Dirty Shrimp in Butter Beer Sauce
Dirty Shrimp in Butter Beer Sauce is a bold and flavorful seafood dish that combines tender, juicy shrimp with a rich, malty butter beer sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe delivers a gourmet experience using simple ingredients and comes together in under 30 minutes. The savory butter and beer meld seamlessly with garlic, smoked paprika, and a hint of lemon, making it an irresistible favorite for seafood lovers.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Shrimp
- 1 pound medium-sized fresh or thawed shrimp, shells on
Butter Beer Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup lager or pale ale beer
- 3 cloves garlic, freshly minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Prepare the Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. If not already done, remove the veins while keeping the shells on to preserve flavor. Set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Spices: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the freshly minced garlic, smoked paprika, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook gently for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is soft and fragrant without browning.
- Cook the Shrimp: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and curl up, stirring occasionally to coat them evenly with the butter and spices.
- Add the Beer: Slowly pour the lager or pale ale into the skillet, being careful to avoid splashing. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it reduce slightly for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to form a luscious sauce that clings to the shrimp.
- Finish with Lemon and Seasoning: Remove the skillet from heat. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss gently to blend all the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top just before serving to add color and a mild herbal brightness.
Notes
- Use the freshest shrimp possible for best texture and flavor absorption.
- Avoid overcooking shrimp; remove them as soon as they turn pink and firm to maintain tenderness.
- Choose mild lagers or pale ales rather than bitter or dark beers to complement the sauce.
- Add spicy elements like red pepper flakes gradually to balance the heat according to your preference.
- Cook garlic gently to release sweetness without burning, enhancing the overall flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
Keywords: dirty shrimp, butter beer sauce, seafood recipe, easy shrimp recipe, gluten free shrimp, quick dinner, seafood appetizer