Grab For Eats If you’re looking for a flavorful, quick, and easy shrimp recipe, then the Alton Brown Shrimp Recipe is exactly what you need. Inspired by the culinary genius of Alton Brown, this dish is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy shrimp, cooked in butter and white wine with the added depth of garlic and parsley. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the background of Alton Brown, explore the best ways to source shrimp, and take a closer look at the ingredients, preparation, and pairing ideas for this tasty dish.
Who is Alton Brown?
Alton Brown is a celebrated American chef, television personality, and author, known for his scientific approach to cooking. He gained widespread popularity with his show Good Eats on the Food Network, which ran from 1996 until 2010. The show, known for blending humor, history, and science with cooking techniques, made Alton Brown a household name. He’s also hosted The Mind of a Chef on PBS and written several best-selling cookbooks.
Alton’s cooking style is all about breaking down complicated techniques into easy-to-follow steps, and his recipes are always packed with flavor. His Shrimp Recipe is no exception—simple yet full of robust flavors, it’s the perfect dish to whip up for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Where Can You Find Shrimp?
Shrimp is one of the most widely consumed shellfish in the world, and it’s available year-round in most grocery stores. Shrimp are harvested in oceans worldwide, particularly in the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean. They are also farmed in warmer regions like Southeast Asia, Central and South America.
When shopping for shrimp, you’ll find them in various forms: fresh, frozen, raw, cooked, shelled, or with the shells on. For this recipe, it’s best to choose fresh jumbo shrimp that have been deveined and shelled. If you can’t find fresh shrimp, frozen shrimp will work just fine as long as they’re properly thawed before cooking.
To learn more about shrimp, following this link to read about 20 facts about shrimp.
Comparing Shrimp to Other Shellfish
Shrimp stands out among other shellfish for its versatility and popularity. While lobsters and crabs tend to have a firmer, meatier texture, shrimp is delicate and tender, making it a favorite for quick and easy cooking. It also cooks much faster than many other shellfish, which makes it ideal for weeknight meals.
Shrimp’s mild, slightly sweet flavor pairs well with a variety of seasonings, which is why it can be used in so many different dishes, from stir-fries to seafood pastas to shrimp cocktails. In terms of texture, it’s less chewy than squid or octopus, and more delicate than scallops, making it a go-to for dishes that require a fast, flavorful protein
The Health Benefits of Shrimp
Not only is shrimp delicious, but it’s also incredibly healthy. Packed with protein and low in calories, shrimp is an excellent choice for anyone looking to maintain a healthy diet. Here are some of the key health benefits of shrimp:
- High in Protein: Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, making it perfect for building and repairing tissues in the body.
- Rich in Vitamins & Minerals: Shrimp provides essential nutrients like vitamin B12, iodine, selenium, and phosphorus, which support energy production, immune function, and bone health.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Shrimp contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health, reducing inflammation, and supporting brain function.
- Low in Calories: At just around 85 calories per 3-ounce serving, shrimp is a great option for anyone looking to keep their meals light and nutritious.
Now that you know a bit about shrimp, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need for the Alton Brown Shrimp Recipe.
Alton Brown Shrimp Recipe Ingredients
One of the best things about the Alton Brown Shrimp Recipe is how simple and accessible the ingredients are. You don’t need anything fancy to make this dish, and it’s perfect for beginner cooks. Here’s what you’ll need:
1 Pound of Jumbo Shrimp: Choose fresh shrimp that has been peeled and deveined. If you can’t find jumbo shrimp, medium shrimp will work as well, though the cooking time may vary slightly.
3 Tablespoons Butter: This adds richness and flavor to the dish. If you prefer, you can substitute with olive oil, but butter gives a lovely creamy texture to the shrimp.
4 Cloves Garlic (Minced): Garlic adds a savory depth to the dish and pairs perfectly with shrimp’s natural sweetness.
½ Cup White Wine: Alton recommends using a dry white wine like Chardonnay for the acidity and flavor. Avoid sweet wines, as they’ll overpower the shrimp.
Salt and Black Pepper: Season to taste. You can use kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper for the best results.
½ Cup Fresh Parsley (Chopped): Parsley adds a fresh, herbal finish to the dish. It’s best to chop it coarsely rather than finely for a bit more texture.
Utensils You’ll Need for Alton Brown Shrimp Recipe
To make the Alton Brown Shrimp Recipe, you won’t need many specialized tools. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Skillet: A large, nonstick skillet works best for searing the shrimp evenly without sticking.
- Tongs or a Slotted Spoon: To remove the shrimp from the pot and the skillet without making a mess.
- Cutting Board and Knife: For peeling, deveining, and mincing the garlic and chopping the parsley.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure out your wine, butter, and seasonings accurately.
- Serving Dish: For presenting your shrimp in all its flavorful glory!
How to Make Alton Brown Shrimp Recipe
This recipe is incredibly simple and can be on your table in under 30 minutes. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1 – Prep the Shrimp: Peel the shrimp and remove the tails. Cut them in half lengthwise for a more delicate presentation (this step is optional, but it helps the shrimp cook more evenly).
Step 2 – Boil the Shrimp: Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the shrimp simmer for 3–5 minutes, or until they’re just pink and cooked through. Use tongs to remove the shrimp from the pot and set them aside.
Step 3 – Melt Butter: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Step 4 – Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 5 – Add Wine: Pour in the white wine and bring to a boil. Let it simmer for about 3 minutes, or until it reduces by half.
Step 6 – Finish the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Whisk until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 7 – Toss the Shrimp: Add the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
Step 8 – Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve immediately, enjoying the juicy shrimp with their rich, flavorful sauce.
What to Pair with Alton Brown Shrimp Recipe
This shrimp recipe is flavorful enough to be the star of the meal, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your shrimp:
- Pasta: A simple linguine or spaghetti in a garlic butter sauce would be a perfect complement to the shrimp. You could even toss the shrimp in with the pasta for a one-pan meal.
- Rice: Whether it’s a fluffy jasmine rice or a savory risotto, rice makes a great base for the shrimp.
- Vegetables: Roasted or sautéed vegetables, like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli, are light and healthy side dishes that balance the richness of the shrimp.
- Salads: A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette will provide a refreshing contrast to the savory shrimp.
- Crusty Bread: Don’t forget the bread! A piece of crusty baguette or a slice of sourdough is perfect for soaking up the flavorful garlic butter sauce.
Alton Brown Shrimp Recipe
Equipment
- skillet
- Tongs or a Slotted Spoon
- Cutting Board and Knife
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Serving Dish
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh jumbo shrimp
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup White wine
- salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prep the Shrimp: Peel the shrimp and remove the tails. Cut them in half lengthwise for a more delicate presentation (this step is optional, but it helps the shrimp cook more evenly).
- Boil the Shrimp: Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the shrimp simmer for 3–5 minutes, or until they’re just pink and cooked through. Use tongs to remove the shrimp from the pot and set them aside.
- Melt Butter: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add Wine: Pour in the white wine and bring to a boil. Let it simmer for about 3 minutes, or until it reduces by half.
- Finish the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Whisk until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Toss the Shrimp: Add the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve immediately, enjoying the juicy shrimp with their rich, flavorful sauce.
Tips
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, and overcooking them can make them tough. Be sure to cook them until they’re just pink and opaque.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic will give the best flavor, so avoid using pre-minced garlic or garlic powder.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the salt and pepper to your taste, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Nutrition
Enjoy the Simple Joys of Alton Brown Shrimp Recipe!
The Alton Brown Shrimp Recipe is a simple, quick, and flavorful dish that showcases the best of seafood. With its rich garlic butter sauce, tender shrimp, and fresh parsley, this dish will become a favorite in your cooking repertoire. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a weeknight meal, it’s sure to impress. So, grab your shrimp and get cooking!
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