Description
A flavorful and hearty Garlic Butter Shrimp and Quinoa recipe combining tender shrimp sautéed with garlic and chili powder, paired with fluffy, savory quinoa cooked in broth. Perfect for a quick yet elegant meal rich in protein and aromatic butter-garlic sauce.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Garlic Butter Sauce
- 1 pound raw tail-on shrimp
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, divided
- 5 teaspoons minced garlic, divided
- 1 teaspoon chili powder, divided
- Salt and pepper to taste
Quinoa
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cups uncooked quinoa
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for serving
- Fresh lemon juice for serving
Instructions
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick pot over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add 2 teaspoons of minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Cook Quinoa: Add the uncooked quinoa, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, salt, and pepper to the pot. Sauté for 1 minute to toast the quinoa lightly and enhance flavor. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the quinoa is soft and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and toss with fresh minced parsley.
- Cook Shrimp: While the quinoa cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted and hot, add the shrimp and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon chili powder. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté the shrimp until no longer translucent and golden brown on the outside, about 3-4 minutes. Near the end, add 1 teaspoon minced garlic and swirl it in the pan until fragrant.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: Melt the remaining 5 tablespoons of butter with 2 teaspoons minced garlic in a small saucepan or microwave until fragrant to create a garlic butter sauce for drizzling. Crushed garlic or garlic paste can be used as alternatives.
- Serve: Plate the fluffy quinoa and cooked shrimp together. Top with additional fresh chopped parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired. Drizzle the warm garlic butter sauce over the shrimp and quinoa. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth for added flavor.
- Use crushed garlic or garlic paste in the butter sauce for a smoother texture.
- Adjust chili powder amount to suit your spice preference.
- Serving with fresh lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the richness of the garlic butter.
- Tail-on shrimp adds visual appeal but can be substituted with peeled shrimp for easier eating.