There’s nothing quite like the delightful combination of tender shrimp and sweet, buttery peas that instantly elevates a meal. I remember the first time I whipped up Shrimp with Buttered Peas after a particularly hectic day—I was seeking comfort in the kitchen, and this dish was a happy surprise that transformed the mundane into the memorable. With its vibrant colors and aromatic garlic, this recipe is not only quick to prepare but also stunning enough to impress guests at any gathering. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to break free from the fast food routine, this shrimp dish promises a culinary escape that’s both satisfying and elegant. Plus, it’s gluten-free! So, let’s dive into this easy yet delectable recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why is Shrimp with Buttered Peas a must-try?
Easy to Make: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavorful Duo: The blend of tender shrimp with sweet, buttery peas creates a mouthwatering experience that delights any palate.
Impressive Presentation: Vibrant colors make it a stunning centerpiece for dinner parties or family meals.
Gluten-Free Goodness: Enjoy a satisfying meal without the gluten worries, making it suitable for everyone.
Versatile Pairings: Serve it alongside rice or salad for a fulfilling meal that pleases a crowd. Dive into this delicious comfort food and discover its charm!
Shrimp with Buttered Peas Ingredients
Unlock the secrets to this delightful comfort dish!
For the Shrimp
• Large Shrimp – Use peeled and deveined shrimp for the best texture and flavor. Frozen shrimp can be substituted after thawing.
For the Peas
• Fresh Peas – These add sweetness and a pop of vibrant color; frozen peas work well too, just remember to thaw them first.
For the Sauce
• Unsalted Butter – Essential for creaminess in the buttery sauce; feel free to use a dairy-free alternative for a lighter option.
• Olive Oil – Prevents the butter from burning and adds a rich depth of flavor.
• Garlic – Minced finely to enhance the overall aroma and taste; fresh garlic brings the best results.
For Flavoring
• Salt – Enhances each flavor in the dish; adjust according to your preference.
• Black Pepper – Freshly ground for maximum flavor; it brings a delightful hint of spice.
• Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed juice brightens the dish and adds a refreshing acidity.
For Garnish
• Fresh Parsley – Chopped for a pop of color and a touch of herby freshness that finishes the dish beautifully.
Enjoy preparing your Shrimp with Buttered Peas!
How to Make Shrimp with Buttered Peas
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Prepare Ingredients: Start by thawing frozen shrimp if necessary. Gather all your ingredients and have them ready at hand to streamline the cooking process, ensuring a smooth experience.
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Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, heat olive oil and half of the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, letting the aromatic notes fill your kitchen.
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Cook Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn a lovely pink and opaque—the perfect sign of doneness!
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Add Peas: Stir in the fresh or thawed peas along with the remaining butter. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the peas are tender and the butter has melted into a delicious sauce.
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Season: Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and lemon juice over the mixture, gently stirring to combine all flavors, creating a wonderful burst of taste with each forkful.
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Garnish and Serve: Finish by generously sprinkling chopped parsley on top. Serve your dish warm, inviting everyone to enjoy this quick yet elegant comfort meal.
Optional: Serve with a side of rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal experience.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
Shrimp with Buttered Peas is a fantastic option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a quick and elegant dish even on your busiest days! You can pre-cook the shrimp up to 24 hours in advance; just sauté them until pink, let them cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container. The peas can also be prepped ahead by blanching them and storing in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the shrimp in a skillet with the buttery sauce, adding the freshly blanched peas until warmed through. This approach ensures every bite remains just as delicious while saving you valuable cooking time!
How to Store and Freeze Shrimp with Buttered Peas
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to maintain the shrimp’s tenderness without overcooking.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooked shrimp with buttered peas in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove with a splash of lemon juice.
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Room Temperature: This dish is best enjoyed fresh and should not be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety.
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Reheating: When reheating Shrimp with Buttered Peas, add a small amount of water or extra butter to the skillet to keep the sauce creamy and prevent drying out.
Shrimp with Buttered Peas Variations
Feel free to add your own spin to this dish and make it even more delightful!
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Scallop Substitute: Replace shrimp with scallops for a luxurious twist that brings a sweet and tender texture.
Elevate your meal with this seafood option that cooks up just as quickly! -
Chicken Option: Swap shrimp for diced, boneless chicken breast for a comforting, homey flavor.
This versatile protein will delight those who prefer poultry while keeping the dish heartwarming. -
Green Vegetables: Incorporate asparagus or snap peas for a fresh crunch and to boost the vegetable profile.
This also adds a beautiful variety of colors that will beautifully accentuate your plate. -
Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like basil or chives instead of parsley for a different aromatic flair.
This will infuse the dish with a unique, fragrant essence that lightens the overall flavor. -
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes for those who crave a bit of heat in their meal.
The heat pairs delightfully with the sweet peas, creating an exciting contrast that excites the palate. -
Citrus Zing: Use lime juice instead of lemon for a tropical twist that brightens the dish in a different way.
This substitution adds a refreshing, zesty flavor that complements the shrimp beautifully. -
Creamy Addition: Stir in a splash of heavy cream for a richer, more indulgent sauce with a velvety finish.
This change transforms the dish into a luxurious treat, perfect for special occasions. -
Gluten-Free Pasta: Serve this dish over gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for a satisfying, hearty meal.
It turns your shrimp and peas into a delightful main course that satisfies both gluten-free needs and hunger!
What to Serve with Shrimp with Buttered Peas?
To create a delightful dining experience, consider these delicious pairings that complement the vibrant flavors of this comforting dish.
- Fluffy Rice: A classic accompaniment, fluffy rice soaks up the rich butter sauce, creating a satisfying bite with every forkful.
- Garlic Bread: The crunchy, buttery goodness of garlic bread is perfect for sopping up any remaining sauce, adding an irresistible layer of flavor.
- Fresh Green Salad: A crisp salad with lemon vinaigrette adds brightness and a refreshing contrast, balancing the richness of the shrimp perfectly.
- Steamed Asparagus: Tender, steamed asparagus brings an elegant touch and earthy flavor that harmonizes beautifully with the sweet peas.
- Crispy Roasted Potatoes: Golden, crispy potatoes add a hearty element to your meal, providing a gratifying texture that pairs well with the buttery shrimp.
- Sauvignon Blanc: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc enhances the dish with its citrus notes, elevating the dining experience and refreshing the palate.
- Lemon Sorbet: For a delightful finish, serve lemon sorbet as a light dessert; its bright tartness cleanses the palate after the savory meal.
Expert Tips for Shrimp with Buttered Peas
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Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the shrimp; they should only take about 6 minutes to cook until pink and opaque. Overcooking makes them rubbery.
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Skillet Size Matters: Use a large enough skillet to prevent crowding the shrimp. This allows for even cooking and that perfect golden sear.
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Freshness is Key: Opt for fresh garlic instead of jarred. Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, enhancing the overall experience of your Shrimp with Buttered Peas.
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Thaw Correctly: If using frozen shrimp or peas, ensure they are fully thawed beforehand to avoid extra water in the sauce.
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Batch Cooking Tip: If you’re doubling the recipe, cook the shrimp in batches. This ensures they cook evenly and maintain that beautiful golden color.
Shrimp with Buttered Peas Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best shrimp for this dish?
Absolutely! When selecting shrimp, look for large, fresh, and deveined shrimp. They should have a mild sea scent, and firm texture, without any dark spots. If you’re using frozen shrimp, ensure they’ve been properly thawed to maintain quality—this can be easily done by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water for about 15-20 minutes.
How should I store leftovers of Shrimp with Buttered Peas?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best to reheat gently over low heat on the stove to avoid making the shrimp rubbery. Just a tip: adding a splash of lemon juice while reheating can help brighten the flavors!
Can I freeze Shrimp with Buttered Peas?
Very! To freeze this dish, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet over low heat. Including a little water or extra butter can help keep the sauce creamy.
What can I do if my shrimp overcooked?
If you find that your shrimp have overcooked, don’t worry too much! Adding a sauce can help add back moisture; simply mix together some melted butter, a squeeze of lemon juice, and fresh parsley, then toss it with the shrimp to help make them feel a bit more tender and flavorful.
Is this recipe safe for people with allergies?
Absolutely! This Shrimp with Buttered Peas recipe is gluten-free, which is great for those with gluten sensitivities. However, be cautious if you have shellfish allergies, as shrimp is a common allergen. Always check labels for any other ingredients you might be sensitive to, like butter or certain cooking oils.
What’s the best way to keep the peas fresh in this dish?
When choosing peas, look for bright green, firm pods if using fresh ones. Avoid any that are shriveled or discolored. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed and not sitting too long at room temperature before adding them to the dish to keep them tender and sweet!
Savory Shrimp with Buttered Peas: A Quick Comfort Meal
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare Ingredients: Start by thawing frozen shrimp if necessary. Gather all your ingredients and have them ready at hand to streamline the cooking process.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, heat olive oil and half of the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
- Add Peas: Stir in the fresh or thawed peas along with the remaining butter. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the peas are tender.
- Season: Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and lemon juice over the mixture, gently stirring to combine.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish by generously sprinkling chopped parsley on top. Serve warm.