If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors, tender shrimp, and a bit of a kick, then you have to try this Spicy Drunken Shrimp Recipe. It’s one of those gems that transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable meal, perfect for impressing guests or indulging yourself on a weekday night. The combination of spicy chili flakes, tangy vinegar, and rich buttery sauce creates this vibrant, mouthwatering experience that keeps you coming back for more. Trust me, once you make this Spicy Drunken Shrimp Recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to seafood dishes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but pack a powerful punch when combined. Each element plays a crucial role — from seasoning the shrimp perfectly to building a luscious, spicy sauce that elevates the whole dish.
- Shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): The star of the show, fresh shrimp ensures tender, juicy bites.
- Salt (1 tsp): Enhances all flavors and balances the spice.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Adds a subtle, savory depth to the shrimp seasoning.
- Sweet paprika (1 tsp): Brings mild smokiness and a beautiful reddish hue.
- Black pepper (2 tsp, divided): Provides heat and complexity to both the shrimp and sauce.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): Helps sear the shrimp, locking in moisture and flavor.
- Cold unsalted butter (4 tbsp, divided): Creates a silky, rich sauce that coats each shrimp perfectly.
- Shallot (1, finely chopped): Offers a gentle sweetness and fragrant base for the sauce.
- Garlic cloves (6, minced): Infuses the dish with a vibrant punch of aroma and taste.
- Chili flakes (1 tsp, adjust to taste): Delivers the signature spicy heat that makes this recipe unforgettable.
- Apple cider vinegar or white grape juice (½ cup): Adds acidity and brightness to balance the butter’s richness.
- Fish broth or chicken broth (¾ cup): Builds the savory body of the sauce and deepens flavor.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tbsp): Finishes the dish with a refreshing citrus zing.
- Chopped parsley (2 tbsp): Brings a pop of color and fresh herbaceous notes.
How to Make Spicy Drunken Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
In a bowl, toss the shrimp with garlic powder, sweet paprika, half the salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. This step is crucial as it infuses the shrimp with layers of flavor before cooking, ensuring every bite is bursting with the perfect seasoning.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of cold butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the shrimp and sear them for about 1 minute on each side. You want a nice golden color without overcooking, keeping the shrimp tender and juicy. Remove the shrimp and set them aside while you build the sauce.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and add the finely chopped shallot and minced garlic to the same skillet. Let them soften and release their aromas for about 2 minutes. Then stir in the chili flakes alongside the remaining salt and black pepper, creating a beautifully spiced base that will bring heat and depth to your drunken shrimp sauce.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pan
Pour in the apple cider vinegar or white grape juice to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those irresistible browned bits stuck to the bottom. Those bits are flavor gold, and simmer the mixture for about 3 minutes to reduce slightly and intensify the taste. This acidic splash balances the richness to come.
Step 5: Simmer the Sauce
Add the fish or chicken broth to the skillet and bring the mixture to a boil. Then stir in the remaining butter a tablespoon at a time, whisking constantly until the sauce is smooth and emulsified. This luscious, buttery sauce clings perfectly to the shrimp, with just the right touch of heat and tang.
Step 6: Finish with the Shrimp
Return your seared shrimp to the skillet and let them simmer gently in the sauce for about 1 minute until warmed through. Just before serving, drizzle fresh lemon juice and sprinkle chopped parsley over the top. These final touches brighten the whole dish and add a fresh, herbaceous layer that feels absolutely irresistible.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Dish out your spicy, saucy shrimp right from the skillet alongside your favorite sides. Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the extra sauce, or pair it with pasta or rice for a hearty, satisfying meal. This is the moment where all your hard work pays off in spectacular flavors!
How to Serve Spicy Drunken Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing with freshly chopped parsley adds a vibrant green contrast that brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh herbal note. A few lemon wedges served alongside invite everyone to add an extra splash of zesty citrus, enhancing the spicy flavors even more.
Side Dishes
This dish is incredibly versatile when it comes to sides. Warm, crusty bread is a classic choice for mopping up the indulgent sauce. You can also serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice or silky pasta, which help balance the heat while soaking up all the delicious flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve your Spicy Drunken Shrimp Recipe in individual shallow bowls garnished with parsley and chili flakes. Plating it over lemon-infused risotto or creamy polenta also adds a luxurious twist. For casual gatherings, consider offering it as a tapas-style dish with toothpicks for easy sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the shrimp and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen overnight, making your next meal equally delicious. Be sure to consume within two days for the best taste and texture.
Freezing
While freezing cooked shrimp can sometimes affect texture, you can freeze the sauce separately in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw the sauce and gently reheat before adding freshly cooked shrimp for optimal freshness.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or thawed sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add the shrimp towards the end just to warm through; avoid overheating to keep the shrimp tender and prevent toughness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works perfectly. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning to get a good sear and prevent excess moisture in the pan.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level is moderate due to the chili flakes, but you can easily adjust it up or down based on your heat preference. Adding more or less chili flakes will tailor it exactly to your taste.
What can I substitute for fish broth?
If you don’t have fish broth on hand, chicken broth is a fine substitute that still provides a savory base. Vegetable broth can also work in a pinch but may alter the flavor slightly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All ingredients in the Spicy Drunken Shrimp Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice if you’re avoiding gluten.
Can I make this Spicy Drunken Shrimp Recipe vegan or vegetarian?
This recipe relies heavily on shrimp and broth, but for a plant-based twist, you could replace shrimp with firm tofu or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead, though the flavor will be different from the original.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Drunken Shrimp Recipe is truly a celebration of bold, vibrant flavors combined with buttery richness and a touch of heat. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests. I hope you have as much fun making and devouring it as I do sharing it. Give it a try and get ready to fall in love with a new seafood favorite!
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Spicy Drunken Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Spicy Drunken Shrimp is a quick and flavorful seafood dish featuring succulent shrimp seared in butter and olive oil, then simmered in a spicy, tangy sauce made with garlic, shallots, chili flakes, and apple cider vinegar. This dish combines the richness of butter with a bright acidity and a kick of heat, perfect for serving with crusty bread, pasta, or rice.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 2 tsp black pepper, divided
Cooking Fat
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp cold unsalted butter, divided
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar or white grape juice
- ¾ cup fish broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
- Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, combine shrimp with garlic powder, paprika, ½ tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Toss well to coat the shrimp evenly and set aside to marinate briefly.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp of the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the shrimp for about 1 minute per side, just until they turn pink and start to curl. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Prepare the Sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add the finely chopped shallots and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant and softened. Stir in the chili flakes along with the remaining salt and black pepper to build layers of flavor.
- Deglaze: Pour in the apple cider vinegar or white grape juice, using a spatula to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 3 minutes to reduce slightly and meld the flavors.
- Simmer the Sauce: Add the fish or chicken broth, bringing the liquid to a boil. Stir in the remaining 3 tablespoons of cold butter gradually, whisking constantly until the sauce becomes smooth, rich, and emulsified.
- Finish with Shrimp: Return the seared shrimp to the skillet, gently simmering for 1 minute until warmed through and coated in the sauce. Stir in fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley to brighten and freshen the dish.
- Serve: Serve the spicy drunken shrimp hot alongside crusty bread, tossed pasta, or steamed rice to soak up the delicious, buttery sauce.
Notes
- Adjust chili flakes according to your preferred heat level.
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- If fish broth is unavailable, high-quality chicken broth is a good substitute.
- Serve with a side that can absorb the flavorful sauce, like crusty bread or rice.
- Use cold butter when finishing the sauce to help it emulsify properly and create a silky texture.
