Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful dinner recipe? Look no further! This cast iron shrimp pan recipe is your answer. It's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks, and delivers restaurant-quality results in under 20 minutes. Get ready to impress yourself and your family with this simple yet elegant dish. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility; you can easily adapt it to your taste preferences and what you have on hand.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, chicken broth can be substituted)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Prep the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely. Season generously with salt and pepper.
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a preheated cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
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Deglaze the Pan (Optional): If using white wine, pour it into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for a minute or two until slightly reduced. If omitting wine, proceed directly to the next step.
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Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Don't overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary for even cooking.
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Finish the Dish: Stir in the lemon juice, butter, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
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Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh parsley. Serve immediately over rice, pasta, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Shrimp:
- Don't Overcook the Shrimp: Overcooked shrimp becomes tough and rubbery. Cook just until pink and opaque.
- Use a Well-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet: A well-seasoned cast iron skillet provides excellent heat distribution and helps create a beautiful sear on the shrimp.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking.
Variations:
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for a more substantial meal.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Herbs and Spices: Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as thyme, oregano, or paprika.
- Garlic Butter Sauce: For a richer sauce, increase the amount of butter and add a tablespoon of minced fresh garlic at the end.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Always consult a nutritionist for personalized dietary advice.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 5-10g
This cast iron shrimp pan recipe is a fantastic example of how easy and delicious healthy meals can be. It’s a perfect quick dinner idea, a satisfying homemade dish, and among the best recipes for a weeknight meal. Enjoy!