Garlic Butter Whiteleg Shrimp (Vannamei)
Whiteleg Shrimp, also known as Vannamei, is a popular shrimp variety known for its mild flavor, tender texture, and versatility. It cooks quickly and works perfectly with garlic, butter, lemon, herbs, and spices.
This Garlic Butter Vannamei Shrimp recipe is simple but delicious. The shrimp are lightly seasoned and cooked in a rich garlic-butter sauce, creating a juicy and flavorful dish that can be served as an appetizer or a main course.
Ingredients
- 500 g Whiteleg Shrimp (Vannamei), peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 5 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges for serving
Preparation Method
- Clean the shrimp and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Season the shrimp with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Let them rest for about 5 minutes.
- Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for approximately 2–3 minutes on each side, until pink and opaque.
- Add the remaining butter and lemon juice. Gently toss the shrimp until they are coated in the garlic-butter sauce.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and remove from the heat.
- Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges.
Serving Ideas
Garlic Butter Vannamei Shrimp pairs beautifully with steamed rice, creamy pasta, toasted bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. For a more elegant presentation, serve the shrimp on a large platter with lemon slices, fresh parsley, and extra garlic-butter sauce.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Avoid overcooking the shrimp because they can become tough and rubbery.
- Patting the shrimp dry before cooking helps them brown better.
- Fresh garlic and lemon give the dish a brighter flavor.
- Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy version.
- For an extra-rich sauce, add a small splash of cream at the end of cooking.
About Vannamei Shrimp
Vannamei shrimp is widely used in seafood recipes because of its delicate taste and firm texture. It can be grilled, fried, baked, air-fried, sautéed, or cooked in sauces.
Its mild flavor makes it especially easy to combine with different seasonings and cooking styles, making it an excellent choice for both simple everyday meals and more sophisticated seafood dishes.
Final Result
The finished shrimp should be juicy, tender, lightly golden, and completely coated in a fragrant garlic-butter sauce. A final squeeze of fresh lemon adds brightness and balances the richness of the butter.