article, I’ll share eight of my favorite ways to prepare juicy, flavorful shrimp without using any butter. Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant or simply want to eat healthier, these recipes prove shrimp can be downright delicious when butter is removed from the equation
Grilled Shrimp
Grilling brings out shrimp’s inherently sweet, smoky flavor. It’s one of the quickest and easiest ways to prepare shrimp without any added fat. To make grilled shrimp, I like to coat the shrimp in a marinade first to infuse flavor and prevent them from drying out.
An easy marinade consists of olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, salt and pepper Let the shrimp marinate for 15-30 minutes, then thread them onto skewers Grill the shrimp over direct high heat for just 2-3 minutes per side. The shrimp will turn opaque and develop nice char marks. Grilled shrimp is amazing served on avocado toast, over leafy greens or enjoyed on its own.
Sautéed Shrimp
For quick weeknight meals, sautéed shrimp is one of my go-to’s. Instead of butter, I use olive oil or avocado oil to cook the shrimp. After heating the oil, I’ll add minced garlic and red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Once the shrimp is opaque and lightly browned, I’ll splash in some white wine or lemon juice to create a pan sauce.
Sautéed shrimp pairs perfectly with pasta, roasted veggies or zucchini noodles. I love using larger shrimp for this method since they’ll stay juicier during the quick cooking time. Just 2-4 minutes in the pan is all it takes to prepare tasty sautéed shrimp without butter.
Baked Shrimp
For easy meal-prepped shrimp, baking is the way to go. Baked shrimp stays juicy and flavorful for several days, so I often double the recipe and keep leftovers on hand. Simply toss shrimp with olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes.
Spread the shrimp in a single layer on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Bake at 400°F for 5-7 minutes until the shrimp is firm and pink. Baked shrimp is delicious served over greens, stirred into pasta or used to top pizza. The possibilities are endless with this easy prep method.
Shrimp Kebabs
Shrimp skewers make for an easy, impressive appetizer or entree. Alternating shrimp with vegetables adds color and gives a complete meal. I like using red and green bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onion and zucchini for quick-cooking veggie options.
Soak bamboo skewers in water first to prevent burning. Thread shrimp and veggies onto the skewers, alternating ingredients. Brush with a mix of olive oil, crushed garlic, Italian seasoning and a squeeze of lemon. Grill the kebabs over direct high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp is opaque.
Shrimp Tacos
Shrimp tacos are one of my favorite ways to savor the flavor of shrimp sans butter. Simply sauté shrimp with chili powder, cumin, garlic and lime juice for a quick taco filling. Warm corn tortillas on the stovetop while cooking the shrimp for an easy weeknight dinner.
Top with shredded cabbage, diced avocado and cilantro for a flavorful taco packed with texture. The lime, chili powder and cumin beautifully complement the shrimp without relying on butter or heavy creams. Even skeptics go back for seconds!
Shrimp Fajitas
Flavorful fajitas are a cinch to make at home. Sauté shrimp with bell pepper and red onion in chili powder, cumin, garlic and lime juice. Skip the butter and let the spices do the work. Serve the fajita mix atop warm tortillas or over cauliflower rice for a gluten-free option.
Top with your choice of fixings like guacamole, pico de gallo and Mexican crema. The bold seasonings pair so well with sweet, juicy shrimp. This easy 30-minute meal satisfies my fajita cravings without butter or heavy oils.
Coconut Curry Shrimp
Curries are a butter-free way to add ultra-rich flavor to shrimp. I love this Thai-inspired coconut curry shrimp made with red curry paste and light coconut milk. Sauté the shrimp briefly, then simmer in the sauce until tender.
Serve over cauliflower rice with a garnish of cilantro and lime wedges. The red curry paste, ginger and coconut milk create an irresistible sauce that cling to each bite of shrimp. This meal comes together quickly for a weeknight dinner that feels elegant and exotic.
Jerk Shrimp Skewers
These jerk shrimp skewers offer big flavor without relying on butter or oil. The jerk seasoning adds a spicy, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of shrimp.
After marinating shrimp in jerk seasoning, lemon juice and minced garlic, thread onto skewers. Grill for just 2-3 minutes per side until charred and cooked through. Serve with grilled pineapple slices, black beans and rice, and a drizzle of creamy yogurt sauce to balance the heat. It’s an easy Caribbean-inspired meal with no need for butter.
Tips for Cooking Shrimp Without Butter
When cooking shrimp without butter, there are a few techniques I keep in mind:
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Use a nonstick pan – Stainless steel and cast iron can cause shrimp to stick without the fat from butter. A good nonstick pan helps shrimp cook up perfectly butter-free.
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Don’t overcook – Shrimp cooks fast, usually just 2-4 minutes per side. Overcooking leads to rubbery, dry shrimp. Watch closely for visual cues when shrimp is opaque and curled.
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Skewer for grilling – Smaller shrimp can slip through grill grates. Thread onto skewers to keep shrimp intact when grilling.
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Choose heartier varieties – Larger shrimp like black tiger and white shrimp hold up better to high heat cooking without drying out.
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Use bold flavors – Spices, herbs and acids help amplify flavor since you’re not relying on the richness of butter.
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Watch the heat – Cooking over high heat without butter can lead to burning. Use moderate heat and stir often.
Health Benefits of Cooking Shrimp Without Butter
Besides lending diversity to your recipes, cooking shrimp without butter has some excellent health perks:
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Lower in calories – Butter adds a significant amount of fat and calories. Cooking without it leads to lighter, healthier meals.
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Less cholesterol – Shrimp already contain cholesterol naturally. Eliminating butter helps lower the cholesterol per serving.
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Rich in nutrients – Shrimp contain protein, vitamin B12, iron, phosphorus, selenium and antioxidant carotenoids.
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Supports heart health – Cooking without excess butter reduces artery-clogging saturated fat and sodium.
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Cleaner ingredient list – You control exactly what goes into each dish when skipping processed butter.
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Allergy friendly – Cooking shrimp without dairy accommodates those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
Butter-Free Cooking Opens Up Possibilities
While butter and shrimp may seem intrinsically linked, cooking shrimp without butter opens up many culinary possibilities. Removing butter encourages creativity, leading to globally-inspired seasoning combos and lighter, healthier meals.
These eight recipes demonstrate how flavorful and satisfying shrimp can be when prepared without butter. From fast weeknight sautés to leisurely grilled skewers, the options are limitless. Forget everything you thought you knew about butter and shrimp. With the proper techniques, shrimp can shine all on their own.
Next time a shrimp recipe calls for butter, consider substituting olive oil, coconut milk or acid-based marinades. Your taste buds and your heart will thank you. Now get cooking and savor the wonderful world of butter-free shrimp!
How to Thaw Frozen Shrimp Safely
Anyway, now that that’s out of the way, there are a few safe ways to thaw frozen shrimp. You’ll know they’re done thawing and ready to cook when they become translucent and pliable.
- Put your bag of frozen shrimp on top of a paper towel to soak up any extra liquid, and put it in the fridge overnight. Leave it there for 12 hours or more, until the shrimp are completely thawed. The longer your shrimp need to thaw, the bigger they are.
- Put the shrimp in a sealable bag and put them in a large bowl of cold water. Submerge the bag in the water for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the shrimp are fully thawed.
- Direct water method: Put the shrimp right into the cold water and stir them around every three to five minutes to break up any ice chunks. This method takes anywhere from 10-15 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Sautéed Shrimp
Easy sautéed shrimp comes together with minimal ingredients but maximum flavor. Here’s everything included:
- Large shrimp: You’ll need one pound of large shrimp that has been thawed and deveined.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and sweet paprika give the food a warm, savory taste with a hint of sweetness.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Any good olive oil will work, but to make the dish taste better, I like a strong Greek EVOO like our Early Harvest.
- Minced garlic: Two cloves of minced garlic are added to the pan with the shrimp.
- Lemon: Zest and juice are the last things you need to add a bright, light flavor.
HOMEMADE COOK SHRIMPS WITHOUT BUTTER
How to make garlic butter shrimp?
Making garlic butter shrimp really boils down to three simple steps: 1. Prepare the shrimp. If the shrimp isn’t already peeled and deveined, take care of that first. Then, clean, dry, and season it with salt and pepper. 2. Cook the shrimp. Heat the oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Can I eat raw shrimp?
Eating raw shrimp is not recommended. Raw shrimp can contain bacteria that can cause food poisoning. It is also a good source of purines, which can trigger gout attacks. If you want to eat shrimp, cook it thoroughly to reduce the risk of food poisoning and to help prevent gout attacks. Cook shrimp until it is opaque and pink to ensure that it is safe to eat.
Does shrimp scampi need butter?
At restaurants, shrimp scampi is typically made with lemon, garlic, wine, and copious amounts of butter. some chefs even top it with parmesan. Sure, you can skip the cheese and swap in dairy-free butter at home. But years ago I stumbled upon a more flavorful and healthy preparation that’s doesn’t need butter of any kind and is even alcohol-free.
Can you cook shrimp on the stove?
Shrimp is so easy to cook on the stove, you’ll find yourself whipping up sauteed shrimp on the regular! Here are the basic steps for how to sauté shrimp: Step 1: Toss the shrimp with seasonings in a bowl. Use our secret seasoning blend (below), or you can simply use salt and pepper. Do this first so the shrimp are evenly coated in spices.