This Christmas Shrimp Recipe Will Steal the Show at Your Holiday Dinner!

Name: This Christmas Shrimp Recipe Will Steal the Show at Your Holiday Dinner!
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 lb 450g large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/4 cup white wine; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped; Lemon wedges, for serving

Tamanna December 20, 2024

I remember my grandmother's Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi from holidays past. The smell of garlic and the taste of shrimp were unforgettable. These moments inspired me to try new festive seafood dishes and holiday shrimp recipes.

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As the air gets crisp and the streets light up, I look forward to Christmas. It’s a time to be with loved ones and enjoy special flavors. Shrimp dishes add a touch of elegance to the holiday table.

Welcome to Your Next Favorite Holiday Recipe!

Why This Christmas Shrimp Recipe Is Perfect for Your Holiday Table

It’s time to plan your festive menu for the holiday season. Shrimp is a favorite for holiday seafood traditions. This easy Christmas shrimp recipe adds a fun twist to the classic shrimp cocktail, making your holiday feast unforgettable.

Quick and Easy Preparation Overview

This Christmas shrimp recipe is quick and easy to make. It only takes 15 minutes of hands-on time, perfect for hosts who want to enjoy their time with guests. The pan-searing method gives it a crispy texture and rich flavor, making it a standout dish.

Essential Ingredients and Kitchen Tools

It would be best to have a few key ingredients and basic tools to make this tasty Christmas shrimp recipe. Let’s explore what you’ll need:

Large Skillet or Frying Pan – For cooking the shrimp and making the sauce.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula – Stir and toss the shrimp without scratching your pan.
Garlic Press or Chef’s Knife – To mince the garlic.
Measuring Spoons and Cups – For precise measurement of butter, spices, and liquids.
Citrus Juicer – To extract fresh lemon juice easily.
Tongs – For flipping and removing the shrimp from the skillet.
Serving Platter – To present the dish beautifully.

Optional

Microplane Zester – If you want to add a bit of lemon zest for extra flavor.
Colander – To rinse the shrimp before cooking.

Creative Presentation: Christmas Tree Shrimp Display

This presentation is not only beautiful but also simple to set up. By arranging the cooked shrimp in a tree shape, you’ll create a memorable and impressive appetizer.

To make the Christmas tree shrimp display, start with the largest shrimp at the base of the platter. Gradually decrease the number of shrimp as you move up. Use a celery stalk or skewer as the “trunk.” Garnish with fresh rosemary, tart cranberries, and a lemon star for the tree topper.

Make-Ahead Tips and Storage Guidelines

The Christmas shrimp recipe is super easy to make ahead. It’s perfect for holiday parties or as a tasty appetizer. Here are some tips and guidelines to keep your shrimp dish fresh and delicious.

Proper Storage Methods

You can prep the shrimp a day before. Just cook them but don’t add the butter yet. Put the shrimp on a platter, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Then, reheat the shrimp and toss with butter before serving.

For longer storage, freeze the shrimp for up to 3 months. Cool them down, then put them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently until warm.

Reheating Instructions

When reheating, include the butter to keep the shrimp tender. Warm the shrimp over low heat, stirring often, until they’re hot. Don’t use the microwave, as it can make the shrimp tough.

Serving Suggestions and Accompaniments

Start by offering a classic cocktail sauce for dipping. The tangy, slightly spicy sauce complements the sweetness of the shrimp perfectly. Serve it alongside toasted baguette slices brushed with fragrant olive oil for a simple yet sophisticated presentation.

For added flavor and texture, consider arranging a platter with a block of feta cheese, briny olives, and zesty marinated onions. These complementary ingredients will provide a delightful contrast to the shrimp. They offer your guests an array of flavors to explore.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Preparing the perfect Christmas shrimp requires attention to detail. Let’s tackle a few common problems and share tips for a flawless dish.

Avoiding Overcooked Shrimp

One big challenge with shrimp is making them tough and rubbery. To avoid this, remove them from heat when they turn opaque. Shrimp will cook a bit more after they’re off the heat. So, it’s safer to undercook them a bit.

If the shrimp curl up too tightly, they’ve been overcooked. This is a clear sign.

Ensuring Even Cooking

Proper thawing is crucial for frozen shrimp. Uneven thawing can cause some parts to cook faster, leading to uneven texture. Always thaw shrimp in the fridge before cooking.

If the marinade is too strong, try reducing the marinating time. Or, dilute it with a bit of olive oil.

Last Word

This Christmas shrimp recipe is a great holiday appetizer. It combines shrimp cocktail flavors with a fun twist. It’s also easy, low-carb, and keto-friendly, making it perfect for health-conscious hosts.

This easy holiday recipe and festive shrimp appetizer is a hit. It’s easy to make ahead and tastes amazing. Your guests will love it, whether it’s on its own or with other holiday dishes.

This Christmas Shrimp Recipe Will Steal the Show at Your Holiday Dinner!

Cooking Method: 10-Minute Salads Cuisine: Christmas Recipe

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 10 mins Total Time 20 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 230

Best Season: Perfect for Christmas and winter holidays, but it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round.

Description

The Garlic Butter Christmas Shrimp recipe is a showstopper that combines the warmth of holiday flavors with the zestiness of fresh shrimp. Whether you’re hosting a grand Christmas dinner or a cozy family night, this recipe is guaranteed to delight. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with your favorite sides—think buttery rolls, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp holiday salad. Let's make this Christmas meal unforgettable!

Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp

Rinse shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Sauté Garlic

Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the skillet and turn the heat up to medium-high. Cook until the shrimp are opaque and pink, 2 to 3 minutes per side.
Deglaze the Pan

If using wine, pour it into the skillet and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Add lemon juice.
Finish with Butter and Herbs

Stir in the remaining butter and parsley. To coat the shrimp, toss them in the sauce.
Serve

Transfer the shrimp to a serving dish. Garnish with more parsley and serve alongside lemon wedges.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 230kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 16g25%
Saturated Fat 8g40%
Cholesterol 180mg60%
Sodium 680mg29%
Total Carbohydrate 3g1%
Protein 22g44%

Vitamin A 600 IU
Vitamin C 4.8 mg
Calcium 50 mg
Iron 1.8 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Cooking Temperature will be medium to medium-high heat on the stovetop.
Pair this dish with crusty bread, pasta, or rice to soak up the garlic butter sauce.
Add a festive touch by serving on a platter decorated with fresh rosemary sprigs or cranberries.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just ensure you thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can do this quickly by placing them in a bowl of cold water for about 15 minutes.

How do I prevent overcooking the shrimp?

Shrimp cook very quickly! Once they turn pink and opaque, remove them from the heat immediately to avoid a rubbery texture.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Replace butter with a plant-based alternative or olive oil for a dairy-free version.

What sides pair well with this dish?

Garlic butter shrimp pairs beautifully with garlic bread, pasta, roasted vegetables, or a light salad. For a festive touch, consider serving with cranberry couscous or a winter rice pilaf.

This Christmas Shrimp Recipe Will Steal the Show at Your Holiday Dinner!